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