Ola ParaDive
Activities (16)
Boat Snorkeling Tour
Experience Hawaii's pristine marine life on this exceptional boat snorkeling tour Honolulu adventure with Ola ParaDive. During this 2 hours and 15 minute excursion, you'll have the chance to swim alongside sea turtles, dolphins, colorful tropical fish, and even spot whales during their seasonal visits. Ola ParaDive operates from two convenient harbor locations—Ala Wai Boat Harbor and Kewalo Basin Harbor—choosing the departure point based on optimal water conditions. They'll contact you before your trip to confirm the specific check-in location, ensuring you get the best possible marine life viewing conditions. Perfect for families with kids 10 and older, this boat snorkeling tour Honolulu experience welcomes snorkelers of all skill levels. While the experienced crew works hard to find Hawaii's incredible sea creatures, wildlife sightings naturally depend on ocean conditions, seasonal patterns, and feeding behaviors. As a leave-no-trace operator, Ola ParaDive emphasizes responsible wildlife interaction and ocean conservation. Everything you need comes included—snorkel gear, light snacks, and water to keep you refreshed throughout the adventure. Tours run daily with flexible departure times, starting from $54.99 per person for ride-along participants and $110 for active snorkelers. I recommend booking in advance since these popular tours fill up quickly. The good news? You can cancel up to 48 hours ahead for a full refund. Just make sure to arrive on time—there's only a 15-minute grace period before late arrivals are considered no-shows. Trust me, you won't want to miss this chance to explore Hawaii's underwater paradise.
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Sunset Boat Cruise - BYOB (Fireworks On Fridays ONLY)
Friday nights on Oahu have a rhythm, and the sunset boat cruise - BYOB (fireworks on Fridays only) Honolulu with Ola ParaDive fits right into it. Kewalo Basin Harbor is central enough that if you've spent the day in Honolulu, getting to Pier A for sunset isn't a detour — it's just the next stop. No hotel pickup, so plan your own way there, but the location makes it easy. The vessel is a catamaran, which means stable footing and a comfortable ride. Bring whatever you want to drink — it's fully BYOB — and a guide is included for the experience. Meals aren't included, so plan accordingly. Once you're out on the water, three hours goes by the right way: the sunset unfolds over the ocean, then the Friday fireworks display that's the whole reason this cruise is worth scheduling your evening around. That fireworks component is Friday-exclusive, which makes the timing deliberate rather than incidental. This cruise operates on Fridays only. At a low physical intensity with no swimming involved, the sunset boat cruise - BYOB (fireworks on Fridays only) Honolulu works for most people in your group. Minimum age is 10 years. The cruise is weather dependent, so conditions can affect whether it runs — worth keeping in mind when you're locking down Friday plans. Pricing starts from $99.99. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 48 hours out; cancel inside that window and you'll be charged the full amount. There's a 15-minute grace period if you're running late — after that, you're marked as a no-show with a $75 per participant rescheduling fee, so build in some buffer getting to Pier A. If a Friday evening on the water sounds like the right way to close out a day on the south shore, this is the one to book.
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PADI Open Water Diver Course - 2 Days
Two days on Oahu is enough time to walk away PADI certified — and the PADI Open Water Diver Course - 2 Days with Ola ParaDive is a solid way to spend them. This is the full certification, not a resort intro or a one-time discovery dive. Finish it and you'll hold a PADI Open Water credential recognized at dive sites anywhere in the world. The course is structured in three parts. Before you show up, you work through the knowledge development portion at home — plan for approximately 3-4 days of study material, so getting started well before your arrival is a good idea. Confined water training happens at Magic Island. Open water training dives take place on Oahu's North, West, or South shores, with the location sent to you by email or text based on conditions that day — the location is chosen based on weather and diving conditions. Open water sessions run from the beach or by boat depending on conditions. All the gear you need is covered — wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, and weights. A guide and safety briefing are included. Basic swimming ability is required, and difficulty is rated moderate, so this isn't a float-around-in-the-shallows situation. Expect real instruction. The course is weather dependent, and the operator reserves the right to reschedule if conditions don't cooperate. On the wildlife side, Oahu's reefs can produce green sea turtles, tropical fish, reef sharks, eels, and octopus — though any sighting depends on the day. No prior certification is needed to book. Health restrictions include pregnancy, heart conditions, and back problems. The PADI Open Water Diver Course - 2 Days starts from $119.99. Free cancellation applies up to 48 hours before; inside that window, the full amount is charged with no refund. No-shows are charged the full booking amount, with a $75 rescheduling fee. Late arrivals get a 15-minute grace period — after that, you're considered a no-show.
