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Disabilities & Accessibility

The Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped has named Hawai'i the most accessible vacation spot for people with disabilities. Ramped visitor areas and specially equipped lodgings are relatively common. Travelers with vision impairments who use a guide dog don't have to worry about quarantine restrictions. All you need to do is present documentation that the animal is a trained guide dog and has a current inoculation record for rabies. Access Aloha Travel is the state's only travel planner specializing in the needs of Hawai'i-bound travelers with disabilities. The company can arrange accessible accommodations, sightseeing, dining, activities, personal care attendants, and rentals of medical equipment, wheelchairs, and scooter vans.

Local Resources

Access Aloha Travel (414 Kuwili St., Suite 101, Honolulu, 96817. 800/480-1143 or 808/545-1143. 808/545-7657. www.accessalohatravel.com). Disability and Communication Access Board (919 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 101, Honolulu, 96814. 808/586-8121. 808/586-8129. www.hawaii.gov/health/dcab).

Sights & Attractions

Many of O'ahu's sights and attractions are accessible to travelers with disabilities. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation provides "all-terrain" wheelchairs and beach mats at several beach parks on O'ahu.

Information

Therapeutic Recreation Unit of the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (808/692-5461 Therapeutic Recreation Unit. www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/programs/beach).

Transportation

Paratransit Services (TheHandi-Van) will take you to a specific destination on O'ahu-not on sightseeing outings -- in shared-ride vans with lifts and lock-downs. With TheHandi-Van Pass, one-way trips cost $2. Passes are free and can be obtained from the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, which is open weekdays 7:45-4:30; you'll need a doctor's written confirmation of your disability or a Paratransit ID card. Application forms also can be obtained in advance of your visit by calling the Department of Transportation Services or going online. Handi-Cabs of the Pacific is a private company that provides a wheelchair accessible taxi and tour service. Fares are $9 plus $2 per mile for curbside service and $19 plus $2 per mile for door-to-door service. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance are required by both companies, so plan ahead.

Those who prefer to do their own driving may rent hand-controlled cars from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National. You can use the windshield card from your own state to park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. All require at least 48 hours notice.

Buses & Vans

Department of Transportation Services (711 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 250, Honolulu, 96813. 808/523-4083. www.co.honolulu.hi.us/dts/). Handi-Cabs of the Pacific (808/524-3866). Paratransit Services (TheHandi-Van) (808/456-5555).