Small-Group Deep Dive in Oahu with Shipwreck and Reef

As a PADI-certified diver since 2009, I have logged consistent dive travel experience—averaging two to three dive trips per year through 2020. While travel slowed for obvious global reasons after that period, I have continued diving, albeit at a less frequent pace. I share this context to underscore that I approach dive operations with both enthusiasm and a seasoned understanding of safety protocols, logistics, and guest experience expectations. Overall, Hawaiian Diving operates with high-quality equipment and a well-maintained vessel. The boat was in excellent condition, and all gear was prepared and assembled prior to departure. I appreciated that my equipment was fully set up upon arrival. I conducted my standard safety checks—verifying air levels and regulator functionality—and everything was in proper working order. The captain and crew were professional, courteous, and clearly experienced. Our group consisted of four divers, the boat captain, a dive master, and an assistant in training. The dive master requested verbal confirmation of certification from each diver, which I appreciated as an important baseline safety step. Our first dive was planned as a deep dive. Sea conditions were fairly rough that morning, and upon arrival at the site we experienced a prolonged wait while the boat was being knocked around. I later learned that this particular dive site allows only one vessel to tie up and descend at a time. While I fully respect marine management protocols, advance communication of this expectation would have helped set expectations—particularly given the surface conditions, where extended waiting can become physically taxing. On a personal note, I want to be candid. As a woman navigating menopause, I have experienced weight changes that required me to reassess my usual dive weighting. I acknowledged to the crew that the weights I previously dove with might no longer be sufficient. The boat captain was gracious in assisting with adjusting my BCD, which was not appropriately sized for me. I appreciated the willingness to help ensure proper fit and comfort. However, there were two operational elements that gave me pause. First, we were not formally paired with designated dive buddies prior to entry. I was the last diver to enter the water, and when I surfaced-ready to descend, the dive master and assistant remained at the surface while informing me that another diver had already gone down. Second, the weights provided to me proved insufficient for descent. Proper weighting is critical—particularly on a deep dive and in rough surface conditions—and ideally should be confirmed prior to entry to ensure smooth, safe descent and team cohesion. I offer this feedback constructively. Hawaiian Diving has strong operational fundamentals: quality equipment, a capable and attentive captain, and a courteous crew. With more proactive communication regarding site logistics, formalized buddy assignments before water entry, and tighter verification of weighting—especially for deep dives—the overall experience could align even more closely with best-in-class dive operations. I remain appreciative of the crew’s professionalism and the quality of the vessel. With refinements in communication and dive sequencing, this operation is well-positioned to deliver a consistently exceptional and confidence-inspiring experience.

Spent 3 days diving with Hawaiian Diving Adventurea and cannot recommend them enough! Caleb, Josiah and Callum were excellent Dive Masters and made sure we haf amazing dives. Safety was a top priority and so was the experience we had. We saw so many amazing things under the water and can’t wait to come back! Another big thanks to Captain D for driving The Beach so well! We saw turtles, dolphins, eels, Eagle Rays, and so much more! Book your next dive with them and you won’t be sorry!

We had an amazing dive trip! There were fish and turtles galore. The crew were very knowledgeable and helpful, thank you Demetrius and Rachel. And my husband and I were the only ones on the boat with them so it was perfect with our own private tour. I highly recommend the company and these dives!

Amazing crew, very flexible to the needs of their customers and very knowledge about their dive sites. The guide on our dive spotted things I would have completely missed because of how small it well hidden they were. Looking forward to diving with them the next time I come to Oahu.

Unfortunately, I had terrible experience with this company. They called the day before and cancelled my trip because I was the only client. I understand that would have been a loss for them, but as a business owner I know that sometimes you have to take a hit to build your business. When they called and offered to reschedule for the next day I initially said yes but I quickly realized that would put me within 13 hours of my red eye flight back home, which would put me at risk for decompression sickness. I texted and called to see if I could get on a night dive or something earlier but no one would answer my texts (even though they texted me first) or answer their main line. Oddly enough, I never heard from them again. They didn't even reschedule my booking. I also noticed they marked my cancelled trip on Viator as complete and charged my card. I finally got a hold of them 45 minutes before the scheduled dive. I kept trying so I wouldn't hold up the group with them waiting for me. They were pretty nonchalant about the whole thing. I asked about a refund and they said I'd have to work it out with Viator. I asked about a refund for the cost of checking my scuba gear and they have so far not responded to that request. I have no idea if these guys are capable guides, but I can definitely say they are not reliable or responsive as a business.