Honolulu: Beginner Scuba Diving with PADI Guide & Gear

Summary

First dive in Honolulu reefs with turtles rays and local PADI instructor

You’ll start your first scuba dive in Honolulu with a patient PADI guide showing you every step — from breathing underwater to spotting turtles or maybe even a shy reef shark. All gear’s included, plus snacks after your guided reef tour. It’s not just about what you see — it’s how you feel floating quietly in Hawaii’s underwater world.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — not the ocean itself, but the clatter of tanks and fins as we shuffled across the boat deck off Honolulu. Our guide, Malia, had this easy way of making everyone laugh (even when I fumbled with my wetsuit zipper). She handed me my mask and said, “You’ll get used to breathing like a fish.” I didn’t really believe her until we dropped below the surface. Suddenly everything was muffled except for my own bubbles — it felt like being inside a shell.

I’d never tried scuba before, so that 1-on-1 skills session was actually a relief. Malia showed me how to clear my mask and equalize my ears, then waited while I tried it myself. The water tasted faintly metallic through the regulator — not unpleasant, just different. There was this weird moment where I realized I could actually stay down there, floating above coral that looked almost painted on. A green sea turtle drifted past and I nearly forgot to breathe out. You know that feeling when you’re both nervous and kind of giddy? That was me for most of the dive.

We followed Malia along the reef edge — she pointed out a sleeping eel tucked into a crack (I wouldn’t have spotted it), and later some butterflyfish darting around like confetti. At one point she signaled “shark” but it turned out to be a small reef shark gliding way below us; honestly, it looked more curious than scary. The sun made these shifting patterns on the sand that I still think about sometimes. Afterward, back on the boat, someone passed around pineapple chunks and cold drinks. My hair was full of salt and I couldn’t stop grinning — even when I tried to say mahalo properly and totally butchered it (Malia just laughed).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Introductory scuba diving and reef tour

• Attend 1-on-1 skills session
• Learn basic safety guidelines
• Dive under PADI Professional supervision
• Join guided reef tour
• Observe marine life like sharks and turtles
• Enjoy free gear rental and refreshments

Top questions

Is this scuba diving experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's designed for beginners with no prior diving experience required.

Do I need to know how to swim for this tour?

Yes, all divers must be able to swim to participate.

How old do you have to be for this Honolulu scuba diving tour?

The minimum age is 10 years old; ages 10-11 require an additional fee.

Is equipment rental included in the price?

Yes, premier gear rental is included free of charge.

Will there be a guide during the dive?

Yes, each group is led by a certified PADI professional guide.

Are snacks or refreshments provided?

Yes, free snacks and refreshments are included after your dive.

Can I book this as a private session?

Add-ons are available for private guides; check during booking.

What marine life might I see during the dive?

You may see turtles, eels, rays, octopus, starfish, crabs, Hawaiian fish—even dolphins or sharks.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; check confirmation email for details.

What’s included

Your day includes all premier scuba gear rental at no extra cost, personalized skills training with a certified PADI professional guide right from Honolulu’s south shore, plus snacks and cold refreshments once you’re back on board after exploring Hawaii’s reefs together.