Business Details
Premier Scuba Diving Experiences in Honolulu
Manini Dive has been dedicated to providing exceptional scuba diving experiences in Honolulu and Oahu since our founding. Our owner and lead instructor, Max Brunk, brings over two decades of professional diving expertise and more than 15,000 logged dives to ensure every customer receives personalized, safety-focused instruction. We specialize in small-group diving to maximize individual attention, offering introductory dives for first-time participants and advanced wreck dives for certified divers. Our PADI-certified training programs follow rigorous industry standards while maintaining a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.With carefully selected dive sites like the YO-257 double wreck and Turtle Canyons, we showcase Hawaii's vibrant marine ecosystems including sea turtles, octopuses, and coral reefs. Our commitment to quality has earned recognition including the Best of Honolulu 2020 award for Diving Services. We provide all necessary equipment, underwater photography services, and door-to-door transportation to create seamless diving adventures for visitors and locals alike.
Services
Scuba Diving
PADI Certification
Introductory Dives
Wreck Exploration
Underwater Photography
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of professional diving instruction experience
- Maintain 4:1 instructor-to-diver ratio maximum
- PADI-certified training programs available
- Over 15,000 logged dives by lead instructor
- Award-winning service (Best of Honolulu 2020)
Associations and certifications
- PADI
What people say
Great experience
Professional staff
Unforgettable marine life
Personalized attention
Award-winning service
Services
Scuba Diving Instruction
Our PADI-certified instruction accommodates all skill levels from complete beginners to advanced divers. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention while learning essential techniques including equipment use, safety protocols, and underwater navigation. Students progress at their own pace through shallow to deeper dives, gaining confidence and competence in controlled environments before open water exploration.
PADI Certification
We offer comprehensive PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certification programs. The three-day Open Water course includes classroom instruction, confined water practice, and four open water dives. Advanced certification adds deep diving, navigation training, and elective specialties like wreck diving. All courses include equipment rental and digital learning materials for convenient preparation.
Introductory Dives
No prior experience required for these guided shallow-water adventures limited to 40 feet depth. We provide complete equipment and basic training for first-time divers to safely explore marine life including sea turtles and octopuses. Two-tank boat dives include instruction in fundamental skills while discovering coral reefs and artificial structures teeming with tropical fish species.
Wreck Diving
Certified divers explore historic shipwrecks like the YO-257 and San Pedro at depths up to 100 feet. These dives combine underwater history with marine ecosystem observation, featuring swim-through opportunities and encounters with white tip sharks, eagle rays, and vibrant coral growth. Night dives available for experienced divers seeking unique bioluminescent marine life encounters.
Underwater Photography
Professional-grade underwater photography services capture memorable moments during all dive types. High-resolution images include diver portraits with marine life subjects and environmental shots of wreck structures and coral formations. Digital photo packages provide shareable files with copyright permissions for personal use, included at no extra charge during regular dives.
People
Max Brunk
Owner & Lead Instructor
With over 20 years of professional diving experience and 15,000+ logged dives, Max Brunk is Oahu's premier PADI-certified scuba instructor. Recognized as Best of Honolulu 2020 winner, he specializes in personalized instruction for individuals with special needs and unique physical challenges. His deep knowledge of local dive sites and marine ecosystems creates unforgettable underwater experiences for divers of all ability levels.
Questions
What is included in the introductory scuba diving package?
The $180 introductory package includes all necessary equipment, two-tank boat dive, snacks, water, and basic instruction. No prior experience required with depths limited to 40 feet.
Do I need certification for wreck dives?
Yes, deep wreck dives require Open Water Certification with valid ID cards. Certification verification through PADI's online system is acceptable if physical cards are forgotten.
What marine life can I expect to see?
Common sightings include green sea turtles (honu), octopuses (tako), white tip sharks, eagle rays, and over 30 tropical fish species including the state fish humuhumunukunukuapua'a.
How do I prepare for my scuba diving adventure?
Complete the online medical questionnaire, bring valid ID, and arrive at Kewalo Basin 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Equipment sizing requires height, weight, and shoe size information beforehand.
What are the age requirements for scuba diving?
Introductory dives require minimum age 10 years, deep wreck dives require minimum age 15 years. No upper age limit with appropriate medical clearance.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Thomas Chao
Feb 07, 2022
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Max was referred by another dive master that I originally tried to book with (he had appts that day).
Max brought all the gear that I needed and saw to it that I had fun and safe dives. I bought the photos package, it worked out well for me because we came across giant turtles. If visiting Waikiki, definitely book with Max.
Mahalo Max!
Max brought all the gear that I needed and saw to it that I had fun and safe dives. I bought the photos package, it worked out well for me because we came across giant turtles. If visiting Waikiki, definitely book with Max.
Mahalo Max!
Chris Carlisle
Jan 13, 2022
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Took my sister here for her birthday, it was AMAZING!! Clear instructions and Max and Jordan did a great job showing us around the sea floor, saw lots of cool fish and a huge Hawaiian turtle! Brought a GoPro, forgot my SD card, they lended me theirs, got GoPro footage emailed to me thanks guys
John Clark
Jan 06, 2022
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I really enjoyed my dives with Max. He is a master diver and made me feel completely relaxed on our deep dive. Thank you for retrieving my weights.
Marnee M.
Dec 31, 2021
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This company was recommended to us and was the biggest mistake we made in planning our Hawaiian Christmas present to our kids. At first, they were extremely accommodating, but two weeks before cancelled our confirmed day/time and rescheduled for a later date. After frantically rearranging other reservations, we made it work, but learned that a big storm system was coming in during the new dates. After a few confirmations about being able to still go out, we felt reassured that our huge Christmas gift, 18th birthday present, and graduation trip would be a success. 90 min before, we received a call
Randy G.
Dec 08, 2021
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I originally contacted Oahu Dive and they were on vacation so they recommended I call MAX from Manini Dive Company....an email here and a phone call there....and I thought about it and decided to go with Max.
Max moved the time and the original boat was changed but overall that wasn't an issue he emailed in advance and I got there early so I can survey the area....
Max pulled up and was very friendly and we spoke a bit as he prepped....
Ended up another couple were on this dive as well and that was it...
perfect.....Max was very detailed and explained everything very well...was very patient
Max moved the time and the original boat was changed but overall that wasn't an issue he emailed in advance and I got there early so I can survey the area....
Max pulled up and was very friendly and we spoke a bit as he prepped....
Ended up another couple were on this dive as well and that was it...
perfect.....Max was very detailed and explained everything very well...was very patient
