How to Prepare for Your PADI Open Water Course in Hawaii
- mikedyson1
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
Getting your PADI Open Water certification is the first step in becoming a certified scuba diver — and what better place to do it than Hawaii? With warm water, incredible marine life, and stunning shore dive sites, Hilo is the perfect place to learn.
But before you take your first breath underwater, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your PADI course and make your experience fun, smooth, and unforgettable.
At Hilo Scuba Diving, we guide students through their certifications every week — and here’s exactly what we recommend for getting ready.
🧠 1. Complete Your PADI eLearning Before You Arrive
PADI Open Water includes both theory and practical dive training. The eLearning portion covers dive safety, gear, pressure, equalization, buoyancy, and more.
You can complete it online at home or even on your flight to Hawaii.
Why It Helps:
Saves time while on vacation
Lets you focus on diving, not studying
Helps reduce anxiety by giving you context ahead of time
🏊♂️ 2. Practice Basic Swimming & Comfort in Water
You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you do need basic swimming skills for PADI certification.
You’ll be asked to:
Swim 200 meters (no time limit)
Float or tread water for 10 minutes
If it’s been a while, hit the pool or beach before your trip to build comfort and stamina.
🎒 3. Pack the Essentials
While most gear is provided during the course, here are a few items we recommend bringing:
Optional Gear:
Mask & snorkel (for comfort and hygiene)
Rash guard or wetsuit top (for warmth and sun protection)
Reef-safe sunscreen
Waterproof bag or dry box
Bonus: You’ll use these even after you're certified for snorkeling and future dives!
📍 4. Choose the Right Location — Why Hilo Is Ideal
Not all dive schools or locations are the same. Hilo is perfect for beginners because:
Calm bays make training easier
Shore entries = no boats, no seasickness
Incredible marine life (turtles, octopus, eels, reef fish)
Less crowded than Kona or Oahu dive sites
At Hilo Scuba Diving, we keep class sizes small and focus on safety, fun, and personal attention.
📄 5. Review and Complete Your Medical Questionnaire
Before diving, you’ll fill out a PADI medical questionnaire. Some health conditions (like asthma or recent surgeries) might require clearance from a doctor before you dive.
Download the form early and review it at home — especially if you have:
Respiratory issues
Heart conditions
Recent operations or anxiety-related conditions
We’re happy to answer questions and help you navigate it!
🧘♀️ 6. Get Mentally Ready — Don’t Stress!
Many new divers worry about:
Breathing underwater
Clearing their mask
Equalizing their ears
These are all normal fears — and your instructor will help you overcome them step by step.
We move at your pace, and you’ll practice each skill in shallow water until you’re 100% confident. You’ll be amazed at what you can do by the end of your course.
📅 7. Give Yourself 3–4 Days to Complete the Course
The full PADI Open Water Course takes about 3–4 days, including:
1 day of confined water practice
2 days of open water dives (usually 4 dives total)
Time for review and certification
Pro Tip: Avoid cramming your course into your final vacation days. Plan for it early so you’re not rushed — and leave time to explore the island once you’re certified!
🎓 8. Be Ready to Learn & Have Fun
The most important thing you can bring to your course? A good attitude and curiosity.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’ll leave with:
A lifelong certification
Confidence underwater
Unforgettable memories from diving in Hawaii
🌴 Ready to Start Your PADI Journey in Hilo?
At Hilo Scuba Diving, we offer:
PADI Open Water certification
Small class sizes
Friendly, experienced instructors
All gear included
Flexible scheduling that works with your vacation
👉 Book Your PADI Course in Hilo Today📍 Hilo, Hawaii📞 (808) 940-4630
Learn to dive. Explore the reef. Start your underwater adventure in Hilo.
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