Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Big Island of Hawaii!

Kona (Kailua Bay) Cruise Port

Why Visit?

Welcome to Kailua-Kona, a sun-soaked paradise on Hawaii"s Big Island, offering accessible adventures for all. From the moment you arrive at Kailua Bay Cruise Port, your journey through Kona"s captivating culture and stunning natural beauty begins.

Morning: Historic Kailua Village Exploration

Start your day with a leisurely roll through Historic Kaila Village. Just minutes from the cruise port, this scenic area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and fascinating historical sites, all connected by smooth sidewalks that are easy to navigate. Visit Hulihe‘e Palace, once a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, which offers ramped entrances and accessible exhibits. Learn about Hawaii’s monarchy and take in the stunning oceanfront views.

Lunch: Oceanfront Dining

Enjoy lunch with a view at one of the many accessible oceanfront eateries. The Fish Hopper on Alii Drive offers fresh seafood and has accessible seating that provides a clear view of the bay, perfect for watching dolphins while you dine.

Afternoon: Accessible Beach Experience

Post-lunch, experience the magic of Kona’s beautiful beaches. Magic Sands Beach Park, a short drive from the village, is equipped with beach wheelchairs. The white sandy beach contrasted against the deep blue Pacific makes a picturesque spot for relaxation and sunbathing.

Evening: Sunset at Kailua Pier

Conclude your day back near the cruise port at Kaila Pier. It"s an ideal spot to watch a breathtaking Hawaiian sunset. The pier is wheelchair-friendly, offering unobstructed views of the horizon. As the sun dips below the ocean, the sky bursts into colors, providing a perfect end to your Kona adventure.

Throughout your visit, Kona"s warm spirit and accessibility ensure a comfortable and memorable experience for wheelchair and mobile scooter users, letting you enjoy the best of Hawaii’s charm without hassle.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Hilo Cruise Port

Why Visit?

Welcome to Hilo, a gem on Hawaii"s Big Island, where lush landscapes meet rich history. This wheelchair-friendly tour ensures you experience the best of Hilo directly from the cruise port.

Morning: Liliuokalani Gardens

Begin your Hawaiian adventure just a 10-minute taxi ride from Hilo Cruise Port at the serene Liliuokalani Gardens. These expansive Japanese-style gardens are fully accessible, featuring wide pathways that meander around picturesque ponds and bridges. The gardens, established in the early 1900s, are named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and offer a peaceful start to your day with stunning views of Mauna Kea.

Midday: Pacific Tsunami Museum

Next, head to the Pacific Tsunami Museum, a short roll away. This museum, located in a building with accessible entrances and exhibits, provides an insightful look into the impact of tsunamis on the Hawaiian Islands. Engaging multimedia displays and survivor testimonials make the experience both educational and deeply moving.

Lunch Break: Cafe 100

For lunch, visit Cafe 100, an easy-access local eatery famous for its Loco Moco dish. Enjoy this local favorite in a casual setting with accessible dining areas.

Afternoon: Hilo Farmers Market

Post-lunch, explore the vibrant Hilo Farmers Market, just a 5-minute ride from Cafe 100. Open every day, the market features over 200 local farmers and crafters. The area is wheelchair-friendly with paved paths, allowing you to browse tropical fruits, exotic flowers, and handmade crafts comfortably.

Late Afternoon: Carlsmith Beach Park

Cap off your day with a visit to Carlsmith Beach Park, a 10-minute drive from the market. This unique beach features calm, lagoon-like waters and grassy areas perfect for a relaxing end to your day. The beach has accessible paths and viewing areas to enjoy the ocean’s soothing presence.

Each attraction not only offers full accessibility but also a slice of Hilo’s spirit and culture, making your visit both enjoyable and memorable.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Rainbow Falls

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Rainbow Falls, Hawaii

Welcome to Rainbow Falls, located just outside Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, where the mist creates magical rainbows, offering a breathtaking view and an accessible adventure for everyone.

Getting There

The best way to visit Rainbow Falls is by renting an accessible van from Hilo, which offers various options equipped with ramps. Drive along Highway 19, turn onto Waianuenue Avenue and follow the signs to Rainbow Falls. This route is scenic and smooth, ensuring a comfortable ride. Parking is ample, with designated accessible spots that are well-paved and close to the viewing area.

At the Falls

Rainbow Falls, known locally as Waianuenue, plunges 80 feet over a natural lava cave, the mythical home to Hina, an ancient Hawaiian goddess. The viewing area, which is wheelchair accessible, offers a panoramic view of the falls and the lush forest surrounding it. It’s best visited in the early morning as the angle of the sun creates vivid rainbows from the mist.

