Activities

These providers are a sample of different activities on the Big Island. The list is not necessarily a "recommendation", but a factual account of safety factors, cautions, and conditions you need to consider. Activities that are too demanding, too long or not located on the Kona Coast are not listed.

I have taken or visited each activity to assure reasonable "accessibility". Transfer ease (van, water, pier, sand, etc.) depends on your mobility, strength, and weather conditions, Plan for assistance from your companion for most transfers as provider's staff may not be available to help.

It is critical that you describe your limitations BEFORE booking. The provider aims to offer you a safe and memorable experience, however you may need to ask important questions: how long is the activity, are toilets readily accessible, can my wheelchair come aboard, is there a step-stool to get into the van? If there is risk involved, the provider has the right to deny service.

Arrive ahead of departure time to look at the situation or work out special arrangements if needed.

When booking inquire about "Kamaaina" rates, a discount given to residents of the Hawaiian Islands.

Please email me feedback about your experience. Your comments are important to the quality of this on-line service: info@disabledadventureshawaii.com

Remember, we operate "island style" - slow down, relax, talk story before you do business and watch for the green flash at sunset!

DOLPHIN JOURNEYS

Join Dolphin Journeys for a 4-hour love affair with these beauties of the deep! The 26-foot “Dolphin” TLC, serving 6 passengers, leaves 7 days a week from Honokohau Harbor. Reservations required.

The crew will help with dock-to-boat transfer.

Snorkle gear, flotation support and “swim partners” are provided to assist you in the water while you enjoy the dolphins.

800-384-1218
Email info@dolphinjourneys.com
www.dolphinjourneys.com

WAIPIO VALLEY WAGON TOURS

Let an Amish-style wagon drawn by two draft mules take you through shallow streams, past taro patches and out to the unspoiled beaches of the famous Waipio Valley.

You’ll need assistance to board the van, which takes you down to the valley floor. Two steps get you up to a loading platform to enter the wagon.

A relaxing and fascinating tour of “old Hawaii”.

808-775-9518
Email reservations@waipiovalleywagontours.com
www.waipiovalleywagontours.com

SURF LESSONS

If someone says “you can’t”, you CAN surf with us!

Surf Lessons offers private one-hour instruction by certified lifeguards. Experience the waves as never before at popular Kahaluu Beach.

One to three instructors alongside, all safety devices included. One-month notification for lesson appointment requested. Sitting or standing, you’re surfin’.

Surf Lessons sponsors all-day free surfing event for people with special needs. Salt water and lunch included. 18' x 4' beach mat makes water entry easy. Call for event dates.

808-324-0442
Email surflessons@yahoo.com
www.surflessonshawaii.com

SUNSET AND GLASS BOTTOM CRUISE

Blue Sea Cruises can give you an evening of your dreams! A colorful Kona sunset, live local-style music, a delicious Pacific Rim cuisine dinner and viewing marine life from a large glass bottom window with underwater lighting.

Handicapped parking on Kona municipal pier, several gangways available for pier-boat transfer, lower deck seating and accessible toilet. Wheelchairs stored on dock during cruise.

Boarding depends on ocean conditions. Arrive early and request early boarding for safety.

808-331-8875
email info@bluecruisesinc.com
www.blueseacruisesinc.com

HUMMER TOURS

Discover Hawaii’s hidden rain forests and waterfalls aboard a convertible 4-wheel drive Hummer Safari.

No hiking required to enjoy the lush forest and exotic plants from your comfortable and safe Hummer with driver/guide.

Three hour off-road adventure departs town of Hawi, northern tip of the Big Island. Handicapped parking at departure site but assistance required to get into the Hummer vehicle.

808-889-6922
Email hummersafaritours@hawaiiantel.net
www.bigislandhummertours.com

CANOE PADDLING

Kalama Ku is a special outrigger canoe paddling experience for people with disabilities offered the last Sunday of each month. We launch from an easy-entry beach near the Kona pier and King Kamehameha Hotel into the calm waters of Kona bay. Starts mid morning, free event.

Wheelchair paddlers – this was created just for you. Stay to enjoy lunch local-style. Kalama Ku is an official ministry of Mokuaikaua Congregational Church.

808-937-3208
Email brianwwjd2001@aol.com
Email or phone for information or booking.

