Hawaii’s Wheelchair Accessible Destinations and Resources

Hawaii is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty — it’s also has an amazing list of wheelchair accessible destinations you’ll never forget.

All six of Hawaii’s islands are home to an abundance of natural treasures hidden within the flora and fauna. As you prepare to explore Hawaii’s wheelchair accessible destinations, keep in mind that this magnificent environment is made for everyone. Whether it’s action and adventure that you’re looking for — or stress-free relaxation — Hawaii has got you covered.

Outdoor Wheelchair Accessible Destinations

Hawaii’s outdoor wheelchair destinations are known the world-over as some of the most beautiful to be found. What’s even more remarkable is that Hawaii outdoor wheelchair accessible destinations can get you deep into the thick of a rain forest and dangerously close to an active volcano — all you have to be is brave enough to follow.

Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Waimea. Amazing waterfall in Hawaii It's no surprise that Mark Twain referred to Waimea Canyon as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The canyon was created by volcanic flows and is one mile wide, ten miles long, and 3,600 ft. in depth. There are many observation points that provide magnificent views of the canyon and all of the points are wheelchair accessible. Head down Waimea Canyon Drive in your mobility van and you'll reach the main canyon overlook, eventually finding your way to Kokee State Park.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island. The chain of islands that make up Hawaii was created by volcanic activity. Come marvel at Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes which are still adding onto the islands of Hawaii! Start off at the Kilauea Visitor Center and watch a film that introduces the park and volcanology. Stop by the Volcano Art Center and the volcano house, which hosted 19th-century visitors and is now an art gallery.The Kilauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, Volcano Art Center, and Volcano House are accessible.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Big Island. The 12-acre zoo happens to be the only natural tropical rain forest zoo in the US. See more than 80 species of animal, including endangered nene (Hawaii's state bird), a white bengal tiger, two-toed sloths, and other exotic animals. The Panaewa Rain forest Zoo showcases more than just animals the zoo has been described as a botanical garden with over 100 varieties of palm, an extensive collection of orchids, bamboo, and tropical rhododendrons. The zoo is wheelchair-friendly.

Indoor Wheelchair Accessible Destinations

For those vacationers and visitors that get a little too much sun during the first few days, Hawaii indoor wheelchair accessible destinations are certified Hawaiian — from somber re look at the experience that was Pearl Harbor to a heart-stopping view of the island from several hundred feet in the air.

Pearl Harbor Historic Site (USS Arizona), Honolulu. More than 1.5 million people visit the USS Arizona Memorial every year. The historic location provides a unique and humbling experience. During your visit you can expect to see a documentary about the Pearl Harbor attack, hear from a Pearl Harbor survivor or park ranger, explore the museum, and take a look around the bookstore. After touring the grounds, you can board a Navy shuttle boat that will bring you to the actual memorial. The historic site is so popular, it's advised to arrive early. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and USS Arizona Memorial are both wheelchair accessible.

Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Oahu. Beautiful Bird of Paradise flower Waimea Valley is a rich source of Hawaiian culture, ecological, biological, and historic Hawaiian traditions. View beautiful and unusual plants grouped by islands, families, genera, and special uses. At the Waimea Valley, keeping the land and living systems whole is the first priority. You can take a Moon Walk and see rare Hawaiian flowers bloom under the full moon on a guided tour or at your own pace.

Sunshine Helicopter Tours, Kahului. Get ready to soar. Take a helicopter tour of Maui, Molokai, Big Island Hawaii, or Kauai. See magnificent aerial views of volcanoes, extraordinary rain forests, vibrant valleys, towering cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and so many more hidden wonders of Hawaii. This tour provides astonishing views you can't get from ground tours, and you'll cover a lot more area. Each tour is accessible with a special lift. Please inform Sunshine Helicopter Tours of any special needs prior to your visit.

Hawaii Wheelchair Accessible Resources

Because Hawaii is such a popular tourist and travel destination, there are pages full of wheelchair accessible resources to get you started on your trip. Just remember to make sure you are checking out the accessibility resources for the island you are visiting in order to save yourself some time and trouble.

Rolling Around the Big Island of Hawaii: A Wheelchair Users Travel Guide. Published by disabled world traveler Cory Lee and found at https://www.curbfreewithcorylee.com/2015/03/16/hawaii-wheelchair-accessible-vacations/, this is a first person account of accessibility resources in Hawaii.

Maui, Hawaii: Wheelchair Accessible Guide to Paradise. Published by wheelchair traveling.com and found at http://wheelchairtraveling.com/maui-hi-wheelchair-accessible-guide-to-paradise/, this list covers island attractions of every variety.

Best Wheelchair Accessible Activities on Maui. Published by Hawaii Web Group and found at https://www.mauigoodness.com/2015/01/02/best-wheelchair-accessible-activities-on-maui/, this post covers how to get around, where to stay, and what to do.