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Explore Hawaii

Hawaii, often synonymous with paradise, offers an unparalleled diving experience that captivates both novice and seasoned divers. The archipelago boasts a variety of dive environments, from vibrant coral reefs to dramatic walls and intriguing shipwrecks. Divers can explore ancient lava tubes and garden eel beds, providing a unique geological backdrop. Notable wrecks like the Corsair Plane and Carthaginian II invite exploration, while the clear, warm waters offer excellent visibility, enhancing the underwater adventure. Marine life in Hawaii is as diverse as it is abundant. The waters teem with colorful angelfish, graceful turtles, and various shark species. Many species are unique to the region, adding an element of discovery to each dive. Seasonal migrations bring in larger marine visitors like humpback whales, offering a thrilling spectacle.

Diving styles are diverse, with options ranging from shore dives perfect for beginners to liveaboard adventures catering to those seeking more remote sites. The "aloha" spirit of the locals, combined with the islands' natural beauty, ensures that a diving trip to Hawaii is a memorable experience. Hawaii's dive sites cater to all skill levels, making it an ideal destination whether you're looking for a relaxed shore dive or an adventurous boat expedition. The cultural richness and natural wonders, both above and below the surface, make Hawaii a truly special dive destination. With its warm hospitality and unparalleled marine environments, Hawaii promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of the Pacific.

Top Regions to Explore

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Open Water Diver Certification

Open Water Diver Certification

Begin your lifelong underwater adventures with Honolulu Scuba Company, an SSI Training Center. This globally recognized certification program combines personalized instruction with in-water practice to help you develop the skills, experience, and confidence to become comfortable underwater. No previous scuba diving experience is required.Your journey begins with SSI digital learning, introducing you to scuba equipment, underwater communication, and safe diving practices. Next, work with your instructor in confined water to practice essential skills, including breathing underwater, clearing your mask, and controlling your buoyancy.Your open-water training dives take place from shore, where you will put your new skills into practice under your instructor’s supervision. Explore the underwater environment while learning to manage your equipment, communicate with your buddy, and maintain comfortable, controlled movement through the water. Your instructor will guide you through each stage, helping you build confidence and develop safe diving habits.The course typically takes two to three days, depending on student progress and scheduling, and rental scuba equipment is included. Upon successful completion of all required academics, water skills, and training dives, you will earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification, opening the door to future diving adventures.Certification requires successful completion of all SSI course requirements. Training locations and schedules depend on ocean conditions and student readiness.

Honolulu Scuba Company, 670 Auahi Street, Suite A-1, 96813, Honolulu, HI, USA
October 14, 2026 +442 More
$699.00
Open Water Diver Certification with optional Boat Dives

Open Water Diver Certification with optional Boat Dives

Begin your lifelong underwater adventures with Honolulu Scuba Company, an SSI Training Center. This globally recognized certification program combines personalized instruction with in-water practice to help you develop the skills, experience, and confidence to become comfortable underwater. No previous scuba diving experience is required.Your journey begins with SSI digital learning, introducing you to scuba equipment, underwater communication, and safe diving practices. Next, work with your instructor in confined water to practice essential skills, including breathing underwater, clearing your mask, and controlling your buoyancy. You will then put those skills into practice during your open-water training dives, with your instructor guiding you each step of the way.Optional boat dives are available as part of the course. Choose this upgrade to complete a portion of your ocean training from a dive boat off Oʻahu’s west coast. Explore reef scenery while practicing your new skills and learning boat-diving procedures, including entering the water and returning aboard. Boat dives enhance the experience but are not required to earn your certification.The course typically takes two to three days, depending on student progress and scheduling, and rental scuba equipment is included. Upon successful completion of all required academics, water skills, and training dives, you will earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification.Certification requires successful completion of all SSI course requirements. Optional boat dives are subject to availability, ocean conditions, and student readiness.

Honolulu Scuba Company, 670 Auahi Street, Suite A-1, 96813, Honolulu, HI, USA
October 14, 2026 +442 More
$789.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Hawaii

Hawaii offers a captivating array of dive sites, each with its own unique charm. The "Corsair Wreck" off Oahu is a celebrated dive, where adventurers can explore a WWII fighter plane resting on the ocean floor. For those interested in shore dives, "Kona" on the Big Island is a popular choice, renowned for its rich coral reefs and vibrant marine life.

Unique experiences await in Hawaii, such as the famous "Manta Ray Night Dive" at Kona, where divers can witness graceful rays performing their nocturnal ballet. Both shore and liveaboard diving options are available, providing flexibility for divers to explore different underwater landscapes and ensure an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in Hawaii

Hawaii offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures typically ranging from 24°C–29°C/75°F–84°F. Visibility is generally exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, making it ideal for underwater exploration. The state's tropical climate ensures that diving is possible throughout the year, but conditions can vary slightly with the seasons. During winter months, the north shores of the islands experience stronger swells and currents due to trade winds, which may reduce visibility and make diving more challenging. Conversely, summer brings calmer seas and optimal diving conditions, particularly on the north shores. Divers should also consider local weather reports and seasonal marine life patterns when planning their trips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Hawaii

Hawaii's marine life is renowned for its vibrant biodiversity, offering divers an exceptional experience. The reefs are teeming with colorful fish like the Yellow Tang and the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, Hawaii's state fish, which are commonly seen throughout the islands. Reef fish are abundant year-round, providing a constant spectacle for underwater explorers. Seasonal highlights include sightings of the majestic Humpback Whales from November to April, particularly around Maui. Green Sea Turtles, or honu, are frequently encountered in shallow waters near the shorelines. During the summer months, divers might spot Manta Rays, especially off the coast of Kona on the Big Island. Sharks, such as the White-tip Reef Shark, are also present in Hawaii's waters, though encounters are more likely in areas like the Molokini Crater. These fascinating creatures contribute to Hawaii's reputation as a premier diving destination.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Green Turtle