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Waikiki Shallow 2 Tank Certified Diver Boat Charter (40-60 ft)
Kewalo Basin Harbor is conveniently located near Waikiki, which is exactly why the Waikiki Shallow 2 Tank Certified Diver Boat Charter (40-60 ft) works so well for a Honolulu-based trip. Ola ParaDive also departs from Ala Wai Boat Harbor — both meeting points are easily accessible — so you're not burning half your day driving to some remote launch site on the North Shore or the west side. The charter runs 3 to 4 hours and covers two separate reef sites along the Waikiki coast, both between 40 and 60 feet deep. A dive professional guides you through both dives, and all the gear — wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, and weights — is already on board when you show up. The crew handles entries and exits at each site, which matters if you haven't been underwater in a while. A safety briefing is included. It slots cleanly into an Oahu itinerary that already has a full plate. The 3 to 4 hour duration leaves plenty of time for other activities once you're back on shore. Friends and family who aren't diving can come along as ride-alongs or snorkelers, which keeps the group together without anyone having to sit it out entirely. To participate in this Waikiki Shallow 2 Tank Certified Diver Boat Charter (40-60 ft) Honolulu trip, you need a valid Open Water certification — bring proof, as valid certification documentation must be presented. Those with pregnancy, heart conditions, or back problems aren't cleared to dive, and a confident swimming ability is required. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Pack a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a water bottle, and note that light snacks are included. Pricing starts from $89.99 per person (ride-along), with snorkelers at $99.99 per person and certified divers at $199.99 per person. The trip is weather dependent, so factor Ola ParaDive's cancellation policy into your planning before you book.
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Waikiki Beginner 2 Tank Discovery Scuba - Boat Charter
Here's your perfect introduction to Hawaii's underwater paradise. The Waikiki Beginner 2 Tank Discovery Scuba - Boat Charter Honolulu welcomes first-time divers with zero certification required—even if you're not the strongest swimmer, you're welcome aboard. Ola ParaDive runs this 3-4 hour adventure from Kewalo Basin Harbor, just minutes from Waikiki. Your first dive is all about getting comfortable. Professional instructors walk you through the basics: breathing underwater, using your gear, and essential safety know-how. Nothing rushed, nothing overwhelming. After a quick 15-20 minute break topside for snacks and a restroom visit, dive two becomes the real magic—a guided tour through Hawaii's incredible marine world. You'll glide alongside green sea turtles, spot octopus tucked into coral crevices, and watch rays drift by like underwater birds. Eels peek out from their hideouts while countless native fish create a living kaleidoscope around you. It's Hawaii's ocean exactly as nature intended. Everything's included: full scuba gear, light snacks, and professional supervision throughout. Current promotions even cover free equipment rental. Non-divers can tag along as ride-along passengers or snorkelers for an additional fee, making this perfect for mixed groups. One heads-up: PADI safety regulations prohibit personal cameras and phones underwater unless you're certified. However, GoPro camera packages are available for purchase to document your adventure. Book with confidence knowing you have 48 hours to cancel for a full refund. Late arrivals get a 15-minute grace period before rescheduling fees kick in. Weather can be unpredictable, so the operator reserves the right to modify or cancel for safety reasons. This Waikiki Beginner 2 Tank Discovery Scuba - Boat Charter Honolulu experience opens Hawaii's underwater world to everyone, regardless of diving background—exactly what discovering scuba should be.
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Magic Reef Night Dive
When the sun sets over Oahu, a completely different underwater world awakens. This Magic Reef Night Dive Honolulu adventure through Ola ParaDive transforms your typical diving experience into something truly extraordinary – think bioluminescent marine life dancing through the darkness and nocturnal reef creatures you'd never encounter during the day. From $125 - The excursion keeps things intimate with just 8 divers maximum, so you'll get plenty of personal attention from experienced dive professionals. Your evening begins at 5PM with check-in at Magic Island Parking Lot for gear fitting and a thorough safety briefing. They'll hand you two flashlights before heading to the meeting point at Kewalo Basin Harbour for your 6PM water entry. What makes this magic reef night dive Honolulu experience special isn't just the timing – it's what you'll see down there. Reef sharks cruise the depths while Hawaiian monk seals glide through their natural nocturnal habitat. The bioluminescence alone is worth the trip; it's like swimming through liquid starlight. Open Water Certified Divers can jump right in, but if you're new to night diving, don't worry. You can participate as an "Adventure Diver" with extra PADI instructor coaching throughout the dive. The maximum depth hits 60 feet, giving you plenty of reef to explore before your 7PM water exit. A few things to remember: there's a 12-hour altitude restriction after diving, so plan accordingly. Bring your own towel and water since transportation isn't included. The tour welcomes ages 10 and above, and all diving gear comes with your booking. You'll want to book at least 48 hours ahead for full refunds. They give you a 15-minute grace period for late arrivals, but after that, a $75 rescheduling fee applies per participant. Ola ParaDive reserves the right to alter or cancel charters due to adverse weather, minimum passenger requirements, or safety conditions. This is a leave no trace company – customers who actively try to touch marine life will be immediately returned to the boat with the rest of the dive forfeited and no refund. This magic reef night dive Honolulu adventure departs from the convenient Kewalo Basin Harbour location, making it accessible no matter where you're staying on the island.
