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Local Guide to Transportation

Table of Contents
  1. Local Guide to Transportation

Note: For more information regarding Transportation, read the Guide to Transportation and the FAQ: Transportation

Companies listed in this guide offer many different accessibility options for people with disabilities. There may also be a fee associated with the services listed in this section. Please contact each organization for more information about fees and options that match your specific transportation needs.

FAQ
Oahu
Maui
Molokai and Lanai
Hawaii (Big Island)
Kauai
Owning a Vehicle
Renting a Vehicle
Statewide Tours and Cruises

What public transportation is available on Oahu?
TheBus: Over 86 routes serve the entire island of Oahu and the city of Honolulu. A majority of the buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Verbal announcements and visual electronic signs notify passengers of street locations.

The HandiVan: Island wide, public street, curb to curb, shared-ride para transit van service for those persons meeting eligibility criteria under the American with Disabilities Act.

What public transportation is available on the neighbor islands?
Maui
Holo Ka'a Public Transit: Serves South, West, and Central Maui. www.akinatours.com/maui_shuttle.htm or www.co.maui.hi.us/index.aspx?NID=605

Kauai
Kauai Bus provides fixed-route transportation services.
Para transit Bus provides transportation from Hanalei to Kekaha.

Hawai`i (The Big Island)
Hele-On Bus operates between Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Can a person with a disability qualify for a bus pass to ride TheBus and/or the HandiVan?
Yes. A person with a disability may obtain a bus pass at a discounted rate. However, you must meet eligibility criteria under the American with Disabilities Act to ride the HandiVan. You must have a picture ID card and ID number for both TheBus and the HandiVan. www.thebus.org/Fare/disabilityfare.asp

There are a variety of private organizations that provide transportation services. They include taxi and limousine services, tour companies and companies specializing in transportation for people with disabilities. Read the Guide to Transportation to learn about private transportation options for the following islands: Oahu, Maui, Hawai`i, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai.

Where can I go to learn how to drive an adaptive vehicle?
The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific has a Driver Education Program, which instructs people with disabilities on how to drive an adaptive vehicle.

How can I modify my vehicle to meet my specific needs?
For vehicle modification in Hawai`i, visit Accessible Vans of Hawai`i, Inc. The company also sells modified vans for wheelchair or scooter users.

Who qualifies for a Person with a Disability Parking Permit and where can I get one?
You may qualify for a Person with a Disability Parking Permit if your doctor certifies that you are:

  • Unable to walk 200 feet
  • Unable to walk without a brace, cane, or crutch
  • A person that uses a wheelchair
  • A person with respiratory problems, cardiac condition, or use a portable oxygen tank.

You may apply for a parking permit at any Satellite City Hall office. You may also obtain information on applying at other locations by calling the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) at (808) 586-8121 V/TTY or visiting their website at http://hawaii.gov/health/dcab/parking/. The Person with a Disability Parking Permit applications and instructions can be printed out from the DCAB website.

What do I do if my parking placard is lost, stolen or mutilated?
You must replace your lost, stolen or mutilated placard by submitting a new completed Person with a Disability Parking Permit application and fee. Indicate whether the permit was lost, stolen or mutilated, and return any remaining items related to the current parking permit. For more information visit the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) website at hawaii.gov/health/dcab/parking/

Can parking permits for people with disabilities from other states or countries be used in Hawai`i?
Yes. Hawai`i recognizes valid parking permits issued by other states and countries. All states also recognize the State of Hawai`i Person with a Disability Parking Permit. The permit must be displayed on the vehicle's rearview mirror. If you have any questions, call the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) at (808) 586-8121 V/TTY or visit their website at hawaii.gov/health/dcab/parking/

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Oahu

Oahu Public Transportation
Oahu has public transportation service throughout the island. There are wheelchair-lift equipped buses available in most areas. Local para transit service is available if you are unable to use the bus.

