The Big Island of Hawaii is a paradise of diverse landscapes, from volcanic craters and black-sand beaches to lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. While its rugged beauty may seem challenging, the island is surprisingly accommodating to wheelchair travelers. With a wide range of accessible activities, accommodations, and tours, the Big Island offers unforgettable adventures for visitors of all mobility levels.
This comprehensive guide covers helicopter tours, boat excursions, parks and trails, cultural landmarks, shopping centers, accessible beaches, emergency services, transportation, and local accessibility resources. Whether you dream of exploring the majestic Volcanoes National Park, experiencing breathtaking views from a helicopter tour, or cruising the clear waters on an accessible boat, this guide has everything you need to plan a worry-free, memorable trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Let’s dive into the island’s top accessible attractions and experiences designed with wheelchair travelers in mind.
Beaches
The Big Island boasts a variety of stunning beaches, from white sand shores to unique black sand and rocky coastlines. While not all beaches are wheelchair-accessible due to rugged terrain, several have been designed with accessibility in mind, offering paved pathways, beach wheelchairs, and ADA-compliant facilities. Here’s a detailed guide to the most accessible beaches on the Big Island:
- Spencer Beach Park (Kohala Coast): Calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Picnic pavilions with scenic views of the ocean. ADA-compliant restrooms and showers. Accessible parking near the beach. Beach wheelchairs available (reserve in advance). Paved pathways throughout the park. Arrive early to secure parking and picnic areas.
- Hapuna Beach State Park (Kohala Coast): One of Hawaii’s largest white-sand beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family fun. ADA-compliant restrooms and showers. Accessible parking near the beach entrance. Beach wheelchairs available upon request. Paved paths to the main beach area and picnic sites. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure accessible parking.
- Kua Bay (Maniniʻowali Beach – North Kona): Beautiful white sand beach with turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling. ADA parking and accessible restrooms. Paved paths from the parking lot to the beach overlook. The path to the sand is steep; assistance may be needed.
- Old Kona Airport Beach Park (Kailua-Kona): Long, quiet beach ideal for walks, picnics, and sunset views. Fully paved paths throughout the park. ADA restrooms and picnic areas. Accessible parking lots near the beach trail. Bring water and snacks as the area is remote.
- Kahalu‘u Beach Park (Kona): Best snorkeling beach on the Big Island, teeming with colorful fish and sea turtles. ADA-compliant restrooms and parking. Paved pathways leading to the picnic and beach areas. Beach wheelchairs available upon request. Visit during the early morning for calmer waters and fewer people.
- Honokōhau National Historical Park (Kailua-Kona): Cultural and historic site featuring ancient Hawaiian fishponds, petroglyphs, and scenic ocean views. Flat, hard-packed trails ideal for wheelchairs. ADA parking and restrooms. The beach itself is rocky and not swimmable but offers beautiful views.
- King Kamehameha Beach (Kailua-Kona): Small, protected beach located in front of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Fully paved walkways to the beach. ADA parking and restrooms. Great for a quick dip or relaxing near the hotel.
- Magic Sands Beach Park (Laʻaloa Beach – Kona): A lively beach popular for boogie boarding and sunset watching. ADA restrooms and showers. Accessible parking lot near the beach. Be cautious, as the waves can be intense, especially in winter.
- Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach (South Kona): Famous for its striking black sand and sea turtle sightings. ADA restrooms and paved walkways to the main viewing areas. Accessible picnic tables and scenic overlooks. Stay on the paved areas, as the sand can be challenging to navigate.
- Honl’s Beach Park (Kailua-Kona): A small, quiet beach with scenic views, popular for surfing. ADA parking and restrooms. Paved paths leading to the park’s overlook area (not the sand). Great for watching surfers but not recommended for swimming.
- White Sands Beach Park (Kailua-Kona): Popular for boogie boarding and relaxing under palm trees. ADA restrooms and picnic tables. Accessible parking near the entrance. The waves can be rough; swimming is recommended for experienced swimmers only.
Parks, Cultural Sites, and Trails
- Volcanoes National Park: Home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers wheelchair-accessible attractions, viewing areas, and trails.
- Waipi‘o Valley Lookout: Panoramic views of the valley, cliffs, and black sand beach. There is ADA parking, restrooms, and paved paths.
