Classes in Maui

[Zenagirl]

Originally Posted by FailedExistence

I didn't dive with Lahaina Divers, I did speak with them prior to our trip and ended up going with a couple other operations just because their offerings were more in line with what we wanted. I will say this though, we dove a site that Lahaina Divers was at as well and their boats were crowded. Watching the piles of people get herded into the water and then all crash into each other over the turtle that was spotted at the cleaning station convinced was enough to make me happy I wasn't with them.

That's why we won't do afternoon charters with Lahaina Divers. They put all their Discover Scuba folks on the afternoon boats so they tend to be more crowded and chaotic. Been there, done that once....won't repeat the experience.

On the other hand, we dive with Lahaina Divers on morning charters to Lanai at least one charter a year, and rarely find the boat to be crowded and even more rarely find the type of "divers" you're referring to.

[FailedExistence]

Originally Posted by Zenagirl

That's why we won't do afternoon charters with Lahaina Divers. They put all their Discover Scuba folks on the afternoon boats so they tend to be more crowded and chaotic. Been there, done that once....won't repeat the experience.

On the other hand, we dive with Lahaina Divers on morning charters to Lanai at least one charter a year, and rarely find the boat to be crowded and even more rarely find the type of "divers" you're referring to.

Good to know - thanks for the info. Might have to check them out for our return trip!

[mattp928]

Hey Savona Swimmer,

I just got back (2 days ago) from my first trip to Maui. I won't go into how sad I am to be home, BUT, I will give you some personal info that may be of some help.

I was OW certified when I went, and I had started my advanced open water cert in NY before I left. I was really hoping to do my deep dive in Maui, b/c the prospect of my first deep dive being in cold NY waters was less than appealing.

I called a few places, and the shop that made my life the easiest was Ed Robinson's. I called them on a Wednesday evening and scheduled my deep and boat dive (for my AOW) for Thursday morning. I met them at the boat ramp early on Thursday morning, and even though there were 7 other divers on the boat, I was the only one there for instruction.

Our first stop was Molokini, and the 7 other divers went there own way with their divemasters, and I went alone with my instructor, one on one. The deep dive was very relaxed and fun. They made me feel safe to do my first deep dive. During the dive, the instructor was taking some pictures of me with the unbelievable scenery at Molokini.

We did our second dive (my boat dive) at the St. Anthony Wreck down to about 70 feet. It was the same deal, me and my instructor went our own way and had a private dive. We saw giant turtles, and the instructor had me pose with them for some more pictures!

I couldn't be happier with my instruction and experience with Ed Robinsons. On my return trips, which will hopefully be very soon, I will definitely be diving with them again!

Hope that helps, and good luck! Whatever you choose, I have no doubt that you'll be happy, b/c let's face it... you're in Hawaii!!!

[boat]

Savona,

I dove with Shaka Doug a few years ago and would suggest you visit his web site for a look. He's a member here besides. Laid back but very conscientous. He would typically do shore dives with you. You might find that less intimidating than boat dives.

[brandon]

Shaka Doug would be an excellent choice for doing Discover Scuba from the shore - there is not a more laid back DM on Maui, you'll have fun!

-B

[gunkelj]

Can't speak for Maui, but I did my certification on the big island - Hawaii with Red Sail Sports they are connected with the Hilton. They were great and wife got to go along snorkling - showed her all kinds of things. It was a great experience. Been diving with them on three different trips for a total of 8 dives and each time they are very professional, not crowded and great service.