Beginner's Guide to Scuba Diving in Hilo

Beginner's Guide to Scuba Diving in Hilo

Thinking about trying scuba diving in Hilo? Whether you're a first-time diver or looking to get certified, Hilo offers a safe, scenic, and supportive environment. Here’s everything you need to know before you dive in:

Why Learn to Dive in Hilo? Hilo’s calm bays, shallow reef structures, and lack of strong currents make it ideal for beginners. Unlike more crowded dive destinations, Hilo provides a more personal, relaxed training experience with a focus on natural beauty and marine ecology.

Essential Gear Overview: You’ll need a few pieces of basic scuba equipment:

• Mask & Snorkel: For clear underwater vision and surface breathing

• Fins: To move efficiently through the water

• Wetsuit: A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for Hilo’s typically 75–80°F water

• BCD (Buoyancy Control Device): Helps you float, hover, and sink with control

• Regulator & Octopus: Allows you to breathe from the tank safely

• Dive Computer or Gauges: Tracks depth and air

• We offer gear rentals, so you don't need to invest upfront. Make sure everything fits comfortably and is checked by a dive professional before use.

Getting Certified: The PADI Open Water Course We offer the globally recognized PADI Open Water Diver course. Here’s how it works:

1. Knowledge Development: Learn basic theory online or in a classroom.

2. Confined Water Dives: Practice essential skills in a pool or shallow bay.

3. Open Water Dives: Complete four dives in the ocean with your instructor.

The course usually takes 3–4 days and includes all gear, instruction, and certification paperwork. We even offer private or small-group instruction.

Best Beginner Dive Sites:

• Richardson Ocean Park: Calm and shallow with colorful coral and fish.

• Coconut Island (Moku Ola): Safe entry points and lots of small marine life.

• Puhi Bay: Flat sandy bottom with minimal current—great for training.

Safety Tips for First-Time Divers:

• Always dive with a buddy and follow your instructor’s guidance.

• Equalize your ears early and often to prevent discomfort.

• Don’t hold your breath—breathe continuously and calmly.

• Monitor your air gauge and ascend slowly at the end of each dive.

What to Expect: Expect a warm welcome, beautiful underwater sights, and an unforgettable experience. Your first dive may feel a bit overwhelming, but most people find it exhilarating and calming after the first few minutes underwater.

With expert instructors, excellent visibility, and safe dive environments, Hilo is one of the best places in Hawaii to begin your scuba diving journey.