Parks Accessibility Guide
Hawaii's Natural Wonders for All Visitors
Inclusive Access to Hawaii's Parks
Hawaii's natural beauty should be accessible to everyone. This comprehensive guide provides detailed accessibility information for visitors with mobility challenges, visual or hearing impairments, and other accessibility needs. From wheelchair-accessible boardwalks to sensory-friendly experiences, Hawaii's parks offer numerous opportunities for inclusive outdoor adventures.
The concept of aloha extends to welcoming all visitors, regardless of physical ability. Many of Hawaii's most spectacular viewpoints and experiences are accessible with proper planning and knowledge of available facilities and services.
Oʻahu Parks Accessibility
💎 Diamond Head State Monument
Accessibility Level: Limited
- • Parking area is paved and accessible
- • First 0.2 miles of trail is paved but steep (average 10% grade)
- • Beyond that: steep, uneven terrain with stairs and tunnels
- • Not recommended for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges
Alternative: Enjoy views from the parking area and initial paved section. The visitor exhibits are fully accessible.
🌊 Kaʻena Point
Accessibility Level: Moderate
- • Flat, wide dirt road suitable for wheelchairs with assistance
- • 2.5-mile round trip to the point
- • Can be sandy and soft in places
- • Beach wheelchair may be helpful
Tip: The first mile offers beautiful coastal views and is more manageable for those with limited mobility.
🌿 Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana
Accessibility Level: Good
- • Visitor center is fully accessible
- • Short paved nature trail (0.25 miles)
- • Cultural demonstrations area is accessible
- • Accessible restrooms and parking
Highlight: Perfect for cultural experiences and nature viewing without challenging terrain.
🏔️ Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa (Tantalus)
Accessibility Level: Excellent
- • Fully accessible parking area
- • Spectacular 360-degree views from parking lot
- • Paved walkways to multiple viewpoints
- • Accessible picnic areas
Best Choice: Outstanding views of Honolulu and Waikīkī with full accessibility.
Maui Parks Accessibility
🌋 Haleakalā National Park
Summit Area - Accessibility Level: Good
- • Visitor center is fully accessible
- • Main summit viewpoint has paved access
- • Accessible parking at multiple viewpoints
- • Altitude (10,000 ft) may affect some visitors
Kīpahulu Area - Accessibility Level: Limited
- • Visitor center accessible
- • Pools of 'Ohe'o viewpoint partially accessible
- • Pool access requires walking on uneven terrain
Note: Bring warm clothes for summit; temperature can drop to near freezing.
🏞️ ʻĪao Valley State Monument
Accessibility Level: Excellent
- • Fully accessible parking and facilities
- • Paved, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk
- • Multiple viewing platforms for ʻĪao Needle
- • Accessible restrooms and visitor center
- • Cultural interpretive trail with audio features
Ideal Choice: One of Hawaii's most accessible major attractions with stunning scenery.
🖤 Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Accessibility Level: Moderate
- • Accessible parking available
- • Short paved path to main black sand beach viewpoint
- • Beach access requires walking on sand and rocks
- • Some coastal trail sections are accessible
Tip: The viewpoint offers excellent photo opportunities of the black sand beach without beach access.
🏖️ Makena Beach State Park
Accessibility Level: Good
- • Large accessible parking area
- • Paved path from parking to beach access
- • Beach wheelchair available upon request
- • Accessible restrooms and shower facilities
Beach Access: Contact park services in advance to reserve beach wheelchair equipment.
Kauaʻi Parks Accessibility
🏔️ Waimea Canyon & Kōkeʻe
Accessibility Level: Excellent
- • All main viewpoints are accessible from parking
- • Paved paths to canyon rim viewpoints
- • Accessible facilities at Kōkeʻe Museum
- • Multiple stopping points along scenic drive
Perfect Access: Full "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" experience without hiking required.
🏖️ Hāʻena State Park
Accessibility Level: Limited
- • Accessible parking and restrooms
- • Beach access requires crossing sand
- • Kalalau Trail is not accessible
- • Beach wheelchair may help for sand navigation
Note: Advance reservations required for all visitors. Beach viewing possible from accessible areas.
