Should I buy scuba gear in Maui?

[rbgoesdiving]

Aloha,


Headed to Maui in two weeks and am hoping to go on 3-4 dives. I've toyed with the idea of buying a full set of scuba gear but unfortunately, I'm mostly a once-a-year (at best) vacation diver which I don't think justify the costs. After looking at the websites of most dive operators in Maui, it looks like I'll need to rent equipment for every dive. Given this, I'm thinking of buying at least a mask, snorkel, and fins and then renting everything else.

I live in the Bay Area and am wondering if those items would be cheaper to buy here? Or if I should just wait and buy them in Maui (where they're moderately priced to begin with)?

Appreciate any feedback. Thanks!


RB

 

[Moonglow]

It's better to buy your mask, snorkel, and fins in your local shop; then you'll own them for the price of a Maui rental. You should rent a multi-day priced package deal for the BCD, tank, regulator, and guages. By the way, Maui is going to be expensive for everything (even for a Bay area resident).

 

[DiveMaven]

Buy at home, and if you can, try everything in the water before heading over! However, most dive operations have excellent rental gear, and included in the price is usually mask and fins, so if you don't want to bother buying, use what the operator has.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I think owning your own mask and fins at least makes perfect sense. If it doesn't fit right it won't work. Have fun.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

I think owning your own mask and fins at least makes perfect sense. If it doesn't fit right it won't work. Have fun.

1+.

Whether you buy a mask and fins at home or on Maui, "Fit Is Everything".

If you have an "average" physical build (including your face!) you should be able to find rental gear that fits without any problem in a well-stocked dive shop.

But if you are like me, "broad of face and large of nose", there is a smaller selection of masks that will fit properly. People with small faces also have difficulty sometimes. But there are masks out there that work, it can just take a little searching.

Have fun with whatever you decide, and enjoy your trip!

 

[rbgoesdiving]

All - thanks for the responses. I think I'll try to buy a mask and fins before heading over there now. Thanks again!