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Wreck & Lava Tube 2 Tank Certified Diver Charter
The west side of Oahu offers some of Hawaii's most dramatic underwater scenery, and this wreck & lava tube 2 tank certified diver charter Honolulu experience from Waianae Small Boat Harbor showcases the best of both worlds. Over four hours, you'll explore famous shipwrecks teeming with marine life, then contrast that adventure with shallow lava tubes and vibrant reef formations along our rugged western coastline. Those deeper wreck sites? They're absolutely alive with sea turtles, eagle rays, sharks, and countless fish species that have made these underwater structures home. Your professional dive guides know exactly where to find the action and keep everyone safe while maximizing your encounters with Oahu's incredible marine ecosystem. The second dive takes you through geological wonders—lava tubes carved by ancient volcanic activity create an entirely different but equally mesmerizing underwater landscape. What I love about this wreck & lava tube 2 tank certified diver charter Honolulu is the small instructor-to-participant ratios. You're not just another face in a crowd of divers. Advanced certified divers can explore the full depth range, while those without deep diving certification can still participate as adventure divers. PADI professionals provide additional instruction and supervision, explaining safety procedures and deep diving parameters before you even hit the water. Everything's included and already loaded on the boat—no hauling gear around. The crew helps with water entry and exit at both dive sites, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. You need to be at least 14 years old, and pricing starts from $249.99 per person for advanced certified divers. Adventure diver options run from $279.99 per person. Family and friends can tag along as ride-along passengers or snorkelers for an additional fee. The boat leaves from Waianae Small Boat Harbor with a 15-minute grace period for late arrivals. Just bring yourself—all gear is provided, though pack some light snacks. Cancel with 48 hours notice for a full refund.
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Shore Diving For Beginners And/Or Certified Divers
Ready to explore Oahu's incredible underwater world? This off-shore diving experience for beginners and/or certified divers on Oahu's West Side opens up the ocean's secrets in ways that shallow 15-foot dives simply can't match. This 2-2.5 hour adventure takes beginners down to 40 feet and certified divers to 60 feet, revealing marine life and coral formations you'd never see from the surface. Never touched scuba gear before? No worries – no prior swimming or diving experience is required. First-timers get the full PADI Discovery Experience treatment, starting with Discovery Dive Basic Skills training in the protected waters of Magic Island Lagoon. Once you're comfortable, it's off to the open ocean for the real adventure. Certified divers jump straight into a guided 1-tank tour, while rusty divers can brush up with a PADI Refresher at the same rate. Here's where local knowledge really pays off. Your dive professional hand-picks the day's location based on current conditions and season, choosing from premier spots like Electric Beach, Magic Island, Point Panic, Sharks Cove, Three Tables, and Haleiwa Trench. This isn't some one-size-fits-all approach – it's about finding the absolute best conditions for your dive. The meeting point shifts between Magic Island Secrets, Electric Beach, and Point Panic, depending on where conditions are prime. Advanced swimmers ages 10 and up are welcome to join this off-shore diving program. One heads up for newbies: PADI safety rules mean you can't bring personal cameras underwater until you're certified, though GoPro packages are available for purchase. Weather acting up? No problem – we'll reschedule for another location or time to ensure you experience Oahu's underwater magic at its finest.
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West Side Lava Tube - 2 Tank Certified Diver Boat Charter (40-60 ft)
If you're looking for Oahu's best-kept diving secret, the West Side Lava Tube - 2 Tank Certified Diver Boat Charter (40-60 ft) delivers exactly what seasoned divers crave. Launching from Waianae Small Boat Harbor, you'll escape the tourist crowds and dive into some of Hawaii's most spectacular underwater terrain. This 3-4 hour adventure takes certified divers to two distinct reef sites at 40-60 feet depths, where ancient lava tubes create dramatic underwater cathedrals. Both Open Water and Advanced Certified Divers can explore these volcanic formations while swimming alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles, moray eels, octopus, and rays. Each dive site offers completely different geological features and marine habitats, so you'll never see the same scenery twice. What sets the west side apart? Calmer conditions and better visibility than most spots around the island. Professional dive guides know exactly where to find the best wildlife action, while the experienced boat crew makes water entry and exit smooth and safe. Everything's included and pre-loaded – scuba gear, equipment, and light snacks. Right now, you'll even get complimentary scuba gear rental. The west coast's unique positioning often provides ideal conditions for underwater photography and marine life observation. You'll witness Hawaii's volcanic origins up close as you navigate through spectacular lava tube formations that few visitors ever see. Divers aged 10 and older can join this West Side Lava Tube - 2 Tank Certified Diver Boat Charter (40-60 ft) Honolulu experience from $169.99 per person. Non-divers can come along as ride-along passengers or snorkelers for an additional fee. Just remember to book with 48-hour advance cancellation notice. This authentic Hawaiian diving experience showcases the island's remarkable underwater volcanic landscape and abundant marine biodiversity away from the crowded dive sites.
