Travelers with disabilities are made to feel very welcome in Hawaii. There are more than 2,000 ramped curbs in Oahu alone, many hotels are equipped with wheelchair-accessible rooms and pools, and tour companies provide many special services. Beach wheelchairs are available at one beach on Maui (Kamaole I; ask lifeguard) and six beaches on Oahu. Contact the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/beach-parks/beach-wheelchair-access.html; 808/768-3027) for locations.
For tips on accessible travel in Hawaii, go to the Hawaii Tourism Authority website (www.travelsmarthawaii.com/en/practical-travel-info/before-traveling/travelers-with-special-needs/). The Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii, 841 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (www.hisilc.org; 808/585-7452), can provide additional resources about accessibility throughout the Islands.
Access Aloha Travel (www.accessalohatravel.com; 800/480-1143) specializes in accommodating travelers with disabilities. Agents book cruises, tours, rental vans (available on Maui and Oahu only), accommodations, and airfare (as part of a package only). On Maui and Kauai, Gammie Homecare (www.gammie.com; Maui: 808/877-4032; Kauai: 808/632-2333) rents everything from motorized scooters to shower chairs.
Travelers with disabilities who wish to do their own driving can rent hand-controlled cars from Avis (www.avis.com; 800/331-1212) and Hertz (www.hertz.com; 800/654-3131). The number of hand-controlled cars in Hawaii is limited, so be sure to book well in advance. Hawaii recognizes other states’ windshield placards indicating that the driver of the car is disabled, so be sure to bring yours with you. Vision-impaired travelers who use a Seeing Eye dog need to present documentation that the dog is a trained Seeing Eye dog and has had rabies shots. For more information, contact the Animal Quarantine Facility (http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page; 808/483-7151).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
