(Full time wheelchair user) visiting Big island advice plz

Question

Background:

Visiting For 1 week. December 6 to December 13. ( 7 days ) arrive at 3pm Saturday. And depart on the 13th morning. Staying near Hilton Waikoloa beach resort area

Planing stage: At the moment gathering interested places then will narrow down options.

Transportation: We have a rental wheelchair van.

Party: Travel with husband paralyzed head down with little finger control still able drive the power wheelchair himself. Also with the in laws. Age 75+, able to walk but not too far.

I have read about many places we can visit on wheelchair. We are planing to go visit the volcano national park, tropical botanical garden, mauna kea ( just the visitor center, not the summit), possible a wheelchair accessible helicopter ride, Akaka falls/rainbow falls.

But would love to have suggestions on the followings:

1) One best farm tour on big island ( I have seen some coffee, vanilla, chocolate, salt, pineapple, we are open to any wheelchair accessible farm tour, especially some that is more local family style one)

2) one best farmer market, prefer one that sell most local items and food. Not the generic made in china or India type of item, or the typical ABC store things.

3) One historical site / museum to visit that we should not miss on big island

4) one best local restaurant that every one visit big island should try.

5) one best bakery or dessert place we need to try

one best place to see wild life on big island (not on cruise or boat or require swimming), wheelchair accessible.

6) one best short hike to explore this unique big island. Paved and slight gravel road only due to use of wheelchair.

7) Is a drive just to Mauna Kea visitor center for stargazing worth the drive?

Thank you so much for the input ! Very much appreciated!

Answer

Visiting the Big Island with a wheelchair requires some planning, but there are plenty of accessible and enjoyable activities that will let you experience the island’s beauty, culture, and local flavors.

Farm Tour: For a local, family-style, wheelchair-accessible farm experience, the Greenwell Farms Coffee Tour in Kona is highly recommended. They offer paved pathways and accessible facilities, and the tour is mostly flat, allowing you to see coffee growing, learn about the process, and sample fresh Kona coffee. Another option is the Lavaloha Chocolate Farm

Farmer’s Market: The Hilo Farmers Market

Historical Site / Museum: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical ParkHuliheʻe Palace

Local Restaurant: A must-visit is Kaleo’s in Pahoa

Bakery / Dessert: Punaluʻu Bake ShopBig Island Candies

Wildlife Spotting: Hawaii Tropical Botanical GardenPanaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

Short, Easy Hike: The Akaka Falls Loop Trail

Mauna Kea Visitor Center: Driving just to the visitor center for stargazing is worth it. The elevation offers clearer skies, and there are telescopes available. However, it can be chilly at night, and the drive from Waikoloa is about 1.5–2 hours each way, so plan accordingly. The visitor center itself is accessible, but avoid attempting summit tours in a wheelchair due to rugged terrain and high altitude.

Additional Tips:

Plan your day geographically to minimize long drives, especially with limited mobility.
Most Big Island attractions now have accessibility information online; check each site for restrooms and parking.
Consider booking any helicopter tours that advertise wheelchair accessibility for unique aerial views of the island and volcanoes.

In summary, you can enjoy coffee or chocolate farm tours, Hilo’s authentic farmers market, culturally rich historical sites, excellent local dining, accessible wildlife viewing, and paved short hikes while experiencing the Big Island’s unique beauty comfortably with a wheelchair.

(Full time wheelchair user) visiting Big island advice plz

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