Facilities

The site includes accessible restrooms and a paved path leading to the main viewing platform. There are benches where you can relax and enjoy the natural ambiance.

What to Bring

Ensure to carry some water, a hat, and sunscreen, even though the viewing area is shaded. Don’t forget your camera—the rainbows and tropical setting offer perfect photo opportunities.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that the height and the consistency of the water flow can affect the visibility of the rainbows at the falls? This natural phenomenon is most vibrant when the sun is at its highest, typically just after dawn.

Departure

After soaking in the serene beauty and mythical lore of Rainbow Falls, head back to Hilo. You might like to grab a bite at one of the accessible eateries overlooking Hilo Bay, rounding off your visit with some local flavors.

Rainbow Falls offers not just a glimpse into Hawaii"s natural beauty, but also an accessible and memorable experience for all. Enjoy your visit to this enchanting location!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Kailua Pier

Why Visit?

### Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Kaila Pier, Kona

Embark on a captivating journey around the iconic Kailua Pier in Kona, where accessibility meets tropical allure. This delightful itinerary ensures that travelers using wheelchairs or mobile scooters can explore and enjoy the picturesque surroundings without hassle.

Morning Arrival and Exploration

Start your day by heading to Kailua Pier, conveniently located at the end of Palani Road in Kona. Public parking spots designated for disabled visitors are available near the pier entrance. Begin with a tranquil roll along the pier, enjoying the expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and observing local fishermen casting their lines.

Historical Insights

Near the pier, visit the Kamakahonu National Historic Landhouse—once the residence of King Kamehameha the Great. This site offers accessible pathways and intriguing displays about Hawaiian royalty and the area"s significance in local history.

Lunch by the Sea

For lunch, consider dining at one of the nearby wheelchair-accessible restaurants offering breathtaking sea views and local cuisine. Many eateries feature ramps and ADA-compliant facilities, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.

Afternoon Leisure and Shopping

Post-lunch, explore the adjacent Ali"i Drive, a vibrant street lined with shops and galleries that are mostly accessible. Stop by local boutiques selling unique Hawaiian crafts and souvenirs—a perfect opportunity for picking a memento from your trip.

Relaxing Sunset

Cap off your day by returning to Kailua Pier for a mesmerizing sunset. The pier is an excellent vantage point for photography, with the sky and sea meeting in a spectacular display of colors.

Practical Tips

Ensure to check the accessibility options with venues beforehand and consider renting a mobile scooter locally if required. Also, keep an eye on the weather and opt for sun protection during your visit.

This wheelchair-friendly tour around Kaila Pier not only offers a chance to soak in the tropical beauty but also ensures a comfortable and enriching travel experience for everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Coconut Island (Mokuola)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair Accessible Adventure on Coconut Island (Mokuola), Hawaii

Embark on a serene yet thrilling journey to Coconut Island, a tiny islet brimming with Hawaiian lore and natural beauty, perfectly accessible for wheelchairs and mobile scooters.

Getting There: Start your adventure in Hilo, where you can rent a wheelchair-accessible van or arrange for a special transport service. Drive to Liliuokalani Gardens and park in the accessible parking spots available. From here, Coconut Island is just a short, scenic stroll across the charming footbridge, which is fully accessible for wheelchairs and scooters.

Explore the Island: Once on the island, follow the paved pathways that meander around this small but fascinating island. The paths are wide and well-maintained, allowing easy navigation for all visitors.

Attractions & Activities

1. Historical Insights: Learn about the island’s rich history as a place of refuge and its role in traditional Hawaiian healing practices. Information boards around the island are positioned at a readable height for those seated.

2. Picnic by the Sea: Pack a lunch and enjoy the accessible picnic areas overlooking the turquoise waters. These spots provide not just a meal location but a panoramic view of the Pacific and Hilo’s coastline.

3. Fishing and Viewing Platforms: Try your hand at fishing from one of the accessible platforms, or watch the waves and maybe spot a passing turtle or two.

4. Sunset Magic: Don’t miss the sunset from the island’s western edge. The view from here is not obstructed and offers a breathtaking spectacle as the sun dips below the horizon.

Interesting Fact: The island is known in Hawaiian as Mokuola, which translates to "healing island". Historically, it was a place where natives would come seeking healing from its waters.

This peaceful getaway not only offers a break from the everyday but also provides easy access and engaging experiences for those with mobility challenges, making it an inclusive paradise.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.