Maui Offers Disabled Travelers
Many Leisure Options

The Hawaiian island of Maui has long been a favorite vacation destination among travelers worldwide who seek lush scenery, ocean views, tropical flowers and a plethora of leisure activities to fill their days.

In addition, the island offers a full range disabled support services.

Maui residents and travel experts, Bruce and Amy Bernhardt who offer accessible condominium rentals, recommend the following activities for a memorable Hawaiian vacation.

Helicopter Ride:

Touring the island by helicopter provides an awe-inspiring view of Maui’s treasures including the stark moon-like surface of Haleakala Crater, O’heo Gulch (better known as Seven Sacred Pools), lush Hana rain forest, and beautiful cascading waterfalls. A number of helicopter tour companies offer lifts for those who are wheelchair bound so be sure to inquire when making reservations.

Whale Watching:

From approximately November 15 to April 15, the Humpback whales are in Maui's waters. You can watch them from the shore of Makani A Kai or take an accessible whale watching cruise on one of the many boats in Ma’alaea Harbor.

For those seeking some great fun on the water, Maui offers sea kayaking for physically challenged travelers, with a three-person kayak so you and a friend or spouse can go at the same time. See contact information below.

Scenic Tours:

A choice of special island tour packages – on land and by air -- are offered with door-to-door service and accessible transportation provided.

Scuba Diving:

Instruction is available to those with disabilities who want to become certified scuba divers. Special training is offered for paraplegic and visually impaired divers. Three dive packages are offered and tours are led by specially trained divers who have been sanctioned by the Handicapped Scuba Association.

Services for Disabled Travelers

• There are several accessible forms of transportation on the island including accessible van rentals, an accessible taxi service and accessible trolleys.

• Maui offers a medical supply house that supplies rental equipment ranging from shower chairs to beach wheelchairs.

• Several boats in Ma’alaea Harbor are accessible.

• There is a local Independent Living Resource Center operating on Maui.

In addition, many airlines now fly direct from the mainland to Maui, which makes vacationing for disabled travelers even more convenient and accessible.

Contact Numbers

• Bruce & Amy Bernhardt (accessible condo):(800) 820-8220
  
• Independent Living Resource Center: (808) 242-4966
  
• Wheelchair Getaways (accessible vans): 800) 638-1912
  
• Kapalua Executive Cab Service: (808) 667-7770
  
• Polynesian Adventure Tours: (808) 877-4242
  
• Hawaii Health Care (medical personnel): (808) 873-7221
  
• Gammie Home Care (supplies and rentals):(808) 877-4032
  
• Sunshine Helicopters: (800) 469-3000
  
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: (800) 745-2583
  
• Ron Bass (kayaking): (808) 572-6299
  
• Lahaina Divers (scuba diving): (800) 998-3483
  

For more information on vacationing in Maui, visit the Bernhardt's website: www.mauiaccessiblecondo.com

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