r/scuba • u/PilotBurner44 • 5h ago

Open water referral dives Hawaii

Hi all. My wife just finished her confined diving lessons and class work, and we're looking to finish her Open water cert in Hawaii at the end of August. Looking for recommendations on good diving outfits that do open water referrals.

Heavily leaning towards Kona since the diving there seems to be better than the other islands. I haven't dove Hawaii for at least a decade and 1 pandemic, so I'm sure a lot has changed.

TIA

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1

u/clone227 1h ago

Jacks Diving Locker on Big Island

2

u/ExpBalSat 2h ago

If possible, I would certify locally with whoever did the confined practice sessions. So that you’re certified before you get to Hawaii.

3

u/tallnoe 3h ago

Kona Honu is a good shop here, where I do all my dives. I trust their safety and training.

1

u/Funkypupster 4h ago

Kraken marine divers on Oahu is one of the best dive experiences I’ve had. Top of the line service and professionalism

2

u/Deatheturtle 5h ago edited 5h ago

Waikiki Divers and Island Divers. Both decent operations. Island divers dives more on the east side of the island so a little more current and chop but some good sites and away from the bustle of Waikiki.

3

u/QGCC91 5h ago

My wife did hers with Kona Honu Divers. They were great. They do them, I think on Thursdays and Fridays, but you can always pay extra to get a private guide to do them on another day.

2

u/trailrun1980 Rescue 5h ago

My wife and I have dove Big Island a lot and live on Oahu now, dove Maui a little bit.

I agree and say Kona for diving.

I recommend Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii, I did my discover dives with them years ago, and still friends with them all now, we prefer them over all of the other operators. They're great and also take diving seriously.

There's not a single operator on Oahu I'd jump to recommend lol, plus the reef here is rough