Business Details
14 Years
experience
Scuba Diving & Ocean Adventures in Hilo, HI
Hilo Ocean Adventures is a family-owned dive shop located on the northeast side of Hawaii's Big Island. We specialize in scuba diving experiences, swim lessons, and ocean adventure tours that showcase the natural beauty of Hawaii's waters. Our team of certified dive instructors and guides has decades of combined experience providing safe, educational, and environmentally conscious excursions. We offer a full range of scuba certifications from beginner to advanced levels, including specialized training in night diving, deep diving, and underwater naturalist studies. Our tours include guided dives at renowned sites like Sea Turtle Cove, remote tropical reef explorations, and sunset cruises along the Hamakua Coast.Safety remains our top priority, with rigorous equipment maintenance protocols and comprehensive training for all participants. We maintain strong community ties through our sponsored dive club and cultural preservation efforts that respect indigenous traditions and marine ecosystems. Our facilities include a private pool for swim lessons and equipment rentals for snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. With operating hours from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, we provide multiple tour options throughout the day to accommodate various schedules and experience levels.
Services
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling Tours
Whale Watching
Swim Lessons
Kayak Rentals
Fishing Charters
Dive Certifications
Night Diving
Underwater Photography
Equipment Rentals
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Family-owned operation with 12+ years of local expertise
- PADI-certified instructors with rigorous safety protocols
- Eco-conscious tours respecting indigenous traditions and marine life
- Comprehensive equipment maintenance and oxygen tank sanitization
- Cultural, environmental, and social ethics integrated into all tours
Associations and certifications
- PADI
What people say
Amazing marine life encounters
Professional instructors
Well-maintained equipment
Breathtaking locations
Excellent safety focus
Services
Scuba Diving Tours
Explore Hawaii's vibrant marine ecosystems through guided scuba diving tours. Our expert instructors lead certified divers to prime locations like Sea Turtle Cove and remote tropical reefs. All equipment undergoes rigorous safety checks, and dives include transportation to and from sites. Participants receive field manuals and benefit from our PADI-certified instruction.
Dive Certifications
Professional scuba certification courses from beginner to advanced levels. Programs include Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and specialty certifications. Training includes books, equipment deals, and both classroom and practical components. All certifications meet PADI and NAUI international standards.
Whale Watching
Seasonal humpback whale watching excursions from December to April. Our knowledgeable guides provide educational commentary while ensuring ethical viewing distances. Tours include comfortable seating, local refreshments, and opportunities to spot other marine life like dolphins and sea turtles.
Equipment Rentals
High-quality scuba and water sports equipment rentals for certified divers and recreational users. Available items include snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and surfboards. All diving equipment receives regular maintenance and oxygen sanitization between uses.
Swim Lessons
Professional swim instruction for children and adults through our Keiki swim school program. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels with certified instructors. Private pool sessions available for personalized training in a controlled environment.
People
John Doe
Owner & Lead Instructor
With 18 years of diving experience and PADI master instructor certification, John oversees all diving operations and instructor training programs.
Maria Lopez
Operations Manager
Maria coordinates tour logistics and community outreach programs, bringing 15 years of local tourism industry expertise to ensure seamless guest experiences.
Questions
What scuba certification levels do you offer?
We provide PADI certifications from Open Water Diver to Rescue Diver levels, including specialty courses in deep diving, night diving, and underwater naturalist studies.
Are your tours suitable for non-divers?
Yes! Our sunset cruises, whale watching tours, and snorkeling excursions accommodate non-diving companions on most boat-based adventures.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain rigorous equipment sanitization protocols, provide comprehensive safety briefings, and ensure all dives have certified instructors with emergency response training.
Can I rent dive equipment without certification?
Basic snorkeling gear is available for un certified guests, but scuba equipment rentals require valid certification for safety reasons.
What marine life might I encounter?
Common sightings include green sea turtles, manta rays, tropical fish, and humpback whales during seasonal migrations in our primary dive areas.
Do you offer private dive charters?
Yes, we provide customized private boat charters for groups seeking exclusive access to remote dive sites and personalized instruction.
Reviews (5)
Prithvi Krishna
Dec 16, 2021
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We went on the snorkeling tour offered by Hilo ocean adventures and it was really worth it. Especially for beginners I would recommend the sea turtle one where you just walk into the ocean, which is much less unsettling than jumping off the boat. Our guide Kelsey was very knowledgeable and supportive and we would do it again if we get a chance.
Sarah Pekkanen
Nov 07, 2021
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Terrific, friendly team - we thoroughly enjoyed our day scuba diving. Because it was a small group, we got to know everyone during the trip and the dive master, who was very personable and knowledgeable, went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable with the equipment. We mentioned wanting to see sea turtles, and we saw plenty. Highly recommended!
Lisa Smith
Nov 06, 2021
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We were the only two who signed up for a Saturday snorkel & they still were happy to take us out! We had been directed to the shop for water shoes. They were so friendly & helpful we bought more gear & booked the snorkel. It really felt like we got our moneys worth. Snacks, juice, water provided. Kimo was a great story teller & Kelsie was in the water with us assuring safety. We saw dolphins! Ive had more visibility of fish in other locations but the time on the bay, seeing dolphins, the excellent service was top notch.
David Sparks
Oct 18, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
Went diving with the crew from HOA today and had an amazing time. Staff was very professional and knowledgeable. Saw beautiful reefs, lots of tropical fish, and tons of sea turtles! I recommend anyone looking for a good time diving with a great crew to book now. Thank you again! David and Shannon - Anchorage, Alaska.
Went diving with the crew from HOA today and had an amazing time. Staff was very professional and knowledgeable. Saw beautiful reefs, lots of tropical fish, and tons of sea turtles! I recommend anyone looking for a good time diving with a great crew to book now. Thank you again! David and Shannon - Anchorage, Alaska.
David Reilly
Oct 18, 2021
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If you want a great experience, long-lasting memories, and first class diving then check out Hilo Ocean Adventures. The team took such great care of us. Captain Kimo is an expert navigator. The swells were large (for this mainland dude) but the crew did a great job getting us to the dive sites. Doug (dive guide) and Kelsey (dive master in training) were awesome. Doug knows so much about whats under the surface and was very chill. The sea life was spectacular! We went through a small cave and met a very large turtle! Ill post pictures of this peaceful dude in an edit. Please give this team
