Exploring Hawaii’s Big Island in a Wheelchair
The Big Island of Hawaii has a lot to offer visitors and locals alike. From scenic drives, lush forests, beautiful beaches and active volcanoes, there is sure to be something for everyone on this island. Here’s my guide to touring Hawaii’s Big Island in a wheelchair.
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Wheelchair Accessible Places to Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii
There are many chain hotels on the island that offer accessible rooms. Make sure to contact the hotel to make sure that the rooms will meet your individual needs. Pricing for the suggested hotels below may not be a per night price, but a total of what it would cost for two nights (which is what I put in for a mock booking). Change the dates to search for availability during your trip.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo- a Doubletree by Hilton
While visiting the island, I stayed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a Doubletree by Hilton. It was near the airport (but it wasn’t noisy) and offered free valet parking to those who had a handicapped parking placard.
The room was a good size and had room to maneuver my wheelchair. The bathroom was huge and offered a large roll-in shower with a fold-down seat and grab bars, a roll-under sink, and a toilet that was easy to access and had grab bars around it. The only downside to the room (for some) was that the bed was a platform bed so a patient lift couldn’t be used if needed.
The room also had a balcony, but there was a small threshold that wheelchair users would have to navigate in order to go outside and enjoy the view of the pool. Overall, the property was very nice and the staff were helpful.
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
This hotel offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, and an onsite restaurant. Accessible rooms with roll-in showers are available, however you may need to call the hotel to confirm your room needs. This centrally located hotel makes it easy and convenient to explore the Hilo area.
How to Get Around Hawaii’s Big Island in a Wheelchair
Like Maui and Kauai, there are several tours offered on the Big Island as well, however, I would recommend getting a rental car so that you have freedom to explore as you wish without being on a time limit.
The car rental shuttle at the airport was fully accessible and would take you to whichever agency you rented from. This would be a good and convenient option for anyone that can transfer to a regular vehicle.
While ramps are not available on these traditional car rentals, other adaptations may be available (such as hand controls, transfer boards etc.). Check out Hawaii Car Rentals to see what is available and how to reserve these modifications.
If a fully accessible vehicle is required, your best bet is to contact Wheeler’s Van Rentals of Hawaii. They rent out accessible vans and have various options depending on how long you’ll be staying on the Big Island. They will even deliver the van to the airport or other locations.
Wheelchair Rentals in Hawaii
If you require special equipment during your stay, there are a couple of companies that offer rentals in Hawaii. The first one is Aloha Medical Supplies and Services Inc. They offer scooters, standard wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, patient lifts, and hospital beds for rent. Make sure to contact them about current pricing and availability.
Another option is Ban-Nix Home Medical Equipment. This company can rent scooters, standard wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, hospital beds and beach wheelchairs. As always, make sure to contact them in advance so that you get the best availability of products and so that they can best assist you.
Be prepared for your trip by checking out my Hawaii Packing List post!
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do on the Big Island
1. Body Glove Whale Watch Tour/Sunset cruise
From December to April every year, Humpback whales come to the Hawaiian Islands to mate and give birth to their calves. They are incredible to watch and a highlight of any trip to Hawaii. Although whales can often times be spotted from shore (if you are looking for them), there’s nothing quite like seeing these majestic animals from a closer vantage point.
The best way to see whales in Hawaii is to go on an accessible whale watching tour. Although not all boats and tours are wheelchair accessible, Body Glove is a great option for people of all abilities.
A customized ramp allows guests in mobility devices to be able to easily board the catamaran (this includes manual and power wheelchair users as well as people who use mobility scooters). The lower level of the boat is fully accessible and offers tables as well as restrooms.
If you are looking for a great way to end your day, Body Glove also offers accessible sunset dinner cruises. This tour features live music and a three-course meal.
➡️ Check the prices and availability of this tour by clicking here.
2. Lavaloha Chocolate Farm
Have you ever wondered how chocolate is grown, harvested and then transformed from beans into the delicious treat we all know and love? Well, why not visit a local cacao farm and satisfy those curiosities? Lavaloha Chocolate Farm offers tours to educate visitors on this process. I’m drooling just thinking about it!
After your tour, you can stock up on all of their locally made chocolate in the gift shop. The tours are wheelchair friendly and they are making further efforts to become fully ADA compliant. Pathways are compacted dirt with small gravel. There is a hill that you will have to descend and ascend on the tour.
Just make sure to reserve your tour spot early as spots fill up quickly (they recommend booking at least 1 week in advance).
3. Take an Accessible Helicopter tour
There are at least two companies that offer accessible helicopter tours of the island. They are Sunshine Helicopters and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.
Both companies use a similar device to assist people with mobility problems to board. You must be able to transfer from your wheelchair to a seat that is then raised up so that you are level next to the helicopter seat. A cloth is then used to help you slide into the helicopter and you are secured in place with a four-point harness.
