Maui is a popular Hawaiian island celebrated for its sparkling beaches and pristine natural beauty. If you’re visiting during the winter, one of the top attractions you must witness is the mighty humpback whales during their annual migration. Then, drive to Haleakalā National Park and watch the sunrise over the volcano. Maui is also incomplete without experiencing its beaches, and several, such as Kamaole Beach Park I, offer complimentary beach wheelchairs. Reduced mobility travelers can also enjoy reef kayaking and meals while sailing the Pacific. If experiencing Maui from land and water is not enough, book a helicopter tour and experience the island from the sky. Continue reading for a list of the top wheelchair accessible things to do in Maui, Hawaii, for a spectacular holiday.
1. Witness a traditional luau with dinner and drinks, Kihei (from USD 166.49)
Learn about the Polynesian culture through a mix of performative storytelling, live music, and dancing. The price of admission includes unlimited drinks from the open bar and a traditional Hawaiian buffet. The latter includes delicacies such as Molokai sweet potato, poi, and lilikoi pie. This 2.5-hour dinner and dance event will provide guests with an intimate setting within Maui Nui Golf Club. The venue is special because it’s locally owned and operated, thereby directly helping the local population.
The luau also includes audience participation, so make sure you arrive in your dancing shoes. Best of all, the activity is wheelchair accessible, allowing anyone to enjoy this thrilling experience.
South Maui: Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks
Duration: 2.5 hour
2. Explore underwater life at Maui Ocean Center, Maalaea (from USD 49.63)
This marine park is not to be missed and will appeal to children and adults alike. Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. As such, it offers a seamless experience to wheelchair travelers to the island. The center includes special handicapped parking slots and offers limited wheelchairs to be hired on a complimentary basis.
The booking price also includes admission to the fascinating The Humpbacks of Hawai`i Sphere Experience. Wheel yourself through an acrylic tunnel with hammerheads and stingrays floating above to enter the 750,000-gallon (2,839,057.50-liter) aquarium. The marine park also includes 40 interactive modules and 60 interactive exhibits dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique marine ecosystem of Hawaii.
South Maui: Maui Ocean Center All-Day Entrance Ticket
3. Experience chocolate tasting with a view at an award-winning estate, Lahaina (from USD 35.0)
Visit this award-winning estate that specializes in locally grown “farm-to-bar” chocolates. The one-hour guided tour will take your group through the cacao farm to learn how the crop is grown and harvested before heading to the factory. Here, visitors will learn about the intricacies involved in making the perfect bar of chocolate. End the tour on a sweet note when you get to get to sample nine different types.
The tasting takes place on the rooftop pavilion with panoramic views of the estate and the island. An elevator is available for visitors with disabilities as well.
Lahaina: Maui Ku’ia Estate Guided Chocolate Tasting
Duration: 1.0 hour
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4. Set sail on a catamaran and enjoy lunch on board, Lahaina (from USD 91.89)
Explore the western coastline of Maui and the vast Pacific Ocean aboard this modern catamaran. Guests will have the option of staying on deck and enjoying the views, or they can snorkel and swim. Although the tour begins at 1:30pm, visitors are requested to check in with Sail Maui an hour prior. Wheelchair-using guests can easily navigate the deck.
The ticket price includes reef-safe sunscreen, snorkeling equipment, and appetizers with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks included. If you’re in Maui from November to May, make sure to look out for the humpback whales during their seasonal migration.
Lahaina: Sailboat Cruise with Snacks and Drinks
Duration: 2.0 hour
5. Get a chance to witness majestic whales in their natural habitat, Lahaina (from USD 69.94)
Whale watching during the season is one of the top activities on Maui, and with this accessible tour, even wheelchair visitors can participate. This tour aboard an eco-raft operates in the afternoon and includes a marine naturalist guide who will take you to the best spot to view humpback whales. Along the way, you’ll learn more about these protected species, always maintaining the 300-foot (91.44-meter) distance as dictated by federal law.
But if you’re lucky, a whale might jump close to the vessel, getting you an up-close money shot! Visitors will also have the chance to listen to whale songs through special underwater microphones placed on the raft.
