Hawaii · SCUBA DIVING

The 15 Best Scuba Diving Trips in Hawaiʻi

27 tours  ·  from $77

Lava tubes, drop-offs and warm water year round, with certification available in a morning. These 15 separate the try-dives from the two-tank charters, with prices, depths and what is included in the gear hire.

First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos - Learning the gear before entering the water
Oahu Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Oahu, Tour Reviews

First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

1.First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,123 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

Meet guides such as Alex, Nick, Danny, or Rida at Magic Island Lagoon for a beginner-friendly scuba session. You’ll learn safety and equipment basics, practice in waist-deep water, then reach about 15 feet with an instructor beside you. Gear, a small-group lesson, and underwater GoPro videos are included.

“Danny was an amazing instructor! Definitely worth every penny! Don’t forget to bring some extra cash to tip the instructor! So fun!”

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Oahu Shark Dive - Meeting Galapagos and sandbar sharks face to face
Oahu Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Oahu, Shark Tours, Tour Reviews

Oahu Shark Dive

2.Oahu Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,903 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

From Haleiwa, you’ll boat into the open Pacific, receive a clear safety briefing, then watch Galapagos, sandbar, or hammerhead sharks from a secure cage. You can also stay on deck and see the action. Crew members such as Maddie and Emma are praised for calm, friendly guidance. Plan for rough water, bring seasickness medicine, and check in 30 minutes early.

“10/10 experience. I was a little hesitant to go alone, as I’m not a people person, but this year I’m trying to push myself to get out of my shell. I felt so safe from being on the boat to being in the cadge, our experts were Maddie, and Emma whom were so so kind and explained what we needed to do very straightforward and simple. The sharks were incredible! I wish I took my underwater camera down with me, but the water was so harsh I didn’t trust myself to hold it and I’m honestly glad i didn’t and just experienced it in real time. I did however get…”

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Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore - Meeting the Galapagos sharks
North Shore Tours, Oahu Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Oahu, Shark Tours, Tour Reviews

Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

3.Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,485 reviews · 1h 30m · from $99

From Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, you’ll ride into open water with North Shore Shark Adventures for a 90-minute shark encounter. A certified English-speaking guide explains the safety rules before you enter a cage shared by up to eight people. Expect about 15 to 20 minutes near sharks, with possible whale, dolphin, turtle, and seabird sightings along the way.

“Great experience and excellent staff! 100% recommend this to anyone!”

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Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore - Watching Galapagos and Sandbar Sharks Up Close
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Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore

4.Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,391 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

From Haleʻiwa Boat Harbor, you take a short boat ride to open water, where Galapagos and Sandbar sharks circle a floating cage. The crew provides masks, snorkels, safety guidance, and shark facts. The boat holds no more than 12 people, and an observer ticket lets non-swimmers stay aboard.

“The idea seems scary at first but after jumping in and seeing the sharks circle the cage and watching them it’s calm within chaos. The day we went the weather conditions were awesome and there was high visibility and lots of sharks 🤙”

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Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu - Why the four-person limit helps
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Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu

5.Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 877 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $77Best value

Learn basic scuba skills with instructor Kyle at Magic Island Lagoon, a sheltered site near Waikiki. After a safety briefing and shallow-water practice, you spend 20 to 30 minutes underwater with a maximum of four people. Scuba gear, instruction, and an underwater video package are included for $77.

“Kyle was knowledgeable and nice. He did a great job explaining the ins and outs of basic scuba diving. He made us feel comfortable the whole time.”

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Safe and Educational Shark Dive from Haleiwa: Sharks Guaranteed - Staying Safe in Open Water
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Safe and Educational Shark Dive from Haleiwa: Sharks Guaranteed

6.Safe and Educational Shark Dive from Haleiwa: Sharks Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 553 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $165

From Haleiwa, One Ocean Diving takes you into open water to observe sharks, fish, turtles, and possibly whales. Marine biologists explain shark behavior, body language, species, gender, and Hawaiian cultural traditions before you enter the water. Snorkel gear and safety equipment are provided, and the crew may record your experience for purchase.

