PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES on Kona airport

Persons With Disabilities at

Kona International Airport

(Kona Airport - KOA)

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Accessible travel made easy - Kona Airport is committed to providing support for passengers with disabilities.

Handicapped Accessibility at Kona Airport

Kona Airport (KOA) , also known as Kona Airport orKona International Airport, is committed to providing accessible facilities and services for all passengers, including those with disabilities. As the primary gateway to the Hawaiian Islands, Kona Airportis dedicated to ensuring that travelers with mobility, visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments can navigate the airport with ease. From wheelchair rental services to accessible transportation, the airport offers a range of services and amenities designed to support the comfort, safety, and independence of travelers with disabilities.

Accessibility Overview at Kona Airport

Located on the island of Kona, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and serves millions of travelers each year. Recognizing the importance of accessible infrastructure, Kona Airport has incorporated features across its terminals that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These features include accessible restrooms, parking facilities, curbside assistance, elevators, and easy access to transportation. The airport also offers services and amenities tailored to travelers with specific disabilities, ensuring that passengers of all abilities feel supported and welcome.

Wheelchair and Mobility Device Rentals

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The airport's partner companies and rental providers offer wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices for travelers who require support moving around the airport or during their stay in Hawaii. Equipment is available on both a short-term and long-term basis, making it a convenient option for passengers visiting the islands.

Some recommended companies include:

1. Scootaround

Phone: 1-888-441-7575

Scootaround provides rental wheelchairs and scooters that can be delivered directly to Kona Airport or other locations within the area.

2. Hawaiian Islands Medical Corporation

Phone: (808) 596-7232

This company offers a range of medical equipment, including wheelchairs and mobility aids, available for rental on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

3. 808 Wheelchairs

Phone: (808) 888-2295

808 Wheelchairs specializes in wheelchair and scooter rentals for tourists and visitors, with convenient airport delivery and pickup options.

Accessing Wheelchair Services at Kona Airport

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At Kona Airport, wheelchair attendants assist travelers at designated locations, guiding them through check-in, security screening, and boarding.

To access wheelchair services, passengers can request assistance through their airline during the booking process. Many airlines at Kona Airport provide complimentary wheelchair services from curbside check-in to boarding. Wheelchair attendants meet travelers at the designated locations and assist them through check-in, security, and boarding. It is recommended to book wheelchair assistance in advance, either when purchasing a ticket or by calling the airline's customer service.

Accessible Parking Options

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Kona Airport provides accessible parking in all its facilities, with designated ADA-compliant spaces located close to elevators and entry points.

Kona Airport has ADA-compliant parking spaces in each of its parking facilities, with convenient locations close to elevators and access points. Accessible parking is available in the following areas:

1. International Parking Garage:

Located near the Overseas Terminal, this garage provides easy access for passengers departing from international flights. Designated ADA parking spaces are available on each level close to the elevators.

2. Interisland Terminal Garage:

Located adjacent to the Interisland Terminal, this garage is ideal for those traveling within the Hawaiian Islands. ADA parking spaces are available near the terminal entrance.

3. Economy Parking Lot

Although located slightly farther from the terminals, the Economy Parking Lot provides ADA spaces and a shuttle service for easy access to the terminals.

Passengers with a valid ADA parking permit can park in these designated spaces and should display their permits at all times.

Curbside Assistance and Drop-Off Services

Kona Airport provides curbside assistance at all terminal entrances. Travelers with disabilities or limited mobility can request curbside support from airline representatives, who are available to assist with unloading luggage, check-in, and boarding procedures. This service can be requested by contacting the airline directly prior to arrival at the airport.

The airport also offers designated drop-off zones for passengers with disabilities, allowing for closer access to terminal entrances. The drop-off zones have ramp access for wheelchair users, making it easy to transition from vehicle to terminal. Passengers can arrange for wheelchair attendants to meet them at these designated zones upon arrival for seamless support throughout their journey.

