Can You Visit Pearl Harbor in a Wheelchair?

 

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, the Pearl Harbor tour is a must. Located on Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous and third largest island, Pearl Harbor commemorates all the lives lost in the December 7, 1941 attack that brought the United States into World War II.

But if you’re considering skipping a Pearl Harbor visit because you’re in a wheelchair or a power scooter, there’s no need to worry. You can still enjoy one of the most popular travel destinations in Hawaii.

The entire Pearl Harbor park is compliant with ADA requirements, and all aspects of the park are wheelchair accessible. Ramps are available throughout the park, so you should be able to get anywhere you want to. Though the long walking distances can be hard on visitors with mobility issues, there are several benches throughout the visitor center to allow for resting.

That doesn’t mean that visiting Pearl Harbor won’t require a little extra planning. Wheelchairs aren’t provided at the memorial, so visitors have to bring their own. As a result of heightened security measures, items like purses or bags are not allowed in the park. If this will be an issue for you for medical reasons, notify the staff members at the security checkpoint. You can also let a park ranger know about any special needs you may have.

There are also no nurses or doctors on site. Emergency medical services are available and there is a hospital not far from the site, but it’s still something to consider, especially since timed boats are required to get back and forth from certain sites. People in wheelchairs and their families are given priority on the U.S. Navy ferries that bring passengers to the USS Arizona Memorial, however.

As long as you take the right precautions to keep yourself safe, you should have no problem when you tour Pearl Harbor!
Ger more information on this topic here.