hawaii scuba diving

hi everyone! i am looking for recommended dive companies in hawaii on oahu, maui & kauai. thank u!

For Maui, call Bia at Maui Diving Scuba Center (http://www.mauiscuba.net/). She's great, they have very reasonable prices, and they will have smaller groups than the other bigger shops. Be carefule of another shop with a similar name.

For Oahu, we've always had great experiences with Aqua Zone, (https://www.aquazonescuba.com/). Devon or Sophie there will be able to set you up for sure.

I don't have a recommendation for Kuaui.

If you're going to Kona (I know you didn't ask, but...) Major just left Maui Scuba to start his own operation there, and it's right where the ships tender in. Rockin H Water Sports.

Harris

Denver, CO

On Maui I used Lahaina Divers (http://www.lahainadivers.com/). I had booked the Night Dive Package - when they had to cancel the night dive (due to weather conditions; we had fairly big waves and the night dive is from their dive boat....) they offered to change my reservtion to another dive (offered me several choices) and rebooked me on the Hammerhead Dive instead. We saw sharks at every dive and dolphins while underway to/from the dive sites

In Kona I went with Jack's Diving Locker (http://www.jacksdivinglocker.com/).

Susanne

For Kauai, I would highly recommend "Bubbles Below Kauai". They have many different dive sites. Years ago, this was the company I used for my first dive after becoming certified. They were extremely helpful, and safety was a top priority. The dive masters did an outstanding job of explaining all the sea life we saw during the dives. I just checked and they have a very nice web-site you can check out.

On Maui I used Lahaina Divers (http://www.lahainadivers.com/). I had booked the Night Dive Package - when they had to cancel the night dive (due to weather conditions; we had fairly big waves and the night dive is from their dive boat....) they offered to change my reservtion to another dive (offered me several choices) and rebooked me on the Hammerhead Dive instead. We saw sharks at every dive and dolphins while underway to/from the dive sites

 

In Kona I went with Jack's Diving Locker (http://www.jacksdivinglocker.com/).

 

Susanne

I've dove with both Lahaina Divers and Jack's. I agree they're worthy alternatives. However, they both have the huge Newton dive boats, and so you're typically out with at least 20 divers on the boat, split into 3, 4 or 5 groups. This is especially true for diving on a cruise, as there's usually all their local hotel business and a bunch more from the cruise. Their prices are at a premium, and for that premium you get dive sites overrun.

Harris

Denver, CO

thank u so much everyone! i really appreciate everyone's feedback

I'm starting to check out dive shops for our Hawaiian Islands cruise next November-December. Will we need to rent a car at most of the ports to get to the shops?

Laurie,

In Kona I now recommend Big Island Divers very highly. They may provide pier pickup, if you make arrangements in advance, otherwise several car companies have rental offices in the Courtyard hotel right where the tenders dock.

For Oahu, Aqua Zone is in the Marriott Waikiki, Easier to take a cab than a rental car.

For Lahaina, if you use Lahaina Divers, you can walk, If you use Maui Dive, a cab woudl be easy and cheap enough.

I don't know about Kauai.

Harris,

Denver, CO

Thanks, I'll check those out!

Laurie,

Big Island Divers is now owned by the same guy as Rockin H. The Rockin H floating dock is right off the pier where the tenders put in at Kona. You may want to ask them about picking you up at the Pier. The dive boats don't usually go there, but they may, especially if there's a few of you from the ship.

Harris

Denver, CO

+1 for Bubbles Below Kauai... We were there in March, weather kept us on the south shore sites. Had a couple of fanntastic dives with the turtles and fish and first time seeing live coral.

Jim

In Oahu, I only dive with Kaimana Divers. The owner, Gabe is super friendly and knowledgeable. I've only stayed @ resorts in Hawaii, but they picked me up at the resort, so I'd bet they'd pick you up at the port (but don't know for sure.)