Honolulu dive shops?

[suitcases]

Hi all! I finally fulfilled a childhood dream and got my PADI deep water cert over the summer in North Carolina. I'm heading out to Honolulu for a conference next month, so I'm planning on taking advantage of the chance to dive again. I haven't done any dives since the boat dives we did as part of the course, and I don't have a lot of equipment or even a buddy to bring with me. (I also need some place easy to get to, since I won't have a car there.)

Does anyone know a good shop that would do a half-day charter, hospitable to beginners, without breaking the bank (including rental gear)? I have been doing some Yelp-ing and found that Oahu Diving and Kaimana Divers had good ratings, but I was wondering if anyone here might have more of an inside scoop.

Thanks!

 

[Kevrumbo]

Scuba Diving Beginner to Advance Classes, Boat Diving, Reef Diving and PADI Diving Certifications in Oahu, Hawaii | Island Divers Hawaii

 

[diversteve]

Many of the dive operators pick up at hotels in Honolulu. Gabe from Kaimana Divers gets recommended frequently - he's [user]scottitheduck[/user] here on SB.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Island Divers is not bad, but odds are you're going to be on a cattle boat (or barge with 30+ divers on it...) out of Hawaii Kai. My suggestion is Kaimana.

 

[scottitheduck]

Mahalo!

G

 

[RickyF]

I second Kaimana!

 

[CaptFlyingDutchman]

Kaimana is da bomb. Check them out on the Facebook @ Friends of Kaimana Divers.

 

[mike.chuanshi]

I always go with Aaron's Dive Shop. I have done about three dozen dives with them and nine certs. They have a reputation for being very professional, safe, and providing both locals and visitors with great experiences. Research them a bit and check out the reviews.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Aaron's is awesome...but they're also located in Kailua and usually dive out of Waianae or Hawaii Kai. If the OP can confirm they'll be diving the South side and won't need to run him back to the shop, they'd also be a solid choice.