Quick Details
Whole Open Water Course:
1 Confined Water Training Dive and 4 Open Water Training Dives
$ 750
Referral Open Water Course
4 Open Water Training Dives
$ 659
eLearning Course
Add on
$ 246
Private Course
add on upgrade (for either course)
$ 300
About the Course
Open the doors to a whole new world with the PADI Open Water Diver Course! Begin your journey into the underwater world in the warm, tropical waters of Hilo, Hawai‘i. This global, lifelong certification allows you to dive anywhere in the world.
Hilo’s reefs are home to vibrant corals, schools of reef fish, curious octopus, and frequent sea turtle encounters. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the chances are high! With expert instruction and small class sizes, we emphasize safe diving practices and environmental awareness—ensuring you become a confident diver while protecting our fragile ocean ecosystems.
Course Breakdown
- Step 1: eLearning – Complete your online training in 3–7 days (depending on your pace).
- Step 2: Confined Water Training – ~8 hours in the pool, including skill practice and a swim test (200m without fins OR 300m with fins, mask, and snorkel).
- Step 3: Open Water Dives – Four ocean dives over 2 days (2 dives per day, ~6 hours each day) where you’ll demonstrate skills and explore Hilo’s reefs.
Why Choose Hilo Ocean Adventures?
As one of the only dive centers on Hawai‘i Island offering the full Open Water Diver Course, we’re committed to high-quality instruction. Our goal is to train divers who are safe, confident, and environmentally responsible—so you can dive anywhere in the world with skill and respect for the ocean.
Must Review Before Purchase
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- Students must arrive 30 minutes in advance of course start time. Each student must be fully prepared (eLearning, PADI Medical and Liability paperwork, and student learning agreement completed). Failure to arrive without all necessary documentation will result in rescheduling to a private course at an additional $300.
- Students rescheduling less than 24hrs prior or mid course, will result in a $200 rescheduling fee for a group course or $300 for a private course.
- Certification courses are not refundable, if you are unable to complete the course within your stay, you have one year from the date of purchase to reschedule.
- Students who demonstrate the need for one on one instruction, per instructor recommendation, will be required to rebook to a private course at $300.
- The course minimum is 2 people, if you are the only person booked in a group course you will have the option to reschedule to another date or pay for a private course of an additional $300.
- Fins, mask, and snorkel that are suitable for diving are required prior to the first day of the course, please note, you will not be able to begin your course without them. We are happy to find the right fit for you and offer a 10% student discount for an entire package. Rescheduling fees will apply. If you need to purchase these items you must purchase them, at a minimum, the day before your course.
- The minimum participants needed for any recreational/specialty course is 2, if the minimum is not met for a certain course your options are upgrade to a private course or reschedule to an existing group course.
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- Relaxed one on one training with your instructor.
- Flexible dates and schedule, go at your own pace (slow/fast).
- Assistance with moving heavy SCUBA gear, students such as keiki ages 10-15 or older folks who may need assistance managing the weight of gear with ease.
- If you feel uneasy about doing a course in a group or uneasy about being in the water in general, we highly recommend doing a private course.