Accessible Restrooms and Family Restrooms

To ensure comfort and convenience, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has accessible restrooms equipped with ADA-compliant features such as wider stalls, grab bars, and lower sinks. These restrooms are located throughout the airport, including each terminal and concourse. Family restrooms are also available in many locations, offering additional space and privacy for individuals who may require assistance from a companion or caregiver.

Service Animal Relief Areas

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Kona Airport provides designated Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) throughout the terminal for travelers accompanied by service animals.

For travelers with service animals, Kona Airport has dedicated Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) throughout the facility. These areas provide a convenient, safe, and sanitary space for service animals to relieve themselves before and after flights. The Service Animal Relief Areas are located in the following areas:

1. Outdoor Relief Areas

Located outside each terminal and clearly marked, the outdoor SARAs have grassy spaces, waste disposal stations, and are easy to access.

2. Post-Security Relief Areas

Indoor SARAs are located beyond the security checkpoint in each terminal. They feature artificial turf, drainage systems, and waste disposal bags, providing a convenient location for service animals in transit.

Passengers are encouraged to take advantage of these designated areas and are asked to clean up after their animals for the comfort of all travelers.

Visual and Auditory Accessibility

Kona Airport provides a range of services to support passengers with visual and auditory disabilities. Visual paging screens are located throughout the airport, displaying important flight updates, gate information, and airport announcements in clear, large text. These screens provide an accessible alternative to audible announcements, ensuring that passengers with hearing impairments can access necessary information.

For passengers with visual impairments, Kona Airport has braille signage throughout the terminals, particularly near restrooms, elevators, and gate areas. The airport also provides audio announcements and features contrasting colors for important signage to support travelers with low vision.

TSA Assistance and Security Screening for Travelers with Disabilities

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Kona Airport collaborates with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure accessible and supportive security screening for travelers with disabilities. TSA officers, trained to assist travelers with disabilities, can be contacted at 1-855-787-2227 for assistance at the security checkpoint. The helpline offers passengers the opportunity to arrange assistance, request special accommodations, or receive information about screening procedures for mobility devices, prosthetics, medical equipment, and service animals.

Passengers can also request a TSA passenger support specialist at the checkpoint for assistance. These specialists are trained to provide respectful, sensitive assistance, ensuring a safe and smooth security screening experience.

Accessible Ground Transportation Options

Kona Airport offers various accessible ground transportation options to ensure travelers with disabilities can easily reach their accommodations or destinations around Kona. Accessible options include:

1. TheBus

Kona's public transportation service, TheBus, provides accessible buses equipped with ramps, lifts, and designated seating for passengers with disabilities. Route information and schedules can be found on their website or by calling **808-848-5555**.

2. Roberts Hawaii Shuttle

Roberts Hawaii provides airport shuttle services with accessible vehicles, which can be booked in advance for convenient transportation to hotels and popular destinations. Contact **Roberts Hawaii** at **1-800-831-5541** to reserve an accessible shuttle.

3. Taxi Services

Accessible taxis are available at the airport taxi stand. Staff can assist travelers in securing a taxi that meets their needs.

4. Rental Cars

Several rental car companies at Kona Airport offer vehicles with hand controls, wheelchair-accessible vans, and other adaptive features. Passengers should contact their rental car company in advance to arrange an accessible vehicle.

Customer Service and Additional Support

Kona Airport's customer service team is trained to assist travelers with disabilities in navigating the airport and accessing services. Travelers who need additional assistance or have specific accessibility concerns are encouraged to contact the airport's customer service center at **(808) 836-6411**. Customer service representatives can provide information on accessibility features, coordinate wheelchair assistance, and direct travelers to accessible facilities.

Kona Airport Contact Information

For more details on handicapped accessibility and mobility support services, travelers can reach out to the airport's main line:

Kona Airport

Phone: (808) 836-6411

Conclusion

Kona Airport is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming environment for travelers with disabilities. With a comprehensive array of services, including wheelchair and mobility rentals, accessible restrooms, ground transportation, and customer support, Kona Airport strives to create a seamless travel experience for all passengers. By offering a range of support options and adhering to ADA standards, Kona Airport ensures that all travelers can enjoy a comfortable and convenient journey through Hawaii's largest airport.