TheBus
TheBus has 68 daily routes serving Oahu. There are approximately 3,800 bus stops on the island. The City and Country Express buses make fewer stops and take a more direct route into the city. A majority of the buses are equipped with wheelchair-lifts. They are identified by the international symbol of accessibility on the front right of the bus and on bus stop signs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wheelchair-lift Equipped Buses
On this web page you will find answers to frequently asked questions about wheelchair-lift equipped buses.

The HandiVan
The para transit system provides island wide, public street, curb-to-curb , shared-ride van transportation for people with disabilities. You must qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 guidelines to use this service. Lift-equipped vans operate daily, including holidays. You must specify your need for a lift-equipped van when making a reservation.

Vanpool Hawai`i
The State of Hawai`i Department of Transportation contracts with Vanpool Hawai`i to provide vans and sport utility vehicles for a vanpool. To start a vanpool, you must be a licensed driver and have a minimum of three riders. You may also access Vanpool Hawai`i's database to find riders for your vanpool. The driver of the van may use the vehicle on weekends and after commute hours, in exchange for driving and collecting fees. All insurance and maintenance costs are included in the fees. Vanpoolers share the cost of parking and gas. Vanpool Hawai`i also modifies vehicles for people with disabilities.

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Oahu Private Transportation

Oahu Taxis
Oahu Tour Companies
Other Transportation Services


Oahu Taxis

Aloha State Cab
Aloha State Cab is a private taxi company that accepts the overload from the HandiVan system. The company provides contracted services for state organizations and for other private agencies such as the HMSA Quest. There is island-wide service with frequent stops at the Honolulu International Airport and Waikiki. Reservations are recommended 24-hours in advance. Lift-equipped vans are available. In case of an emergency, attempts are made to accommodate the rider.

For more information and reservations call 808-847-3566.

Charley's Taxi and Limo
Charley's Taxi has MediCab. Door-to-door service is available and stops can be made between destinations. Wheelchairs must be collapsible. Call 20 to 30 minutes in advance for a reservation. Allow more time if you live farther out of the city. Charley's Taxi also has a cab courier service with drivers who will run errands. Drivers will pick-up and deliver items to residences, hospitals, retail stores, and supply warehouses.

The Cab
The Cab has been providing service for people with disabilities since July 2002. All vans are air-conditioned and drivers are trained to work with people with disabilities. Curbside service is provided.

Customers must call one hour in advance and provide the following information when making a reservation:

  • Destination
  • Pick-up time
  • Number of passengers

Service is provided on a first-come first-served basis. For more information and reservations, call 808-422-2222.

Tradewinds Taxi
Tradewinds Taxi provides island-wide taxi service for people with disabilities. It is contracted by the state to provide service for those eligible for Medicaid and Medquest services. Customers must call 24 hours in advance to make a reservation. For more information and reservations, call 808-485-1600.

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Oahu Tour Companies

E Noa Corporation
E Noa Corporation has lift-equipped Waikiki Trolleys and E Noa Tour Vans available for sightseeing, shopping and dining around Oahu.

The Waikiki Trolley
The Waikiki Trolley offers passengers the opportunity to board and depart the trolley at any designated stop along the route. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

E Noa Tours
E Noa Tour Vans provide sightseeing tours and excursions around Oahu. Customers should reconfirm their accessibility needs with the E Noa Reservation office prior to the tour departure.

Roberts Hawai`i
Roberts Hawai`i is a transportation company with offices on all major islands. The company provides transportation for arrivals, departures, conventions, group tours, and special events.

Other Transportation Services

CNA Senior Transport LLC
CNA Senior Transport LLC provides transportation for people with disabilities and fragile medical conditions. The company will provide licensed, certified aides to assist clients while at a physician's office or hospital. Curb-to-curb, door-to-door and stretcher service are available. Reservations are recommended at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time.

