WHEELING THROUGH AMERICA: 10 BARRIER-FREE TREASURES FROM BIG CITIES TO NATIONAL PARKS TO EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN part 10

BIG ISLAND

Wheelchair-accessible wonders abound on this intriguing isle.

Near the northern tip, the Pololu Valley Lookout’s paved parking provides access to stunning views.

In one direction, a lush valley appears to go on forever, untouched by development.

Look the other way and see 400-foot vertical cliffs and waves of the blue Pacific crashing against exotic black sand below.

On the Hamakua Coast, locals and visitors alike line up at Tex Drive-In for malassadas.

The Portuguese “donuts” are served warm and with chocolate, cream and preserves filling where the hole would be.

On the Hilo side, a paved sidewalk leads ramped raised platform for viewing Rainbow Falls.

Wheelers gaze at the shiny, silvery waters gush into the serene and verdant gorge below.

On the Kona side you can hear the “singing” of Kona Nightingales – wild braying burros whose forbearers worked at the island’s coffee plantations.

Pololu Lookout, North Kohala. Tex Drive-in, Hamakua Coast, 808-775-0598.

Rainbow Falls, Hilo, 808-587-0400, www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/hawaii.html

Tomorrow: TRANQUIL ADVENTURES