“Definitely highly recommend. Just make sure you read the instructions for taken Dramamine😆. Epic experience indeed!”

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2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers - What the first underwater session is like
Cruises & Boat Tours, Maui Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Maui, Tour Reviews

2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers

7.2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 548 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $306

Meet Dive Maui at 6:30 AM for a boat trip from Lahaina to Lanai. Certified divers make two underwater sessions of up to an hour, usually visiting a Cathedral site plus another location. Guides such as Abby, Jess, Brian, and Scott focus on safety, marine life, and calm support for divers with different skill levels.

“Experienced dive master Jess takes great care in making sure your experience is memorable and safe. Mahalo Jess!”

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Dive with Sharks in Hawaii: Shark Tour from Haleiwa - A shark briefing with a purpose
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Dive with Sharks in Hawaii: Shark Tour from Haleiwa

8.Dive with Sharks in Hawaii: Shark Tour from Haleiwa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 468 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $153

From Haleiwa Harbor, you’ll travel about 3 miles offshore for a guided shark-swimming experience with One Ocean Diving. Marine scientists explain shark behavior, safety, and conservation before you enter the water. Snorkel equipment is included, and you may also see turtles, dolphins, or whales.

“It was so amazing! I would highly recommend! Best experience ever! We did see a great number of sharks, but we did the big ones! We saw 3 tiger sharks and it was so incredible.”

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Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu - The shallow reef slows the morning down
Oahu Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Oahu, Tour Reviews

Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu

9.Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 331 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $248

Join Dive Oahu from Kewalo Basin Harbor for a three-hour, two-tank outing to a south-shore wreck and shallow reef. You need approved scuba certification, swimming ability, good health, and no flight within 24 hours. A PADI professional leads the trip, with gear, tanks, snacks, and drinks included.

“Sharks, eels and turtles - saw them all. Dove masters and Captain wee great (Nacho, Ron and Nick). I would do it again.”

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Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour - How the reef compares with the big promise
Cruises & Boat Tours, Oahu Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Oahu, Sea Turtle Tours, Sea Turtle Tours in Oahu, Tour Reviews, Tours

Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour

10.Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 300 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $299

Spend four hours with Waikiki Dive Center on a two-tank boat scuba trip off Oahu. Beginners receive one-on-one instruction, then explore shallow coral reefs with guides such as Josh, Chad, Olga, and Red. Expect warm water, turtles, fish, and possible rays, eels, octopus, or sharks. Full gear, snacks, and water are included.

“Perfect scuba experience for beginners. Our instructor (Josh) was so knowledgeable, clear with his instructions and entertaining during the instructional period and the dives. We had an absolute blast and the pace was great for us who had never done it before. Saw some really cool stuff too.”

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Certified Diver: 2-Tank Shallow Reef Dives off Oahu - Kaiser’s and Secrets offer variety
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Certified Diver: 2-Tank Shallow Reef Dives off Oahu

11.Certified Diver: 2-Tank Shallow Reef Dives off Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $141

Join Dive Oahu at Kewalo Basin Harbor for two shallow reef descents at sites such as Turtle Canyons, Kaiser’s, or Secrets. Expect depths of 25 to 50 feet, full gear, snacks, refreshments, and a PADI professional such as Heather, Jordan, Nacho, or Lindsey. Snorkelers can often join the same boat.

“We had a great time. Crew was really fun and nice. Jordan was our dive master and he was very focused on everyone's safety. I haven't been diving in few years, and he took the time to make sure I was good. Their equipment is top notch! We even ended up running into whales and the boat stopped so we can see them. Overall, would highly recommend!”