Catholic Charities Elderly Services
This organization provides transportation for persons 60 years of age and older who are disabled or unable to ride public transportation. Funds are provided by the state Kupuna Care and the federal Older Americans Act . Transportation is not available for those under 60 years of age.

Handicabs of the Pacific
Handicabs of the Pacific is a private taxi company that serves people with disabilities. Curbside, door-to-door, and stretcher service is offered.

Customers must provide the following information when making a reservation:

  • Time of the appointment
  • Destination (Does not have to be medical related)
  • Number of passengers
  • If you are a wheelchair user, if you are ambulatory, or if you are a person needing a stretcher

Customers must call three days in advance to make a reservation except when being discharged from the hospital. Pick-ups for hospital transportation can be arranged on the day of discharge. Handicabs of the Pacific busiest hours are between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information and reservations call 808-524-3866.

JCRG Trans Services, LLC
This company provides transportation for the elderly and for people with disabilities. JCRG Trans Services has been operating since September 2002. Curb to curb, door-to door and non-emergency gurney assistance is available. The company also provides transportation to hospitals and nursing homes.

Reservations are recommended at least one day in advance. Same-day reservations are taken if space is available. The last pick-up is at 9 p.m. For more information and reservations, call JCRG Trans Services at 808-672-8670.

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Maui

The Maui transit system is made possible due to a partnership between Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) and Akina Tours. Major funding is provided by the County of Maui. The Holo Ka'a Public Transit System is operated by Akina Tours. If you qualify, you may use transportation services offered by MEO.

Holo Ka'a Public Transit
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.
Maui Tour Companies


Holo Ka'a Public Transit
On this site you will find bus schedules, fare prices, and other information on wheelchair accessible routes. The Holo Ka'a Public Transit System serves South, West, and Central Maui with six different routes:

West Maui Transit System stops: Kapalua, Napili, Kahana, Honokowai, Kaanapali, Lahaina Center, Lahaina Town, Maalaea Harbor

South Maui Transit System stops: Wailea, Maalaea Harbor, Kihei

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Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.
Transportation services for low-income, elderly, and medically needy residents of Maui County are provided by Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO). Many of their programs are designed to address specific transportation needs. Service is provided on a reservation or fixed route/schedule basis. The following are different transportation programs offered by the Maui Economic Opportunity:

Ala Hou
The Ala Hou program provides service for eligible riders during evening, weekend and holiday hours. They offer curb-to-curb transportation service that is prioritized in the following order:

  1. Scheduled medical visits
  2. Employment education
  3. Religious worship
  4. Other (Service is on a first come, first served basis)

Ala Hou riders must meet specified eligibility requirements. Wheelchair clients are required to position themselves on and off of the bus lift and position themselves into the proper tie-down position on the bus. The driver will make sure that the client is properly secured for transit. Clients are expected to get on and get off the vehicle without assistance.

Hale Hauoli / Kalima
This program is for clients who require specialized assistance and meet eligibility requirements. Drivers will assist with all loading and unloading of clients and operating of wheelchair lifts. Program aides or homecare givers must assist clients in wheelchairs to the bus.

Public Shuttle
The public shuttle provides free transportation between Kahului and Wailuku on Monday through Saturday. All buses are lift-equipped to accommodate wheelchair clients.

Rural Shuttle
This program provides curb-to-curb service from certain areas of the island to Kahului and Wailuku. Drivers assist clients with boarding, disembarking and with packages. There is a weight limit of 25 pounds per bag and is limited to the number of bags a client can carry. Many clients use the Rural Shuttle for medical purposes and shopping. Medical appointments are a priority when scheduling riders and reservations are requested no later than two business days prior to travel.

Maui Tour Companies

Akina Tours
Akina Tours provides accessible transportation for touring the island of Maui. Advance reservations are required.

Kapalua Executive Transportation Service
Kapalua Executive Transportation Service is a private company that provides accessible taxi and tour service.

