Big Island - Checkout dives for a kid

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Hey all -
Going to be on the Big Island for the first time in over 10 years at the end of the month, and we couldn't be more excited. In the past I have dove with Kona Honu, Big Island Divers, Jack's Diving Locker and others. I haven't ever had a bad experience with Kona dive operators.

My search this time is specifically for an operator who can do a stellar job conducting my 11 year old son's OW certification dives. I have never done any training in Kona myself, so I have no experience in this area, and particularly don't know if any would be better for kids. He will have all training completed and will have a referral from our LDS.

I'd especially like to find a small operator who can give him patient, encouraging support and attention, potentially at the same time I join to do some fun dives and my wife and son tag along to snorkel. It's also important that it be an operator that does not molest the wildlife (something I have encountered in Hawai'i in the past unfortunately). My son would be very upset if anyone grabbed an octopus or broke coral to get to a critter. He's very respectful of nature and wildlife.

Thanks in advance for any ideas! Cheers -
Gregg

 

[scjoe]

I'd go with one of the shops you've had good personal experience with than a recommendation from a stranger on Scubaboard. Having said that, Pacific Rim is a small operator I've dove with in the past and they are good.

 

[diversteve]

Maybe Kona Diving Company? They have a smaller powered cat so it's a more stable dive platform - and are good people - recommended here regularly. My buddy dove with them and his teenage daughter and friend snorkeled.

KDC

 

[KauaiScuba]

I'd hands down check out Diving Bell Scuba if you want personalized attention, Chad is a great Instructor and just straight up a good person. He'll be able to put together what you're looking for. -Nick