Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tourist Information
The most convenient place to pick up information is at the airport. In the arrivals areas
there are staffed tourist-information desks and while you're waiting for your bags to ap-
pear on the carousel, you can peruse racks of free tourist brochures and magazines, such
as
101 Things to Do
(
www.101thingstodo.com
) and
This Week
(
www.thisweek.com
)
,
which contain discount coupons for activ-ities, tours, restaurants etc.
For pretrip planning, browse the information-packed website of the Hawaii Visitors &
Convention Bureau (
www.gohawaii.com
).
Travelers with Disabilities
»
Bigger, newer hotels and resorts in Hawaii have elevators, TDD-capable phones and
wheelchair-accessible rooms (reserve these well in advance).
»
Telephone companies provide relay operators (TTY/TDD dial
711) for the hearing im-
paired.
»
Many banks provide ATM instructions in Braille.
»
Traffic intersections in cities and some towns have dropped curbs and audible crossing
signals.
»
Guide and service dogs are not subject to the same quarantine requirements as other
pets; contact the Department of Agriculture's
Animal Quarantine Station
(
808-483-7151;
http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info
) before arrival.
Transportation
»
Where available on the islands, public transportation is wheelchair-accessible. Buses
will usually 'kneel' if you're unable to use the steps - just let the driver know you need the
lift or ramp.
»
Some major car-rental agencies offer hand-controlled vehicles and vans with wheelchair
lifts; reserve these well in advance.
»
If you have a disability parking placard from home, bring it with you and hang it from
your rental vehicle's rearview mirror when using designated disabled-parking spaces.
Wheelchair Getaways
( 800-638-1912;
www.wheelchairgetaways.com
) Rents
wheelchair-accessible vans on Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi the Big Island.
Wheelers Van Rentals
( 800-456-1371;
www.wheelersvanrentals.com
) Wheelchair-
accessible van rentals on Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi.
