Quick Details
Diver
eLearning + 2 Avelo Dives
$ 549
Important Avelo RAD Certification Requirements
• You must be Open Water Certified
• This is a full-day course (~6 hours)
• For safety reasons, no flying or travel over Saddle Road for 24 hours after completion
About the Avelo System
Simply better scuba is now available at Hilo Ocean Adventures. The Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) Certification introduces a new way to dive that replaces the traditional BCD with a lighter, safer, and more streamlined system designed to improve buoyancy control, comfort, and efficiency underwater.
Imagine a scuba setup that is roughly half the weight of a traditional kit, provides more bottom time, and offers the freedom and trim often compared to freediving, all while maintaining constant and precise neutral buoyancy throughout the entire dive.
The Avelo System consists of two primary components, the Jetpack and the Hydrotank. There is no traditional BCD. Buoyancy control is achieved by adding or purging water from the Hydrotank. Because there is no compressible air space, divers remain neutrally buoyant regardless of depth, without constant adjustments.
To learn more about how the technology works, visit the official overview here: Avelo System Overview
Course Breakdown
- Avelo eLearning (1 to 2 hours)
Build on your existing dive knowledge with focused lessons designed specifically for the Avelo System. Learn the science behind water based buoyancy and how Avelo reduces task load, enhances safety, and transforms the overall dive experience at any certification level. - After completing eLearning, you will have 90 days to finish your in water training at any Avelo Dive Center. If additional time is needed, quizzes may be retaken to refresh knowledge and extend access.
- In Water Training (2 dives)
Complete two open water dives with an Avelo certified instructor. Training includes system setup, precise buoyancy control, ascents and descents, emergency procedures, and efficient diving techniques unique to the Avelo System. - Once all performance requirements are met, your instructor will complete your certification.
Get Certified
Upon successful completion, you will receive a digital Recreational Avelo Diver certification that can be accessed directly from your phone. Your certification is recognized at all Avelo Dive Centers and will travel with you as new centers open worldwide.
This certification authorizes qualified divers to dive using the Avelo System wherever it is offered.
Why Train with Avelo in Hilo?
Hilo Ocean Adventures is the only Avelo Dive Center on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Our healthy coral reefs and volcanic shoreline provide the ideal environment to experience the full benefits of the Avelo System.
With perfect buoyancy control, divers are able to reduce environmental impact, decrease mental load, and move effortlessly through the water. This allows you to focus on awareness, navigation, and enjoying Hilo’s thriving reef ecosystems.
Training in Hilo builds confidence in real world conditions while maintaining a calm, instructor guided learning environment.
Why Choose Avelo?
- Safer dives than standard scuba with increased peace of mind through precise and predictable buoyancy
- Longer dives made possible by optimized efficiency and reduced drag
- Reduced task load for a more intuitive and enjoyable underwater experience
- Lighter gear that makes entries and exits easier
Avelo allows divers to spend less time managing equipment and more time focused on movement, awareness, and exploration.
Weather & Ocean Conditions
Weather and ocean conditions on Hawai‘i Island vary by season and location. Our instructors evaluate surf, visibility, currents, and conditions daily to ensure safe and effective Avelo training dives.
Training locations or schedules may be adjusted to provide the best possible learning experience while maintaining safety standards.
Why Choose Hilo Ocean Adventures?
- Small group, personalized instruction
- Direct, supervised training on Hilo’s lava shoreline beaches and coral reefs
- Healthy reef environments that showcase thriving ocean ecosystems
- Passionate, educated staff focused on mastery, safety, and comfort
- Green Fins certified dive center committed to environmentally responsible diving
- PADI Five Star Dive Center recognized for high quality instruction and safety standards
Our goal is to offer forward thinking training that allows divers to move more efficiently, dive more comfortably, and enjoy longer, more relaxed underwater experiences.