Green Turtle

15k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.1k
M
1.3k
A
1.1k
M
1.3k
J
1.6k
J
1.6k
A
1.4k
S
1.4k
O
1.2k
N
1.2k
D
1.1k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

11k Sightings
J
890
F
757
M
904
A
792
M
957
J
1.1k
J
1.2k
A
982
S
971
O
915
N
859
D
906

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

3k Sightings
J
263
F
161
M
261
A
160
M
189
J
248
J
287
A
265
S
281
O
271
N
344
D
274
Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray

2.7k Sightings
J
150
F
129
M
253
A
242
M
255
J
256
J
276
A
262
S
291
O
216
N
168
D
180

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

1.8k Sightings
J
118
F
121
M
163
A
121
M
164
J
183
J
239
A
130
S
147
O
132
N
124
D
109

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray

1.5k Sightings
J
120
F
111
M
81
A
49
M
53
J
109
J
187
A
177
S
208
O
159
N
111
D
89
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

1k Sightings
J
81
F
37
M
85
A
53
M
113
J
109
J
103
A
111
S
109
O
93
N
61
D
70
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

836 Sightings
J
45
F
27
M
62
A
84
M
93
J
75
J
91
A
78
S
75
O
78
N
64
D
64
Spinner Dolphin

Spinner Dolphin

441 Sightings
J
29
F
27
M
52
A
48
M
42
J
65
J
30
A
35
S
37
O
16
N
31
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

6.3k Sightings
J
413
F
387
M
495
A
381
M
599
J
708
J
801
A
521
S
599
O
498
N
441
D
459

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

5.3k Sightings
J
395
F
328
M
408
A
315
M
514
J
594
J
627
A
446
S
543
O
386
N
375
D
378

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

4.7k Sightings
J
298
F
277
M
349
A
329
M
454
J
513
J
611
A
412
S
427
O
336
N
360
D
313

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

4.3k Sightings
J
280
F
244
M
360
A
253
M
428
J
484
J
602
A
359
S
442
O
320
N
277
D
270
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

3.9k Sightings
J
322
F
284
M
345
A
265
M
299
J
360
J
488
A
319
S
332
O
330
N
320
D
261

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

3.4k Sightings
J
268
F
209
M
300
A
208
M
336
J
387
J
407
A
289
S
335
O
255
N
222
D
224

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

3.2k Sightings
J
200
F
165
M
274
A
183
M
253
J
382
J
440
A
272
S
322
O
275
N
231
D
226

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

2.2k Sightings
J
154
F
155
M
169
A
147
M
255
J
233
J
269
A
178
S
224
O
141
N
140
D
157

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

2.1k Sightings
J
130
F
101
M
126
A
93
M
201
J
250
J
297
A
230
S
235
O
192
N
140
D
123

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

1.8k Sightings
J
87
F
131
M
167
A
105
M
169
J
193
J
256
A
120
S
190
O
152
N
106
D
88

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

1.7k Sightings
J
103
F
96
M
125
A
114
M
135
J
198
J
168
A
172
S
184
O
141
N
108
D
126

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

1.1k Sightings
J
49
F
76
M
81
A
60
M
99
J
132
J
158
A
135
S
104
O
90
N
68
D
51

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 50

Frogfish

Frogfish

957 Sightings
J
80
F
81
M
94
A
70
M
128
J
78
J
102
A
62
S
90
O
61
N
53
D
58

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

942 Sightings
J
67
F
78
M
80
A
59
M
105
J
63
J
84
A
90
S
103
O
49
N
102
D
62

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

815 Sightings
J
48
F
51
M
86
A
62
M
66
J
99
J
104
A
52
S
86
O
71
N
37
D
53

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

788 Sightings
J
38
F
37
M
59
A
45
M
54
J
99
J
105
A
105
S
100
O
65
N
47
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

679 Sightings
J
39
F
25
M
66
A
40
M
59
J
97
J
65
A
54
S
70
O
57
N
46
D
61

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

638 Sightings
J
44
F
55
M
46
A
29
M
71
J
86
J
65
A
79
S
56
O
24
N
38
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Sand Eel

Sand Eel

621 Sightings
J
30
F
38
M
52
A
59
M
46
J
68
J
77
A
56
S
68
O
50
N
40
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

594 Sightings
J
32
F
48
M
53
A
25
M
67
J
63
J
67
A
64
S
51
O
41
N
40
D
43

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

Flounder

Flounder

522 Sightings
J
36
F
34
M
48
A
28
M
47
J
46
J
48
A
52
S
62
O
51
N
39
D
31

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

497 Sightings
J
53
F
41
M
66
A
29
M
38
J
48
J
53
A
53
S
47
O
26
N
20
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

492 Sightings
J
36
F
37
M
42
A
49
M
28
J
44
J
56
A
52
S
50
O
30
N
40
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 19

Seal

Seal

449 Sightings
J
16
F
28
M
49
A
36
M
37
J
56
J
46
A
45
S
38
O
39
N
24
D
35

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

448 Sightings
J
24
F
36
M
40
A
34
M
44
J
48
J
80
A
55
S
33
O
20
N
17
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

446 Sightings
J
30
F
49
M
28
A
11
M
48
J
38
J
45
A
69
S
54
O
27
N
13
D
34
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark

384 Sightings
J
4
F
41
M
21
A
19
M
32
J
32
J
57
A
39
S
35
O
37
N
32
D
35

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner