Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Scuba Adventure in Kailua
Established in 1971, Aaron's Dive Shop has grown into Oahu's most respected dive facility, recognized as the #1 Dive Operator and Dive Shop on the island. As a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center, we meet the highest global standards for scuba education and safety. Our team of PADI-certified instructors, divemasters, and staff deliver guided certified dives, discover scuba experiences, gear rentals, and professional training to thousands of satisfied customers annually. We operate the only dive shop on Oahu's Windward Side and maintain a fleet of Coast Guard-inspected vessels equipped with emergency oxygen, AEDs, and first-aid kits. Our commitment to community engagement includes annual donations to local causes, participation in beach cleanups, and partnerships with conservation organizations.With over 50 years of combined experience, our leadership team brings deep technical expertise in recreational and professional-level scuba diving. We maintain rigorous equipment servicing protocols for regulators, BCDs, and tanks, following manufacturers' recommended schedules. Our facility supports military personnel through specialized gear orders and discounts, while our dive club offers unparalleled value for frequent divers. This combination of expertise, safety focus, and community dedication has earned us consistent recognition in publications like Scuba Diving Magazine and Hawaii Business Magazine.
Services
Certified Scuba Diving
Discover Scuba Diving
Snorkel Tours
Gear Rentals
PADI Courses
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- 50+ years operating Hawaii's most respected dive facility
- PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center with certified professionals
- Coast Guard-certified vessels with emergency medical equipment
- Active community involvement with conservation partnerships
- Comprehensive equipment servicing meeting manufacturer standards
Associations and certifications
- PADI
What people say
Outstanding instructors
Professional staff
Best experience ever
Knowledgeable and patient
Wonderful small groups
Services
Certified Scuba Diving
Guided dives for certified divers exploring Oahu's marine ecosystems. Our expert instructors lead small groups to premier sites like Ewa Pinnacles and Navy Tug. All necessary equipment included with optional Nitrox upgrades. Dives accommodate varying skill levels while emphasizing safety and marine conservation practices.
Discover Scuba Diving
First-time diving experience combining classroom instruction with shallow water practice and guided open water dive. Professional PADI instructors provide personalized training in controlled environments. Includes all gear and safety briefings, ideal for those testing scuba before certification.
PADI Certification
Comprehensive courses from Open Water to professional levels. Blended learning combines online theory with pool practice and open water dives. Experienced IDC staff maintain 50+ years collective teaching expertise. Military discounts available for active personnel pursuing certification.
Gear Rentals
Full selection of premium scuba and snorkeling equipment available for rent. Includes regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, and dive computers from top brands. Optional tank upgrades to Nitrox available. Reservations ensure proper sizing with delivery to dive sites included in rental price.
Tank Servicing
Professional visual inspections, hydrostatic testing, and oxygen cleaning for scuba tanks. Certified technicians follow strict safety protocols meeting PADI and manufacturer standards. Services include valve maintenance, chrome replacement, and corrosion prevention treatments to ensure equipment longevity.
People
Warren Murray
Owner
Retired engineer with 35 years in semiconductor/defense industries who turned lifelong diving passion into full-time pursuit. Transformed Aaron's Dive Shop into Oahu's premier facility while maintaining founder's legacy of excellence.
Larry Grayson
Course Director
PADI Course Director with decades of technical diving expertise. Oversees instructor development and advanced training programs. Recognized industry leader in scuba education and safety protocols, maintaining strict certification standards.
Rachel
Manager/Instructor
Multitasking marvel managing daily operations while teaching PADI courses. Combines business acumen with hands-on diving instruction, ensuring seamless customer experiences from booking to certification.
Chris
MSDT Instructor
Former electrical engineer turned scuba professional with 531047 PADI number. Specializes in beginner courses while maintaining technical expertise in equipment maintenance and dive safety procedures.
Lauren
Marine Biologist
Open Water Instructor with Masters in Marine Science from Hawaii Pacific University. Focuses on coral reef conservation and marine debris removal during dives. Combines scientific knowledge with practical diving instruction.
Questions
What are the minimum requirements to dive?
Minimum age 10 years, ability to swim, and medical fitness. A PADI medical questionnaire must be completed before diving.
Can I book dives online?
Yes through our website's live calendars or Book Now buttons. Minors and courses require phone booking.
What should I bring on a dive charter?
Swimsuit, towel, and personal dive gear if desired. We provide all necessary equipment including masks and snorkels.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refund with 36-hour notice. No refunds for no-shows or last-minute cancellations. Medical exceptions require doctor's notes.
Do you offer military discounts?
Active military receive 10% off rentals and services (excluding tanks/weights) with valid ID through Pacific Diving Academy partnerships.
How long do scuba courses take?
Most certifications require 2-3 days including online theory, pool practice, and open water dives.
Videos
Reviews (6)
John T.
Feb 04, 2022
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This is my 3rd year diving with the crew at Aaron's Dive Shop, spending January & February on the island and diving about twice a week. I also joined their dive club, a good value-added option. There are almost too many excellent members of the dive team to remember, but I'll try; Jake (he's gone now), Sarah, Tim, Kevin, Maddie, Lindsey, Kitty, Max, Willie, and Christian. Captains, John, Rick, Steve and definitely Garrett. Sorry if I forgot some of the staff. I usually dive the early morning dives. What a great way to start the day. This group has always tried to satisfy my
Lisa & Chris H.
Jan 22, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism
They know the best places! Professional operation, lots of fun, and look forward to diving again with Julian, Max, and Captain Steve. Yay for sea caves (oh, and that monk seal swimming next to us made the dive extra special).
They know the best places! Professional operation, lots of fun, and look forward to diving again with Julian, Max, and Captain Steve. Yay for sea caves (oh, and that monk seal swimming next to us made the dive extra special).
Lisa Kil
Jan 21, 2022
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Kitty was my instructor for the diving basics in the pool. She explained and demonstrated everything I needed to know and worked with me patiently on some of the stuff I was struggling with. Willy was my instructor for my first open water dive. I was initially a little nervous about the first dive but once he explained what we were going to do I immediately felt at ease. Firdy was my instructor for my second dive. I felt great going into the dive and finished off the rest of my lessons. Overall, I had a great experience accompanied by wonderful staff shout out to max and Steve, and the captain
Nick Y.
Jan 18, 2022
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Awesome first experience! Maddy was a great and attentive instructor. Would definitely recommend this outfit
Phoebe Lanham
Jan 15, 2022
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Fantastic experience with Aaron's! Had an amazing first time scuba diving with the Aaron's Dive Shop crew. I did not know much about diving, but now I am hooked for life. Mahalo to Kevin for organizing the tour and diving with me.
Wendy Hales
Jan 01, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism
Max was kind, funny and takes safety seriously! Great Dive shop to work with! Also Dive shop manager Kevin is super attentive to all divers needs and worked hard to ensure we had what we needed.
Max was kind, funny and takes safety seriously! Great Dive shop to work with! Also Dive shop manager Kevin is super attentive to all divers needs and worked hard to ensure we had what we needed.
