How to Get PADI Certified on the Big Island (Step-by-Step)

our Complete Guide to Becoming a Certified Scuba Diver in Hilo, Hawaii

Dreaming of diving into Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters and exploring colorful reefs, lava formations, and sea turtles up close? If so, getting your PADI Open Water Certification is the perfect first step — and there’s no better place to do it than right here on the Big Island, especially in Hilo.

At Hilo Scuba Diving, we specialize in beginner-friendly PADI courses that combine expert instruction with the laid-back aloha vibe of east Hawaii. Whether you’re vacationing or local, here’s exactly how to earn your certification — step by step.

🌊 What Is the PADI Open Water Certification?

The PADI Open Water Diver certification is the world’s most recognized scuba credential. Once certified, you can:

• Dive up to 60 feet (18 meters)

• Rent gear and dive independently (with a buddy)

• Join dive tours around the world

• Start your advanced dive training

And yes — you can complete it during your vacation in Hawaii!

✅ Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Requirements

Before you begin, here’s what you need to know:

• Minimum age: 10 years old

• Basic swimming skills (200m swim + 10-minute float)

• Good physical health (complete a medical form)

• No prior dive experience needed

If you’re unsure about anything, contact us — we’re happy to help you get started.

🧠 Step 2: Complete Your Online Learning (Knowledge Development)

The first part of your PADI certification is classroom-based — but it’s all done online, at your pace.

With PADI eLearning, you’ll study:

• Dive theory

• Equipment basics

• Safety procedures

• Dive planning and problem solving

You can complete this portion before your trip, so you spend more time in the water once you arrive!

📩 We’ll send you your eLearning login once you register for your course.

🏖️ Step 3: Do Your Confined Water Training (Pool or Shallow Ocean)

Once you're in Hilo, we’ll take you into calm, shallow water — usually a protected shore entry site like Coconut Island or Richardson Ocean Park.

Here you’ll:

• Get hands-on practice with your gear

• Learn basic scuba skills (mask clearing, buoyancy, emergency procedures)

• Build confidence in a safe, controlled environment

This part is all about getting comfortable underwater — and we take it at your pace.

🤿 Step 4: Complete Your Open Water Dives

Next, it’s time to explore the reef! You’ll complete four open water dives over 2 days at real dive sites along Hilo’s beautiful shoreline.

Each dive will focus on:

• Practicing dive skills in real conditions

• Navigating underwater

• Safely ascending and descending

• Enjoying the reef while showing you can dive independently

You’ll dive with your instructor the whole time, and by the end, you’ll be ready to explore the ocean on your own.

🏆 Step 5: Get Certified & Celebrate!

After your fourth dive, you’ll officially become a PADI Open Water Diver! You’ll get a temporary card right away and your permanent certification card will be mailed to you shortly after.

This certification lasts for life and opens the door to:

• Deeper dives

• Wreck diving

• Night diving

• Worldwide dive travel

🐢 Why Get Certified in Hilo?

Hilo is Hawaii’s best-kept secret for beginner divers. Here's why:

• Calm shore dive entries (no boats required!)

• Lava reef formations and easy navigation

• Turtles, fish, and coral right offshore

• Fewer crowds than Kona or Oahu

• Personalized instruction from passionate local guides

🔗 Related: Why Shore Diving in Hilo Is Safer and Easier for New Divers

📦 What’s Included in Our PADI Course?

At Hilo Scuba Diving, your course includes:

• All PADI materials and eLearning access

• Full gear rental (wetsuit, tank, fins, mask, BCD, and regulator)

• Confined water and open water sessions

• Certification processing fee

• Small group or private instruction

• Tons of aloha 🌺

We keep our groups small for maximum attention and safety. Private courses are also available on request.

🧳 What Should You Bring?

• Swimsuit and towel

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Water and snacks

• An open mind and sense of adventure!

We handle everything else.

📅 Ready to Get Certified?

Becoming a certified diver is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make — and doing it in Hilo makes it even better.

👉 Book Your PADI Open Water Course in Hilo Now📍 Hilo, Hawaii📞 (808) 940-4630

Breathe deeper. Dive further. Discover Hawaii from beneath the surface.