Molokai and Lanai

Transportation service on Molokai and Lanai is provided by Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO), primarily for medically-related transportation needs. Visitors to the islands should call a national car rental company or hotel to inquire about other accessible transportation service from the airport.

Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.
MEO provides transportation service for people with disabilities living on Molokai and Lanai. On Molokai, service includes transportation for medically-related travel. On Lanai, MEO provides shuttle transportation for Medicaid clients and for wheelchair clients. Visit their website to learn about different programs and eligibility criteria.

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Hawai`i

Hawai`i County Mass Transit Hele-On Bus
Shared Ride Taxi Program
Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity

Hawai`i County Mass Transit Hele-On Bus
The Hele-On Bus provides accessible transportation for the general public. Discounted ticket prices for the Hele-On Bus are available for persons with disabilities from the County of Hawai`i Mass Transit Authority. The bus operates Monday through Saturday between Hilo and Kailua-Kona. The bus departs in Kailua-Kona from Mokuaikaua Church on Alii Drive. In Hilo, the bus departs from the Mooheau Bus Terminal. The terminal is between Kamehameha Avenue and Bayfront Highway in Hilo. There is also a Hele-On bus that travels between downtown Hilo and shopping malls.

Hawai`i County Mass Transit Agency
This site has bus schedules, rules and regulations, and contact information for the Hawai`i County Mass Transit Agency.


Shared Ride Taxi Program
The County of Hawai`i Mass Transit Authority offers a Shared Ride Taxi program. Private taxi companies provide door-to-door service transportation for a fee within the downtown area of Hilo and Kona. Participating taxi companies do not have lift-equipped vans. For more information and a list of participating companies contact the Hawai`i County Mass Transit Authority.

Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity
Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity operates door-to-door, lift-equipped van transportation services in the Hilo and Kona areas. Priority is given to medically related trips for individuals with Medicaid . However, arrangements for other transportation purposes can be made if vans and drivers are available. One week advance notice is requested for reservations. Transportation service is available evenings, weekends and holidays. To find contact information for this service go to: hawaii.gov/health/dcab/travel/DCAB%20travel%20Hawaii%20web.pdf and scroll down to “Transportation on the Big Island” for a phone number and address.

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Kauai

County Transportation Agency
Kauai Bus
Para transit Bus Service
Akita Enterprises

County Transportation Agency
The Kauai Bus and para transit bus service provides public transportation from Hanalei to Kekaha. There is limited service to the Koloa/Poipu area but no service to the Lihue Airport.

The Kauai Bus
The Kauai Bus operates a public, fixed route transportation service. Buses can accommodate wheelchair users. The system operates Monday through Friday from 5:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., and Saturday from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Hours vary depending on the route. There is no service on Sunday and County holidays.

Para transit Bus Service
The County Transportation Agency (CTA) operates a para transit, door-to-door service bus service for people who meet the CTA requirements for service eligibility. Visitors from other states with a valid ADA Para transit Eligibility identification card may use the CTA para transit service. Days and hours of operation are the same as the Kauai Bus fixed route service. Reservations are required 24-hours in advance for door-to-door pickups.

Akita Enterprises
Akita Enterprises serves Department of Education special education students and Wilcox hospital. Private individuals may also use their services. Accessible transportation is available on an individually arranged basis, with 5-days advance notice if possible. Service primarily involves transportation between the Lihue Airport and hotels. Fees vary according to the destination. To find contact information for Akita Enterprise on this site, scroll down to "transportation on Kauai."

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Owning A Vehicle

Vehicle Modification
Getting a Driver's License
Obtaining a Person with a Disability Parking Permit


Vehicle Modification

Accessible Vans of Hawai`i, Inc.
The Accessible Vans of Hawai`i website has information on selecting the proper vehicle for specific mobility needs. The company also sells modified vans to transport wheelchairs or scooters. Maxi Mobility Maxi Mobility sells modified vans and equipment. For more information call 1-808-255-5241.

