Most travelers choose Prince Waikiki, Honolulu’s top-rated luxury hotel, for its sophistication, lavish amenities, and proximity to the island’s best adventures. And a rapidly growing area of interest here in Waikiki, Hawaii, is the aquatic artistry of scuba diving. Contrary to popular belief, swimmers do not need a license, certification, or prior experience to spend three or four hours scuba diving in Oahu. There are, however, many strict limitations, such as age requirements, the ability to swim, and general good health. Many are surprised to discover that diving is quite strenuous; thus, it has become a crowd-pleaser for fitness enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike over the decades. And, because scuba in Honolulu has become wildly popularized, there are over a dozen tours within the city limits.

Where to Find Scuba Diving in Oahu

Many of the most desirable Honolulu diving tours fill up months in advance, so remember to plan ahead. Prince Waikiki’s highly-skilled concierge team has strong relationships with the area’s top-reviewed scuba businesses, all of which provide safe, educational, and exhilarating dives. These three businesses come highly recommended by each team member as well as dozens of past guests.

1. Oahu Diving

Oahu Diving’s first-time diver program provides all of the necessary care to ensure that each voyage is nothing short of flawless. This local business prides itself on being the top-ranked boat tour or water sport in Honolulu on Tripadvisor. Divers can expect face-to-face interactions with sea turtles, harmless sharks, pufferfish, and so many more colorful underwater species.

2. Reef Pirates Diving

Reef Pirates, unlike many other Hawaii diving outfits, provides uncertified and certified excursions. With rates starting at just $135 per person (for three to four hours), scuba diving in Oahu has never been as inexpensive. These shallow reef experiences include two distinct dives where lucky participants can explore wrecks, thriving coral ridges, and dazzling shoals.

3. Living Ocean Scuba

Scuba diving in Honolulu is a genuine treat, primarily when it’s headquartered just across Ala Moana Beach Park from Prince Waikiki. Living Ocean specializes in sea turtle dives, Hanauma Bay excursions, and deep-sea wrecks (certification required). Most trips last approximately three hours, with the Hanauma Bay shore dive starting at only $80 per person. Not only is Hanauma Bay a picturesque locale, but it’s also home to some of the best diving in Hawaii.

Important Honolulu Scuba Details

In order to enjoy a safe, memorable dive led by one of the three above companies, remember to breeze through these bullet points. Much of this is common sense, but don’t be afraid to ask questions upon arrival (or read through each company’s FAQs). Certified divers know these rules and regulations backward and forward, which is why it’s always a plus to have taken lessons before the first dive. For curious uncertified divers, make sure to ask Prince Waikiki’s concierge team about insider knowledge on scuba diving in Honolulu, Pearl City, and Kailua.

• No diving license needed
• Diver’s must know how to swim
• Typical age requirements: 13-55
• Overall good health is a must
• Don’t fly until at least 18 hours after a dive
• First-time divers will learn about regulator usage and clearing beforehand
• Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen
• Always make reservations well in advance