- Puakō Petroglyph Park: Over 3,000 ancient petroglyphs on lava rock. Find ADA parking, flat trail sections, and lookout points.
- Liliʻuokalani Gardens (Hilo): Paved paths, ADA restrooms, and picnic areas.
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: Paved paths (steep in some areas).
- Rainbow Falls (Hilo): Paved paths and viewing platforms.
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park: Flat trails through cultural sites.
- Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens (Hilo): The only tropical rainforest zoo in the U.S. featuring exotic animals and botanical gardens. Fully paved paths, ADA restrooms, and picnic areas.
- Mokuaikaua Church: The oldest church in Hawaii, featuring a ramp at the north entrance and off-street parking.
- Greenwell Store Museum: Experience Kona in the 1890s at the H.N. Greenwell Store, showcasing a multi-ethnic society centered on ranching and farming. The museum is accessible with easy parking.
- Greenwell Gardens: Explore over 200 species of plants that thrived in traditional farms and native forests of Kona before Captain Cook’s arrival. The path surface is flat-gravel and grass.
- Herb Kane Art Gallery: Located in the lobby of the King Kamehameha Hotel, this gallery displays original watercolors by the renowned island illustrator. Features ample parking and a level lobby area.
- Portuguese Sweet Bread Baking: The Kona Historical Society practices traditional Portuguese bread baking in a large wood-fired forno, located in the pasture below the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum.
Tours
- Anelakai Adventures (Kona): Wheelchair-accessible outdoor tours and beach excursions.
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: Experience the Big Island from the skies with stunning views of active volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines. This tour operators offer wheelchair-friendly services with accessible aircraft, ground support, and personalized tours. The tour includes assistance with boarding and deplaning as well as wheelchair storage during tours.
- Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii: Offers arena lessons with a Physical Therapist/owner, Nancy Bloomfield. The Horseplay Equestrian Center provides a wheelchair mounting ramp and sidewalkers for safety. This activity is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.
- Boat Tours and Ocean Activities: The Big Island offers ocean adventures like whale watching, snorkeling, and sunset cruises. Some tours are wheelchair-friendly with accessible boats and trained crews.
- Fair Wind Cruises (Kailua-Kona): Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay or enjoy an afternoon cruise. Accessible loading dock, wheelchair lift, and ADA restrooms.
- Body Glove Cruises (Kailua-Kona): Whale-watching, sunset dinner cruises. ADA-compliant vessel with an accessible boarding ramp and restrooms.
- Dolphin Quest (Waikoloa): Interactive dolphin encounters with accessible docks.
- Hawai‘i Adaptive Surfing Foundation: Surfing and water sports for individuals with disabilities.
Shopping Areas
- Queen’s Marketplace (Waikoloa): Paved shopping center with wheelchair-friendly shops and restaurants.
- Kings’ Shops (Waikoloa): Luxury brands with ADA-compliant restrooms.
- Kona Commons (Kailua-Kona): Wide walkways and ADA facilities.
- Hilo Farmers Market: Local crafts and produce (some uneven areas).
Accommodations
- Hilton Waikoloa Village: ADA rooms, wheelchair-accessible pools, and on-site shuttles.
- Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel: ADA rooms with roll-in showers and ocean views.
- Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – DoubleTree by Hilton: Oceanfront with ADA rooms and elevators.
Transportation
- Accessible Rentals: Wheelchair-accessible vans from Mobility Works and Wheelers.
- Shuttle Services: SpeediShuttle offers accessible airport transfers and tours.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Request wheelchair-accessible rides with Uber or Lyft in advance.
Equipment Rentals
- Aloha Mobility Center (Kona): Wheelchairs, scooters, and mobility aids for rent.
- Island Medical Supply (Hilo): Medical equipment rentals and mobility solutions.
Emergency Services
- Emergency Contacts:
- Police / Fire / Medical Emergencies: Dial 911
- Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
- Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers
- Kona Community Hospital (Kealakekua): ADA-compliant, 24-hour emergency care.
- Hilo Medical Center: Full-service hospital with emergency services.
- North Hawaii Community Hospital (Waimea): ADA-compliant with ramps and elevators.