TracysaCADiver
Contributor
Seriously consider local diving, for a variety of reasons. First off, you've got regional diving that's world class. Second, getting into a local diving scene gives you access to a lot of people to learn from. And third, diving is something you enjoy more, the better you get at it, and you don't get good at it without doing it frequently.
I don't have a problem with getting certified in Maui. Warm and clear is not bad for first dives. But if you enjoy your class and enjoy the Hawaiian diving, come home and talk to a local shop about doing a Discover Local Scuba experience with a DM. The kelp forests of Southern California are amazing places. (Google "Yukon images" and see some other spectacular sights!)
+1 On this, and I'll also add that if you certify in locally, you've also got this benefit: since you're in CA, if you go to other locations, they will more than likely take you anywhere, because as the saying goes, "If you can dive in California, you can dive anywhere."
Secondly, it's cheaper in that you don't have to pay for travel costs (i.e. Flight, hotel expenses, etc), unless you have some travel incurred to get to the certification site. Just my $.02 on that one.