There are various tour options to choose from, depending on your budget, what you want to see and the time you have available. One of the most popular tours takes you over Volcanoes National Park for an aerial view of the many volcanic craters. If you’re lucky, there will be active lava when you visit and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of this fascinating display of Mother Nature’s powers.
To get an aerial view of Volcanoes National Park, I recommend this tour.
For a more all-inclusive helicopter tour of the island, I recommend this tour.
➡️ Check prices and availability on Viator by clicking here.
4. Visit Mokuaikaua Church
This was the first Christian Church in Hawaii and just celebrated its 200th anniversary. The building itself is not the original (due to many fires) but is historic and pretty nonetheless. The current building is made of lava, coral and native Koa wood.
Visitors can tour the church to learn more about its history and the settlement of Hawaii. If visiting on a Sunday, you can also attend a service. The church is fully accessible.
If you would like to combine your visit to the church with an interesting tour, check out this one.
This haunted ghost tour will teach you all about the history of the area while also sending a shiver or two down your spine. Even if you’re not a believer in ghosts, it’s a fun way to learn about the history and folklore of the island. This tour is wheelchair accessible.
➡️ Check tour times and availability by clicking here.
5. Snorkel with Manta Rays
Hawaii is home to numerous amounts of wildlife, many of these animals living in the ocean. One of these animals is the manta ray. This is why Hawaii is such a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving so that visitors can experience this underwater world.
But how does someone with mobility problems get to experience this same amazing environment? Well, Anelakai Adventures seeks to help people do just that by offering evening tours to see manta rays. They use traditional Hawaiian canoes (which are quite stable) to get people of all abilities out on the ocean to see the manta rays.
Staff are trained and will assist people with mobility issues to get through the water and up into the canoe. They also have adaptive equipment in case an individual cannot sit up on their own due to a lack of muscle strength or other issues. The canoe is then rowed out into the open water with lights shining from the center to attract the manta rays.
When the rays are spotted, participants have the option of getting into the water with snorkeling gear to be closer to these animals. Staff has assisted people with mobility problems so that they too can have this experience.
Make sure to be in contact with Anelakai Adventures ahead of your tour to discuss your needs, and any concerns you may have and to book in advance. They are very responsive and will answer all of your questions.
6. Watch for Active Lava in Volcanoes National Park
It would be a shame to visit the Big Island and not visit Volcanoes National Park. Housing multiple volcanic craters, old lava fields, steam vents, and other interesting sights, you’ll be amazed at all this park has to offer. You could easily spend a whole day exploring everything.
Is Volcanoes National Park Wheelchair Accessible?
Given lava’s rocky nature, I wasn’t sure how accessible it would be, but I was pleasantly surprised! The visitor center is accessible, as well as the short film about the park. In addition, there are three accessible trails you can “hike” and many of the overlooks are also accessible.
At the Kilauea Crater overlook, there is accessible parking and bathrooms available. A short path (which starts out paved and then switches to compacted dirt and gravel) takes you to the viewing point. The gravel is most challenging in the very beginning as it changes from pavement to dirt, but is relatively easy to manage afterwards.
What Can I Do at Volcanoes National Park?
The steam vents overlook area is also wheelchair accessible and fairly flat. Watch as the steam seeps from underneath the ground, hinting at the hot activity underneath. While it may not be the most fascinating to look at (they are basically holes in the ground), when you think about all that’s going on underneath the surface, it’s actually kind of neat.
The Chain of Craters drive is also a wonderfully scenic way to experience the park. There are several pull-off areas along the drive, and while there is really no designated parking in these areas, you can see wonderful views right from your vehicle. There is one stop along this route that does have an accessible parking space as well as a ramped wooden platform so you can overlook the vast field of dried lava.
The end of the drive takes you to the ocean, where a sea arch can be seen along the shore. While there is accessible parking and bathrooms at this stop, the actual overlook is not accessible due to the rocky terrain. The best way for wheelchair users to see the sea arch is as you are approaching the area in your vehicle.
If you are hoping to see active lava while you’re here, make sure to stop at the visitor center to talk to a ranger about whether there is currently any activity, where it can be seen and how accessible it is to get there.
7. Go Off Roading on an ATV tour
Looking for a little adventure during your visit, then why not go on an ATV/UTV tour? Travel on manicured paths to explore places that your wheelchair might not be able to take you. Pass through a coffee farm and a forest of gorgeous Rainbow Eucalyptus trees before learning more about culture in the islands of the South Pacific.
You must be able to transfer from your wheelchair to the vehicle (you can choose between driving a one person ATV or riding in the UTV driven by the guide). The ride will be bumpy, but that can be part of the adventure. While this activity is not for everyone, it can be an exciting experience.
