| Cruising is a popular vacation choice for | | | | port-by-port rundown of some accessible sightseeing |
| wheelchair-users and slow walkers, however some | | | | suggestions. Nawiliwili, Kauai Waimea Canyon is a |
| cruise destinations are just more accessible than | | | | must while on Kauai. The most accessible place to |
| others. Take Hawaii for example. For starters it's | | | | view the canyon is at the Waimea Canyon Lookout. |
| located in the US, so shore tour operators are bound | | | | Although there are stairs to the top of the lookout, |
| by US access laws. Granted, not every shore | | | | there is also a cement path with numerous |
| excursion is wheelchair-accessible; however you'll find | | | | switchbacks, just to the right of the stairs. The path |
| more accessible transportation options in Hawaii than | | | | is 38-inches wide so you do have to mindful of |
| you will in the Caribbean or Mexico. Of course, it goes | | | | oncoming traffic, but at the top you'll be rewarded |
| without saying that as an island state, Hawaii is | | | | with a spectacular view of the canyon. Kona, Hawaii |
| perfectly suited for cruises. Perhaps that's why | | | | Kona is the only tender port on the itinerary. |
| Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has two NCL America | | | | According to NCL's official policy, wheelchair-users |
| ships stationed there; the Pride of Aloha and the | | | | must use a manual wheelchair in order to tender, so |
| Pride of America. The Pride of Aloha first entered | | | | this a good port for power wheelchair-users to stay |
| service as the Norwegian Sky in 1999, but was | | | | aboard and enjoy the ship. Those that do venture |
| retrofitted and reflagged in 2004. It features six | | | | ashore will find lots of shops and restaurants around |
| accessible inside staterooms located near the | | | | the port, most of which feature a level entry. Hilo, |
| elevators on Decks 8 and 9. The larger Pride of | | | | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see while in |
| America was launched in 2005, and includes 22 | | | | Hilo, and you can do this on your own or on a NCL |
| wheelchair-accessible staterooms in a variety of | | | | shore excursion. Your first stop in the park should be |
| configurations. The accessible staterooms on both | | | | the Kilauea Visitors Center, which includes a number |
| ships feature wide doorways, level thresholds and | | | | of interpretive exhibits. The Volcano Art Center, |
| bathrooms with a roll-in shower, a fold-down shower | | | | located behind the visitors center, is also worth a |
| seat, a hand-held shower head, grab bars in the | | | | visit. For a great view, take the Earthquake Trail to |
| shower and around the toilet and a roll-under sink. | | | | the left of the hotel. This wide paved trail was a |
| Because these vessels are registered in the US, they | | | | vehicle road until a November 1983 eruption closed it |
| aren't required to call on foreign ports (such as | | | | to traffic. At the end of the trail, you'll find a few |
| Ensenada of Fanning Island) while they cruise the | | | | picnic tables along with a spectacular view of the |
| Hawaiian islands. This result in a true all-Hawaii | | | | crater. Kahului, Maui A great way to really see the |
| itinerary, with more time ashore, including overnight | | | | island is from the air, and Sunshine Helicopters offers |
| stops on two islands. This is especially good news for | | | | a number of accessible flightseeing tours. |
| wheelchair-users and slow walkers; because with | | | | Wheelchair-users are transferred to a portable lift to |
| more time in port, there's no need to rush. | | | | board the helicopter, and then transferred to the |
| Passengers can relax and take things at their own | | | | helicopter seat for the tour. Other Maui attractions |
| pace, yet still have plenty of time to see the sights. | | | | that offer good wheelchair access include Maui Ocean |
| Both vessels sail seven-day Hawaiian Island cruises | | | | Center, Maui Tropical Plantation and the Sugar Cane |
| from Honolulu; and as far as shore excursions go, | | | | Train. And if you'd prefer to have some fun in the |
| there is at least one accessible NCL shore excursion | | | | water, then check out Lahaina Divers or Ron Bass's |
| in every port. And thanks to NCL's 2004 acquisition | | | | Kayaking Adventures. Lahaina Divers operates a |
| of Polynesian Adventure Tours, all accessible shore | | | | variety of dive trips on their wheelchair-accessible |
| excursions feature lift-equipped transportation. If | | | | Dominion while Ron provides kayaking instruction to |
| you'd like to set out on your own, Hilo Hattie has | | | | wheelchair-users. Either option makes for a fun day |
| free accessible shopping shuttles at all the ports and | | | | on a beautiful island. |
| Wheelchair Getaways has adapted rental vans | | | | Candy Harrington covers accessible travel and is the |
| available on Maui, the Big Island and Oahu. Additionally, | | | | author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for |
| the major rental car agencies can provide vehicles | | | | Wheelers and Slow Walkers. |
| with hand controls with 48-hours notice. Here's a | | | | |