WHALE WATCHING

Dan McSweeney’s whale watch boat gets you in the neighborhood of the awesome sight and sounds of breaching humpback whales off Kona shores.

January through April provide the best sightings as whales migrate south from Alaska.

Tours leave from Honokohau Harbor, handicapped parking, ramp to pier with 2 stairs down into boat. Assistance needed for transfer but comfortable seating aboard. Must be able to leave wheelchair on dock. Bring your binoculars and camera!

888-942-5376, 808-322-0028
Email konawhales@ilovewhales.com
www.ilovewhales.com

AIRPLANE TOURS

Admire volcanoes, mountain peaks and waterfalls in Big Island Air’s 9-seater air-conditioned jet-prop turbine Cessna 208.

Depart Kona International Airport. Disabled parking with easy approach to plane on 40 yards of flat surface. Assistance needed to manage 4 pull-down stairs for boarding.

A smooth quiet nearly 2-hour ride with valuable commentary on individual earphones.

800-329-4868 or 800-303-8868
Email bigisle@ilhawaii.net
www.bigislandair.com

SCUBA DIVING

Jack’s Diving Locker brings the ocean’s beauty to you through their trained PADI & HAS (Handicapped Scuba Association) certified scuba dive instructors.

Whether its Introductory lessons, Multilevel Certifications or open water dives, Jack’s can provide all of your needs to have fun.

Accessible parking, flat surface to pool, lifting assistance into van, short wet suits and other special gear is available. You can request the Kona pier location for easier boat transfer.

800-345-4807 or 808-329-7585
Email dive@jacksdivinglocker.com
www.jacksdivinglocker.com

HORSEBACK RIDING

Connect with Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii and let a gentle horse do the walking for you!

Arena lessons are available with Physical Therapist/owner Nancy Bloomfield.

Horseplay Equestrian Center has a wheelchair mounting ramp and sidewalkers for your safety.

Experience a Hawaii only seen on horseback.

808-937-7903 or 808-896-3767
Email nannygirl@hawaii.rr.com
www.thhwaimanalo.org

KAYAKING

Kona Boys Kayak invites you to paddle your own single or double kayak through dolphin and turtle habitats in Kealakekua Bay.

Daily tours provide guides, life jackets, snorkel equipment and car-to-kayak transfer assistance. Easy ramp approach to water.

Bring your camera and sunscreen!

808-328-1234
Email reservations@konaboys.com
www.konaboys.com

SNORKLE CRUISE

Fair Wind Cruises has Frommer’s top rating for its well-appointed catamaran, the Fair Wind II which offers wheelchair mobility aboard, safe step-approach to water for swimming and snorkeling in the Big Island’s most beautiful cove.

Accessible toilets and shaded areas. Recommend companion assistance to manage parking, 5-step entry/exit to boat and steps into the water.

808-345-0268, 800-677-9461
Email: aloha@fair-wind.com
www.fair-wind.com

MANTA RAY DIVES

Meet the incredible beauties (“hahalua”) of the sea up-close! Pectoral fins expand to 12-foot wings as they glide through dark waters.

Two-hour night boat trips with Sunlight on Water for divers and snorkelers. Depart Honokohau Harbor: crew assistance down ramp for boat. Short steps on board into water.

Wet suits and spotlights provided.

808-896-2480
Email sunlightonwater@hawaii.rr.com
www.sunlightonwater.com

ATV (ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE) RIDES

Waipio-Ride-the-Rim ATVs let you explore hard-to-reach forest areas and trails overlooking Waipio Valley.

Van transport, which takes you to departure point, requires assistance. Request the open-air ATV buggy which seats 4 with driver/guide. Safety gear provided.

You’re off on a 3 hour adventure of thrills and spectacular scenery.

808-775-1450, 877-775-1450
Email reservations@ridetherim.com
www.ridetherim.com

FISHING CHARTER BOAT

Go out for 4, 6, or 8 hour trips with Captain Tim Hicks on his well- equipped “Illusions” charter boat. Departs Honokohau Harbor: handicapped parking, ADA approved ramp, but assistance needed for pier-boat transfer.

Everyone rotates for turns in the “fighting chair”. Come back with a mahi mahi (dolphin fish), ahi (tuna) or ono.

Keep some of your catch for your supper!

808-960-7371, 800-482-FISH (3472)
Email ausbro@aloha.net
www.illusionssportfishing.com