🏜️ Polihale State Park
Accessibility Level: Poor
- • Requires 4WD vehicle for access
- • Unpaved, rough access road
- • Deep sand at beach
- • Not recommended for mobility challenges
Alternative: Visit other west side beaches with better access like Salt Pond Beach Park.
🦕 Makauwahi Cave Reserve
Accessibility Level: Poor
- • Requires crawling through small cave opening
- • Uneven terrain inside cave
- • Not wheelchair accessible
- • Currently closed (check status before visiting)
Status: Reported closed in late 2024. Verify current access before planning visit.
Big Island Parks Accessibility
🌋 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Accessibility Level: Good
- • Kilauea Visitor Center fully accessible
- • Multiple crater viewpoints accessible by car
- • Devastation Trail is paved and accessible
- • Thurston Lava Tube has accessible entrance section
- • Chain of Craters Road offers drive-through experience
Highlight: Accessible volcano viewing with multiple adapted trails and viewpoints.
🏛️ Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Accessibility Level: Good
- • Visitor center fully accessible
- • Self-guided trail has accessible sections
- • Main cultural sites viewable from paved areas
- • Accessible parking and facilities
- • Audio tour available for visually impaired
Cultural Access: Rich Hawaiian history accessible through multiple sensory experiences.
💧 ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Accessibility Level: Moderate
- • Parking area accessible
- • Trail is paved but has elevation changes
- • Some stairs and steep sections
- • Railings available along most sections
- • Alternative viewing areas for limited mobility
Tip: First portion of trail is most accessible and offers tropical forest experience.
🌈 Rainbow Falls
Accessibility Level: Excellent
- • Fully accessible parking
- • Short, paved path to main viewpoint
- • Accessible picnic areas
- • No stairs or steep sections required
- • Perfect for all mobility levels
Perfect Choice: Beautiful waterfall with complete accessibility for all visitors.
Planning Resources & Services
Available Equipment & Services
Beach Wheelchairs
- • Available at select beaches (advance reservation recommended)
- • Large, wide tires for sand navigation
- • Free of charge at most locations
- • Contact parks directly for availability
Audio Tours & Guides
- • Available at major parks and cultural sites
- • Multi-language options at some locations
- • Braille materials available upon request
- • Sign language interpreters (advance notice required)
Transportation Services
- • Accessible tour buses available through some operators
- • Paratransit services on Oʻahu and Maui
- • Wheelchair accessible rental cars available
- • Accessible taxi and rideshare options
Planning Tips
Before You Go
- • Call parks directly to verify current accessibility features
- • Check weather conditions (some paths become inaccessible when wet)
- • Reserve equipment or services in advance
- • Download park maps with accessibility information
What to Bring
- • Backup batteries for powered mobility devices
- • Sun protection (UV exposure is intense)
- • Water and snacks (services may be limited)
- • Comfortable clothing for varying elevations
Emergency Contacts
- • Hawaii State Parks: (808) 587-0300
- • National Park Service: (808) 985-6000
- • Disability and Communication Access Board: (808) 586-8121
- • Hawaii 211 for services information
🗺️ Parks Guide
Getting started
Reservations & PermitsBooking guide
Oʻahu ParksDiamond Head & more
Maui ParksHaleakalā & ʻĪao Valley
Kauaʻi ParksNāpali & Waimea Canyon
Big Island ParksVolcanoes & refuges
Hiking GuideTop trails by skill level
You are here
Capturing the magic
♿ Accessibility Levels
- Excellent:
Full wheelchair access, paved paths, accessible facilities
- Good:
Most areas accessible, some terrain challenges
- Moderate:
Some access available, assistance may be needed
- Limited:
Minimal access, challenging terrain
- Poor:
Not accessible for mobility devices
📞 Accessibility Resources
Disability & Communication Access Board
(808) 586-8121
Hawaii 211
Dial 2-1-1 for services info
National Park Service
(808) 985-6000
Hawaii State Parks
(808) 587-0300