Maui: Guided Whale Watching Tour on Eco Raft
Duration: 1.5 to 2.0 hour
6. Delve into an off-beat haunted walking tour, Lahaiana (from USD 59.0)
This interesting guided tour begins at Hale Piula, a thatched hut within Kamehameha Iki Park, and takes visitors on a spooky journey of the island. The 1.5-hour tour also includes visits to Waiola Church, Old Lahaina Courthouse, and even the largest banyan tree in the US. If you require the use of a wheelchair, you can still join this accessible activity.
The guide will regale visitors with stories of Lahaiana’s paranormal activities and the local perspective on them. But it’s not all about spooky stories, as the guide will also explain spiritual energy and local deities that have resulted from these activities. This tour does not include food or drinks, so it’s recommended that you carry a bottle of water.
Lahaina: Haunted Walking Tour with Ghost Stories
Duration: 1.5 hour
7. Delight in a spectacular magic show, Wailea (from USD 139.0)
Make your way to the luxurious waterfront Fairmont Kea Lani - Maui and take a step back to the Victorian ages as you experience a magic show like no other. The performance is designed as a parlor magic show that was prevalent during the Victorian era when parlors were the top place for meetings and interactions. The entertainers put on a thrilling show packed with illusions and tricks that visitors will have a chance to witness in close proximity.
The mixed group of magicians are some of the most talented in the world and have even performed on America’s Got Talent. Fairmont Kea Lani - Maui is an ADA-compliant hotel, and even the valet parking accepts vehicles fitted for wheelchair drivers.
Maui: The Magical Mystery Show at Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel
Duration: 2.0 hour
8. Spend a day on the beach, Kihei
Kamaole Beach Park I is one of the best beaches on the island for guests with reduced mobility. Park your vehicle at one of the dedicated disability slots and make your way to the beach via the access ramps. Kamaole Beach Park is divided into three beaches, with rocks forming the divisions. Sand beach chairs are available to rent on a first come first serve basis, and a wheelchair can be borrowed between 8:30am and 3:30pm from Kamaole Beach Park I. It’s best to have a companion for assistance when renting the chairs. These are some of the best beaches on the island, so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot.
Keeping visitor safety in mind, the staff may not offer the wheelchair during dangerous water conditions.
Kamaole Beach Park I
Address: 2400 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Maui, HI 96753, United States
Website: Kamaole Beach Park I
Price: Free
9. Discover the underwater world of Hawaii, Molokini (from USD 199.95)
This half-day sailing and snorkeling adventure allows visitors to Maui to explore the fragile ecosystem and marvel at underwater life. The adventure begins onboard the Calypso, the only three-tier catamaran in the state. The large size of the vessel makes it easy to navigate wheelchairs, though some assistance might be required.
Visitors will set sail and enjoy a hearty breakfast, which includes coffee and juice. The first stop for the day is Molokini Crater, an extinct water crater, where you’ll get a chance to snorkel and explore. After spending some time here, the Calypso heads toward Turtle Town where you can swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles.
A naturalist will accompany the group and help identify marine life and answer any questions. A lifeguard is always present too, making sure that everyone is safe when in the water. In addition, the catamaran includes two water slides, a glass bottom viewing spot, and a helpful crew.
South Maui: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure
Duration: 5.5 hour
10. Learn about native flora and fauna at a protected reserve, Maui
Spread over 704 acres (284.90 hectares), this marshland is home to several species of birds and a paradise for bird watchers. Visitors will navigate the park on well-maintained wooden pathways that make it easy for mobility-impaired travelers to access every part of the park with ease. Along the way, there are shaded rest stops where you can catch a breather or stop for a drink. There’s also a visitor center with several exhibits about this protected area. An accessible bathroom is located here.
This is a self-guided activity and does not include a tour guide.
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Address: Milepost 6, Maui Veterans Highway, Kihei, HI 96753, United States
Website: Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
Visit Maui for the perfect island vacation
A visit to Maui allows travelers to explore the beautiful island from the land, sea, and air. There are also several interesting activities that cater to disabled guests and allow them the full local experience. Pick from this list of the top wheelchair-accessible things to do in Maui, Hawaii, for a wonderful holiday.
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