PADI Open Water Certification on the Big Island
The world's most recognized dive certification - learn to dive in Hawaii with Kohala Divers, a PADI 5-Star Dive Center offering small class sizes, expert instructions, and private pool training.
About the Course
Small class sizes for personalized learning
Private pool training before ocean dives
Top-quality rental gear included
Unhurried, patient instruction
The PADI Open Water Certification is the world’s most recognized scuba certification, allowing you to dive independently with a buddy anywhere in the world. At Kohala Divers, we offer a premium certification experience with small class sizes, a private pool, and highly trained instructors committed to your safety and success.
How to Earn Your Scuba Certification
Begin your scuba journey with PADI’s self-paced online course, which typically takes 6–10 hours to complete. This eLearning program covers essential topics like dive theory, scuba equipment, safety protocols, and dive planning. You must complete the full course before starting your in-water training. Sign up for eLearning here.
Complete PADI eLearning (Self-Paced Study)
Once your eLearning is complete, you’ll practice your scuba skills in our private 10-foot training pool. You’ll learn and refine the basic techniques needed for safe and confident diving. You can choose between a two-session training format or a one-day intensive session (note: the one-day option is not available for kids under 15).
Pool Training (Confined Water Dives)
Ocean Training Dives (4 Open Water Dives)
Finish your certification with four open water dives, completed over two mornings. These guided boat dives allow you to apply your new skills in real-world conditions alongside Hawaii’s vibrant marine life. Your final dive will include a navigation and buoyancy challenge to confirm your readiness for certification.
What You’ll Learn
Become Certified
Pricing & Details
What You’ll Learn
During your PADI Open Water Course, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a certified diver, including:
- Scuba diving principles and safety guidelines
- Essential dive equipment use and maintenance
- Underwater communication and emergency procedures
- Buoyancy control and navigation techniques
How to Become a Certified Diver
Flexible Learning Paths to Fit Your Schedule
At Kohala Divers, we offer multiple scheduling options to help you earn your PADI Open Water Certification at a pace that works best for you. Whether you’re looking for a structured multi-day course or need a more flexible approach, we have a schedule to suit your learning style.
Additional Scheduling Notes
- Can’t do consecutive days? We can space out training over a longer timeframe—even up to a year! Contact us to customize your schedule.
- Need extra practice? If you’d like more time in the pool or ocean before certification, we offer additional training sessions for purchase.
- Referral Students: If you’ve already completed your pool training elsewhere, ask us about our Open Water Referral Certification.
Step 1: Complete PADI eLearning (Self-Paced Study)
Before starting your in-water training, you must complete PADI eLearning. This self-paced study takes approximately 6-10 hours and must be finished before your first pool session.
- Study at your own pace (6-10 hours).
- Covers dive theory, equipment, safety, and dive planning.
- Must complete Sections 1-3 before your first pool session.
- Must complete Sections 4-5 before your second pool session.
- Sign Up Here
Step 2: Choose Your Ideal In-Water Learning Option
We offer two structured ways to complete your in-water training.
OPTION 1: Standard Course 3-4 Day Course
This schedule is designed for those who want a well-paced learning experience, balancing confined water sessions and ocean dives to reinforce skills gradually.
Schedule
- Day 1: Afternoon pool session (Confined Dives 1-3)
- Day 2: Morning ocean dives (2 dives)
- Day 2 or 3: Afternoon pool session (Confined Dives 4-5)
- Day 3 or 4: Morning ocean dives (2 dives)
Why Choose This Option?
- Ideal for first-time divers
- Allows time to absorb skills gradually
- Recommended for younger students or those who prefer a slower pace
- Best choice during winter when pool temperatures may be cooler
- Days 1-4 do not have to be in a row—rest days can be customized. We have courses running a few days every week.
OPTION 2: Accelerated Course 3 - Day Course
For students who want to complete their certification faster, we offer an accelerated version that condenses training into fewer days.
Schedule:
- Day 1: Full-Day Pool Training (Confined Dives 1-5)
- Day 2: Morning Ocean Dives (2 dives)
- Day 3: Morning Ocean Dives (2 dives)
⚠ Note: We do not schedule full-day pool sessions for students under 15 years old.
Why Choose This Option?
- Travelers on a tight schedule.
- Students who have previously tried Discover Scuba Diving.
- Learning in warmer summer months, when the pool is comfortable for long sessions.
Details
- Duration: 3-4 Days
- Prerequisites: Ages 10+ (Junior Open Water for 10-14 years old)
- Max Depth: 60 ft / 18m (40ft for Junior divers, ages 10-11)
What’s Included
- eLearning course materials & logbook
- 1-2 confined water pool sessions
- 4 ocean dives (2 two-tank dive trips)
- All rental dive equipment
- Certification processing
- 10% student discount on gear purchases
Student Must Provide:
- Completed eLearning & medical forms
- Towel, water bottle, and reef-safe sunscreen
| Certification Type | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Open Water Certification | eLearning ($246, paid to PADI), Kohala Divers Course Fee, 4 ocean dives, pool sessions | $1188.38 (total with tax) |
| Referral Open Water Certification | 4 ocean dives over 2 days (for students who completed pool training elsewhere) | $725 + tax |
| Non-PADI Referral Certification | 1 pool session & 4 ocean dives (for students from other dive agencies) | $940 |
| Kamaʻāina Open Water Certification | 25% off standard certification rate for Hawai'i residents with valid ID. Includes pool sessions, rental gear, 4 ocean dives (eLearning not included) | 25% off standard rate) |
Become a Certified Diver with Kohala Divers
Experience personalized instruction, expert guidance, and real ocean dives when you begin your Open Water Certification with Hawaii’s trusted PADI 5-Star Dive Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PADI Scuba Diver and Open Water Certification?
- The PADI Scuba Diver Certification is a shorter course that allows you to dive only under the supervision of a PADI Professional (max depth: 40ft/12m).
- The PADI Open Water Diver Certification allows you to dive independently with a buddy (max depth: 60ft/18m).
- Want to learn more? [Compare PADI Scuba Diver vs. Open Water Certification here.]
What are the prerequisites for the course?
- Must be 10+ years old (Junior Open Water for ages 10 - 14).
- Students must be at least 15 years of age for full Open Water Certification.
- Students under 18 years old must be accompanied by and have the signature of a parent or guardian.
- Must be in good health - review the Diver Medical Form.
- If there are any questions to which you have answered "yes" on the medical form, you must get a medical release from us for your doctor to sign before starting the class.
- Must complete PADI eLearning before pool training.
How long does cerification take?
The course can be completed in as little as 3 days, or spread over time. We offer different scheduling options to fit your needs. See available schedules.
How much study time is required?
- E-learning is self-paced, and most students take 8 - 10 hours to complete.
How much in - water training is required?
- The full course takes 3 - 4 days, with approximately 6 hours of pool time and two mornings of ocean diving (4 dives total).
- Extra sessions can be purchased if needed.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is necessary! You just need to be comfortable in the water and meet the basic health requirements.
What if I haven't dived in a while?
If it's been over 2 years, we recommend a Refresher Course before joining the certification dives.
What if I only want to dive under supervision?
Consider the PADI Scuba Diver certification, which takes 2 - 3 days and qualifies you to dive with a PADI professional to 40 feet. You can upgrade to Open Water Diver.