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Intro/Refresher Dive Swim Ability Required - What happens during the two-hour session
Maui Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Maui, Tour Reviews

Intro/Refresher Dive Swim Ability Required

12.Intro/Refresher Dive Swim Ability Required

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 248 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $239

Meet at 65 Kai Ala Drive in Lahaina for a two-hour beginner scuba lesson with a certified instructor. You will learn basic skills, use provided equipment, and explore Maui’s underwater world in a group of no more than four. Instructors such as Mike and Thai are praised for patience and clear teaching. Strong swimming ability and medical clearance rules apply.

“Absolutely amazing! The guy was so patient and knowledgeable. We 100% recommend. The water is perfect, and the views were even better!”

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Shark-Dive Tour on Oahu's North Shore - Meeting Galapagos sharks in 250-foot water
North Shore Tours, Oahu Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Oahu, Shark Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Shark-Dive Tour on Oahu’s North Shore

13.Shark-Dive Tour on Oahu’s North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 240 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $135

From Haleiwa, you’ll ride three miles offshore to 250-foot waters for a cage-free shark swim. Ocean Outfitters Hawaii provides snorkel gear, trained guides, and a small boat limited to 12 people. Captain Lily and Tyler have been praised for calm safety briefings, though rough seas and changing conditions can affect the outing.

“DONT BOOK THIS TOUR! You will waste your money! The company changed the time on me three times, I tried to work around the first time change however I got lost on the bus. I then booked a car TWICE to try and make it. The first time I made it but no one was there, I was not sent a reconfirmation so I showed up at the wrong time and the last time I was 15min late due to being stuck in waikiki trying my hardest to get the car because the company had changed times one me again so I tried to make it however they said they…”

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Shark Cage Diving On "The World Famous North Shore of Oahu", Hawaii - Meeting Galapagos sharks at the cage
North Shore Tours, Oahu Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Oahu, Shark Tours, Tour Reviews

Shark Cage Diving On “The World Famous North Shore of Oahu”, Hawaii

14.Shark Cage Diving On “The World Famous North Shore of Oahu”, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 222 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

From Haleiwa, you’ll take a fast catamaran to shark waters off Oahu’s North Shore, then snorkel from a floating cage while Galapagos and other sharks circle below. Captains such as Derek, Kama, Taylor, Forrest, and Tyler lead the trips. You can stay aboard, watch from the rail, and look for whales, dolphins, and turtles.

“My husband and I had so much fun doing this! I would absolutely go again in a heartbeat. Nellie and our boat captain (Trevor, I believe) were very personable. We had a thorough safety briefing about the boat and then we were good to go. There were families on the tour with us but it was still a small group of about 10 people if I recall. Everyone had a great time and the Galapagos sharks did not disappoint! We saw multiple sharks the entire time we were in the cage, and at one point I counted 8 of them around us. I believe we were in the cage for…”

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Beginner Scuba Dive in Lahaina: Swimming Required - Moving from shallow water to the reef
Maui Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Maui, Tour Reviews

Beginner Scuba Dive in Lahaina: Swimming Required

15.Beginner Scuba Dive in Lahaina: Swimming Required

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $229

At Kahekili Beach Park, you’ll learn basic scuba skills in shallow water before exploring Maui’s reef with an instructor such as Shane, Simon, Kevin, or Jen. The two-hour session suits confident ocean swimmers age 10 and up. Expect turtles, eels, tropical fish, and a small group capped at eight people.

“Simon was phenomenal! My boyfriend and I were first time divers and Simon was extremely knowledgeable and made us feel so comfortable in the water! Definitely the highlight of my trip!”

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New in Scuba Diving

★ 4.6Kailua-Kona: Night Manta Snorkel or DiveFrom $1297 reviews
★ 4.52 Tank Shore Dive at Sea Turtle Cove19 reviews
★ 5.0Two Tank Morning Reef Dive and SnorkelFrom $19554 reviews
★ 5.02-Tank Daytime Scuba Dive Boat TripFrom $22826 reviews
★ 5.0One Tank Manta Night Dive and SnorkelFrom $13556 reviews
★ 5.0Kauai’s Exclusive Morning Scuba Charter for Experienced DiversFrom $25947 reviews

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