Classes in Maui

[Savona Swimmer]

Hi there
I am not yet licensed and am going to Maui in March. I am interested in getting my PADI there. Any ideas on reputable companies? There are a million of them. Looked at the "scuba gods" site as well as a few others and am getting confused. Also wondering if it works as well to do the course books at home, because I have seen that offered as well. Would love any tips!!!

Thanks

[FailedExistence]

My wife and I recently got back from Maui. We were certified before we left so I cannot speak to that - however depending on where you are staying I can definitely recommend a couple shops that we used.

So with that said ... which city are you staying in?

Also - have you considered doing your book and confined training locally and then just doing your checkout dives in Hawaii? This will allow you the most time in the ocean and get all of the studying out of the way while you're not yet in vacation mode.

[Zenagirl]

Definitely need to know where you're staying. Though to get you started: In Lahaina, I'd recommend Lahaina Divers (we did OW and AOW with them); and in Kihei Maui Dreams (we did Rescue with them).

Personally, I think doing the at-home "e learning" can be very valuable. It gives you plenty of time to work through the material at your own pace, then is reviewed when you arrive to begin your in-water (ocean) training.

[Savona Swimmer]

Thanks for the replies!! Okay I will definately do the e learning at home, that will save time on vacation for sure. We are staying in Kihea, but have a car if that makes a difference. I looked up "Scuba Gods", "Ed Robinson" and 5 Star Scuba, but I'm really just pulling names from a hat here, having no experience with them whatsoever. Thanks again for any more info!!

SSwimmer

[FailedExistence]

You'll definitely want a car for Maui, but driving back and forth from Kihei to Lahaina every morning would probably not be the most enjoyable time for you.

Since you're staying in Kihei I would talk to B&B Scuba ... http://www.bbscuba.com/

We dove with them a couple times while we were in Maui. We were certified and so we were guided but more or less left alone. We did still get to see how they interacted with students/inexperienced divers and they were extremely patient and helpful. Give them a call or shoot them an e-mail and they will answer any shop specific / training specific questions for you.

[Zenagirl]

In Kihei I'd definitely say check with B&B, Maui Dreams, and Shaka Doug for instruction. All three are HIGHLY recommended by people and have excellent reputations for good instruction.

Ed Robinson's (my preferred dive op) is geared toward the more experienced diver and I believe they contract out any instruction.

[JoeC]

It really depends on where you will be staying. If in the Lahaina or Kaanapali area I would definitely recommend Lahaina Divers. I have been diving with them since 1997 and visit at least once a year. Their staff is excellent and their equipment is first rate. Good luck.

[brandon]

Originally Posted by FailedExistence

Since you're staying in Kihei I would talk to B&B Scuba ... http://www.bbscuba.com/

We dove with them a couple times while we were in Maui. We were certified and so we were guided but more or less left alone. We did still get to see how they interacted with students/inexperienced divers and they were extremely patient and helpful. Give them a call or shoot them an e-mail and they will answer any shop specific / training specific questions for you.

I've dove with B&B numerous times, and have had the opportunity to see several of their instructors with students. Failed's recommendation is spot on, they're very friendly, patient and understanding with students and would be my first choice if I had to pick an instructor!

-B

[FailedExistence]

Originally Posted by JoeC

It really depends on where you will be staying. If in the Lahaina or Kaanapali area I would definitely recommend Lahaina Divers. I have been diving with them since 1997 and visit at least once a year. Their staff is excellent and their equipment is first rate. Good luck.

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.

[Savona Swimmer]

Thanks so much everyone. Great info and I feel like I can carry on and book now. Much appreciated!!