Honolulu Scuba Company

Honolulu Scuba Company is a well-established fixture of the Oahu diving scene, situated in Kaka’ako near the bustling energy of Waikiki. For over 30 years, the owners have been dedicated to providing a professional, small-business approach to diving in Hawaii.

What distinguishes this centre is their independence; by owning their own custom-built 37 ft. dive boat, they maintain control over their itineraries. This allows them to select the best sites for the day and ensure you are not part of a massive, impersonal tour group. Whether you are looking for a shore dive or a guided boat excursion, the focus remains on a personable, well-managed experience.

The centre is led by Larry and Ronda Deckert, who bring three decades of combined diving experience and twenty years of small business management to the operation. Their approach is built on a foundation of customer service and a deep understanding of local conditions.

Instruction is provided through multiple major agencies, including PADI, SSI, NAUI, and SDI. This versatility ensures that whether you are starting your journey with an Open Water course or progressing through a Dive Master programme, the training meets your specific certification requirements. The staff is known for being knowledgeable and friendly, catering to a wide range of experience levels.

The training programme is extensive, covering the entire spectrum of diver progression. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba or Open Water Certification, while those looking to advance can pursue Advanced, Deep, or Specialty courses.

For professional aspirants, the centre offers Dive Master and Instructor Certification programmes. Technical training is a significant strength here, with specialised courses including Nitrox Diver, Tec40, Tec60, and Tec100. They also provide advanced training for rebreather divers through the Se7en and P2 programmes.

The centre operates a custom-built 37 ft. dive boat, which serves as the primary platform for their guided boat dives. This vessel is designed to provide a more intimate experience than the larger commercial tour boats often seen in the area.

On board, you can find refreshments to enjoy between dives. The boat is equipped to handle various dive profiles, including night dives, and provides access to the island's most significant wreck and reef sites. Nitrox is available for use during your trips.

The shop in Kaka’ako is a full-service facility, featuring an on-site repair centre to handle kit maintenance. They stock a wide range of reputable brands including Aqualung, Scubapro, Poseidon, Oceanic, Shearwater, Akona, Silent Diving, and Hollis.

For those requiring rental equipment, a complete range is available, including regulators, BCDs, and fins. While full kit hire is provided, wetsuits are available as an extra requirement. The facility also supports technical divers with a trimix O2 clean blending panel, a Masterline booster, and various consumables such as absorbent and bailout cylinder rentals.

The reefs around Oahu are teeming with life, from large pelagics to intricate macro species. You will frequently encounter green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawaiian green sea turtles navigating the coral structures. White-tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) are also part of the local ecosystem.

In the reef habitats, look for a variety of colourful fish including Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and various species of Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae). You may also spot eagle rays gliding through the water or spadefish near the wrecks.

For those interested in the smaller details, the area hosts a diverse array of invertebrates and macro life. This includes Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), various species of Moray eel (Muraenidae), and scorpionfish such as the leaf scorpionfish and devil scorpionfish. Garden eels are also found in the sandy patches near the reefs.

Diving in the area involves a variety of environments, from shallow reef flats to deeper wrecks and technical sites. The centre offers both guided boat dives and shore dives to suit different preferences. While specific seasonal swell or current data is not provided, the availability of technical support and Nitrox makes it possible to plan for a wide range of dive profiles.