Getting a Driver's License
Here are some helpful tips to consider before getting a driver's license:

  • Complete a driver's evaluation at a major rehabilitation center, which is certified by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Consult a physician or physical therapist to see if you're physically and psychologically prepared for the driving experience.
  • At your driver evaluation program, utilize a vehicle with assistive steering devices that meet your specific needs.

After completing the driver education/evaluation program, a written test, eye test and a road test must be passed. For driver's license requirements, procedures and testing locations, people who live on:

More Resources

Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific
The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific offers a Driver Education Program that provides people with disabilities an opportunity to refresh their driving skills or learn how to drive. They will conduct a complete evaluation on basic vehicle operation and road skills management with adaptive aids. On their website you will find admission criteria, fees, and payment options.

Obtaining a Person with a Disability Parking Permit
With a Person with a Disability Parking Permit, a vehicle can be parked in spaces designated for persons with disabilities. The permit must be displayed from the rear view mirror of the vehicle and the individual must have an identification card. To qualify for a Person with a Disability Parking Permit your doctor must certify that you are:

  • Unable to walk 200 feet
  • Unable to walk without a brace, cane, crutch or if you use a wheelchair
  • You have respiratory problems
  • You have a cardiac condition
  • You use a portable oxygen tank

When visiting Hawai`i, remember to bring your Person with a Disability Parking Placard with you because visitor placards are not issued by the State of Hawai`i. Valid parking permits from other states and countries are recognized by the State of Hawai`i and other states recognize Hawai`i Person with a Disability Parking Permits. Fines are assessed for those vehicles without a proper Person with a Disability Parking Permit. For more information and application forms, visit the Disability and Communication Access Board's (DCAB) Parking Permit section at: http://hawaii.gov/health/dcab/parking/.

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Renting a Vehicle

Accessible Vans of Hawai`i, Inc.
Accessible Vans of Hawai`i, Inc. is a private company that rents mini-vans with ramps and lift-equipped full-sized vans on a U-drive basis on the islands of Oahu and Maui. Advance reservations are requested.

Wheelchair Getaway
Wheelchair Getaway rents minivans with ramps and hand controls on the island of Maui only.

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Statewide Tours and Cruises

Hawai`i has several accessible cruises. Off the shores of Honolulu, you can dine and watch the sunset or if you feel little adventurous, you can watch whales. Off the shores of Maui, you can take a short excursion to Molokini Island. You can also take a seven-day cruise to each island. If you experience seasickness, be sure to bring along motion sickness pills.

Star of Honolulu
Star of Honolulu is a 1,500 passenger ship that reports all facilities are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Daily sunset dinner cruises, whale watching cruises, wedding, special theme cruises, and daytime adventure cruises (Diamond Head BBQ and snorkeling cruise) are available. An accessible motor coach can provide transportation to the boat, if requested.

Norwegian Star
Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) Norwegian Star sails to Honolulu, Lahaina, Nawiliwili, Hilo, Kona and NCL's unspoiled hideaway, Fanning Island. The Norwegian Star is the largest cruise ship in Hawai`i, accommodating 2,200 passengers and 1,100 crew members. There are 10 restaurants and 14 separate lounges and bars.

The Norwegian Star has accessible staterooms for passengers with disabilities, which are specially equipped with an extra large entrance door and a special bathroom unit to accommodate wheelchair users. There are also staterooms with lights and under-pillow vibrating alarms for guests with hearing impairments. Contact NCL for information about traveling with service animals.

Requests for accommodations must be made to the NCL Passenger Courtesy Department when the reservation is made.

Roberts Hawai`i
Roberts Hawai`i is the largest privately owned, full-service tour and transportation company in the State with operations on all major islands. The company provides arrival and departure transfers, convention shuttles, customized group tours and transfers, and transportation for special events. Their fleet includes lift-equipped motor coaches, mini-buses and school buses.

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Last Updated on 7/6/2012

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