The Hawaiian archipelago remains the most remote chain of islands from a land mass in the Pacific Ocean, which makes for unique marine wildlife which are endemic to the islands. For a little trivia, what is the state fish of Hawai`i? Answer: Humuhumunukunukuapua`a, which translates as "a triggerfish with a pig-like short snout." A delightful sighting of this colorful creature during an adventurous dive will surely bring a smile to any scuba diver's face. Within the clear waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands exists a rich world full of diverse aquatic treasures and rare sights for underwater explorers.
Diving has been a part of human life since mankind learned to survive by collecting food from the sea, but the activity has only recently become more technical. The word "SCUBA" originally derives from an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, yet today it is more commonly known as simply scuba diving. In this type of dive, swimmers rely on their own source of oxygen, as opposed to air pumped from the surface with a line. Today, several large diving organizations like the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) train and offer certification for divers, which local dive companies take into consideration; as visitors who are already certified often can qualify for novice to advanced diving locales. However, many businesses offer tours to non-certified divers interested in getting their feet wet. Several companies even offer tours for young adults and children over the age of 10 years old.
The phrase "Pirates of the Hawaiian Islands" may not have the same ring as Disney's mega blockbuster series, but Hawai`i is the real deal. From gargantuan green sea turtles to the wide-eyed schools of "mempachi" as they're known in Hawai`i, or orange squirrelfish, the vast scope of underwater sights rarely disappoint. Let the kids re-watch their Disney favorites while you skim this non-comprehensive list to partake in a personal "Finding Nemo" adventure. Satisfy your maritime craving and escape from the daily grind of land lubbers by discovering the world under the sea.
Recommended Dive Companies:
Aaron's Dive Shop - Voted the Honolulu Advertiser's People's Choice Awards, "Best Dive Shop" two years in a row, this charming local shop is also a PADI 5 Star Center with introductory to advanced classes and refresher courses. If interested in learning more, its website offers a weekly "Dive Log" which gives a comprehensive look at the personalized details of individual dives. Location: 307 Hahani Street, Kailua, HI, Phone: 1-888-84-SCUBA, or 808-262-2333, Website: www.hawaii-scuba.com
Ocean Concepts - Operating primarily off the West coast of Oahu, Ocean Concepts is both a Scuba Diving and Water Sports Adventure Center offering diving, snorkeling and dive equipment repair or rental. Its boat charters include 13 multi-level dives, along with beginner to advanced technical PADI diver training and a unique course in Digital Underwater Photography. Special events include advanced open water night diving session for a nocturnal aquatic adventure from one of four locations on the leeward side. Location: Pearl Harbor, Pililaau Recreation, Schofield Barracks and Waianae, Phone: 1-800-808-DIVE, Website: www.oceanconcepts.com
Captain Bruce - Want to experience the natural beauty of the west side, but lacking the wheels? Captain Bruce's Scuba Diving has guided dives with Waikiki area hotel pickup. Unique to the west shore are ancient lava formations such as caves, caverns, arches and lava tubes. Bring the whole family, because keiki and non-divers can enjoy the whale and dolphin watching and snorkel during the charter tour. Phone: 1-800-535-2487, Website: www.captainbruce.com
Oahu Diving - Does one of your group members have a PADI Adventure Diver Certification? Look into the Deep Scuba Diver Course, where divers reach 130 feet below water. For first time divers, Oahu Diving also has courses tailored specifically for beginners. Tourists will enjoy the complimentary transportation from Waikiki and free digital pictures to take home for personalized memorabilia. Phone: 808-721-4210, Website: www.oahudiving.com
Reef Pirates - Arr. At Reef Pirates Diving, all dives are limited to groups of six or fewer divers, for a more personalized tour. Owner Sean Deming takes his mates on shallow reef, wreck and night dives in addition to offering varying rates for groups in search of a private charter. Phone: 808-348-2700, Website: www.reefpirates.com
Dive Oahu - Captain Brian offers everything from Friday night diving, shipwreck diving in Waikiki, to WWII plane dives in Hawai'i Kai. Whether certified or not, the captain encourages divers of all backgrounds to peruse their listing of tour packages. Location: Dive Oahu, Inc. 1085 Ala Moana #102, Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-922-DIVE, Website: www.diveoahu.com
Waikiki Diving - Although based in Waikiki, Waikiki Diving has tours which function at locales all around the island. Also boasting a small dive group of six heads per instructor, group dives explore craters, reefs and canyons. Location: 424 Nahua Street, Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-922-2121, Website: www.waikikidiving.com
Rainbow Scuba - Boasting the smallest group dive size of four divers per instructor, this scuba company offers PADI certification classes and specialty courses for deep and night diving certification. Lovebirds should note that Rainbow Scuba can conduct underwater marriage ceremonies. Location: Kewalo Basin Harbor, Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-224-7857, Website: www.rainbowscuba.com
Haleiwa Surf N Sea - Built in 1921, Haleiwa Surf N Sea has a plethora of aquatic activities available, not limited to scuba diving and PADI certification training. The PADI classes include Beginner and Advanced Open Water Diving Certification, Rescue Diver Certification and Dive Master Certification. The summer Sharks Cove dive has an easy access snorkeling and dense underwater caves for those with a more advanced background. Location: 62-595 Kam Highway, Haleiwa, HI, Phone: 1-800-899-7873 (SURF), Website: www.surfnsea.com
Breeze Hawaii - Not ready to take the plunge? Try "SNUBA" an experience that does not require certification and has the thrill of scuba diving with the safety of snorkeling. Snuba is offered at the exotic locale of Hanauma Bay four days a week, where visitors have often spotted the state fish among the colorful reef life. Island-wide dives are also offered, along with PADI certification classes at this 5 Star PADI Certified Scuba Center. Location: 3014 Kaimuki Avenue, Honolulu, HI, Phone: (808) 735-1857, Website: breezehawaiidiving.com