If this sounds like it’s up your alley, I recommend this tour.
➡️ Check tour prices and availability by clicking here.
8. Taste Some of the World’s Best Coffee on a Tour at Kona Joe’s
Unless you’re really not into coffee, then you’ve probably heard of the famous Kona Coffee. Some say it’s the best coffee in the world. It gets it unique flavor from the soil and area in which it’s grown (the area of Kona on the Big Island).
If you love coffee or just want a unique experience, then why not go on a coffee tour? See how it’s grown, harvested and roasted to get that perfect taste. At Kona Joe’s, they offer a variety of tour options, including the opportunity to roast your own beans!
There is accessible parking next to the gift shop and the walking tour is fully accessible. If you decide to do the roasting experience, you may need some assistance (which staff is happy to provide) as the roasters are taller than the average wheelchair height.
9. Relax on Hawaii’s Accessible Beaches
There are a few beaches that are well suited for wheelchair users. Just be aware that you will have to rent your own beach wheelchair to fully enjoy these options.
If you are staying at a beach front resort or hotel check with staff, as some have free beach wheelchairs for their guests to use during their stay.
Kikaua Point Beach Park
An accessible trail connects the parking area to the beach, but a beach wheelchair will be necessary in order to actually get out onto the sand. This beach can be accessed by going to Kukio Golf Resort. The guard at the gate will give you a pass and direct you to the small parking lot. Be sure to get here early in the morning as the parking lot fills up quickly.
Spencer Beach Park
This is one of the few white sand beaches on the island. It offers a gentle slope into the water, has plenty of options for shade and there is even a boardwalk that offers easy access to the beach (but it doesn’t go all of the way to the water).
Hapuna Beach Park
This is one of the most popular beaches on the island. There is a large parking lot (but a fee to park), restrooms, food vendors and more available. This pretty white sand beach has a gentle slope making for easy access with a beach wheelchair.
Kua Bay State Park
A white sand beach with black lava rocks throughout, this beach offers beautiful views. Bathrooms are available and the park is considered to be ADA accessible.
Honokohau National Park
While this is not a traditional beach for swimming or sunbathing, it is a historical site where you can learn more about Hawaiian culture and offers a popular snorkeling spot (although the snorkeling area is not accessible) as well as beautiful views of the coast. However, you can enjoy cultural demonstrations showing traditional craftsman work and storytelling.
The visitor center is fully accessible with parking and restrooms available. The park has also been working to add an ADA accessible ramp to the Royal Grounds & Puʻuhonua. Beach wheelchairs are available to sign out as well.
Other beaches that would allow for easy beach wheelchair access are:
Old Kona Airport Park
King Kamehameha Beach
Honl’s Beach
10. Take a Day Trip to Pearl Harbor
If you’re not visiting Oahu, but don’t want to miss out on paying your respects at Pearl Harbor, don’t worry you can still visit this historic site as a day trip from the Big Island. On a wheelchair-accessible tour that can be booked through www.hawaiiactivities.com, you’ll have your airfare, transportation and tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial all included.
During the tour, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the visitor center, the three small museums on site, watch an informative film, go to the USS Arizona Memorial and more. Having your tickets included is an added bonus, as they sell out fast. This was an incredibly moving experience to visit Pearl Harbor, and I highly recommend going if you haven’t been before.
The USS Arizona Memorial is fully accessible as is the visitor center and museums. The Battleship Missouri is partially accessible to wheelchair users. A ramp allows you to board the main deck and an elevator will take you to the Surrender deck where you can hear the story and see some artifacts. The rest of the battleship requires you to climb ladders and steep steps to access it.
Unfortunately, the submarine at Pearl Harbor is not accessible. You can, however, visit the separate museum and learn more about their roles in World War II.
Ground transportation for this full-day tour is lift-equipped but you’ll need to notify upon booking that you require an accessible vehicle. I would also confirm your accessibility needs about two weeks before your tour.
11. Watch for Rainbows at Rainbow Falls
This short stop near Hilo offers a wheelchair-accessible view of a short but beautiful waterfall. Rainbow Falls is a quick roll from the parking lot and has a ramped overlook. I recommend going in the morning for a chance to see a rainbow over the falls and why it got its name. Accessible parking and restrooms are available.
Travel Tip: Make sure to follow this Hawaii Packing List so you don’t forget anything for your trip!
Overall Impressions of Exploring Hawaii’s Big Island in a Wheelchair
The Big Island is a great island to visit and offers a little bit of everything for people of all abilities. I absolutely loved getting to experience all of the variety this beautiful place had to offer and I know that you’ll enjoy your time here as well. I hope that my guide: exploring Hawaii’s Big Island in a wheelchair, will help you plan your perfect trip.