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West Side Beginner 2 Tank Lava Tube Discovery Scuba - Boat Charter
West Side Beginner 2 Tank Lava Tube Discovery Scuba - Boat Charter from $149 opens Oahu's west side underwater treasures to complete novices. No diving or swimming experience necessary! Ola ParaDive welcomes beginners aged 10 and up aboard their boat departing from Waianae Small Boat Harbor. The 3-4 hour charter breaks down the learning curve with two carefully planned dives. Your first dive serves as an underwater classroom where certified dive professionals guide you through equipment basics and essential safety procedures. Getting comfortable with breathing underwater takes priority—there's no rush here. Following a 15-20 minute surface interval for snacks and bathroom breaks, the second dive transforms into your real underwater adventure. This is where the magic happens. Under close supervision, you'll have the unique opportunity to explore Hawaii's pristine underwater world and ecosystem, where you may encounter diverse marine life including turtles, octopus, eels, rays and much more. Marine life sightings are not guaranteed and vary by conditions. Current promotion includes FREE scuba gear rental, making this accessible for first-timers. Family members can join as ride-along passengers or snorkelers for an additional rate. Per PADI diver safety regulations, you are NOT allowed to carry any cameras or cell phones underwater UNLESS you have a valid scuba certification/license. If you would like footage/pictures of your scuba experience, GoPro camera packages are available for purchase. All necessary gear and light snacks are provided. The 48-hour cancellation policy ensures full refunds. Punctuality matters—there's only a 15-minute grace period for late arrivals, after which participants will be considered a "No-Show" with a $75 rescheduling fee per participant. Ola ParaDive reserves the right to alter or cancel charters due to adverse weather, minimum passenger requirements, or other safety conditions. This West Side Beginner 2 Tank Lava Tube Discovery Scuba - Boat Charter experience combines professional instruction with Hawaii's spectacular underwater environment, creating the perfect introduction to scuba diving in a safe, supervised setting.
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Electric Beach Shore Dive - Seasonal Dive (May-August Only)
Electric Beach at Kahe Point Beach Park transforms into Oahu's premier diving destination during the warmer months, and this Electric Beach Shore Dive - Seasonal Dive (May-August Only) lets you experience this pristine offshore diving location. The 2 to 2.5-hour adventure caters perfectly to both nervous newcomers and seasoned divers looking to explore these pristine offshore reefs. NO SWIMMING OR PRIOR DIVING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Never touched scuba gear before? No worries. The PADI Discovery Experience starts you off with basic skills training in the shallows before gradually working up to the full 40-foot depth. It's hands-on learning at its best, with certified instructors guiding every step. Haven't been down in years? This same program doubles as a PADI Refresher at the identical rate. Certified divers get the full treatment—a guided one-tank tour with freedom to explore depths up to 60 feet. While beginners stay closer to the surface, experienced divers can venture deeper into Electric Beach's underwater landscape. Safety stays paramount throughout. Per PADI Diver Safety Regulations you are NOT allowed to carry any cameras or cell phones underwater UNLESS you have a valid scuba certification/license. A GoPro Camera Package lets Discovery divers capture their underwater memories too. Kids 10 and up can join the adventure, making this a fantastic family activity for those with older children. The seasonal timing runs May through August for this diving experience. When weather conditions are not ideal, the team reschedules to different locations or times rather than compromise your experience. Whether you're taking your first breath underwater or returning to the depths after time away, this Electric Beach Shore Dive - Seasonal Dive (May-August Only) experience delivers exactly what you're seeking: a safe, structured introduction to Oahu's offshore reefs during the designated diving season.
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Seatiger Shipwreck + 60ft Dive
If you're looking to explore Oahu's underwater world beyond the typical reef dive, the Seatiger Shipwreck + 60ft Dive Honolulu delivers an unforgettable two-tank adventure. This 3-4 hour charter from Kewalo Basin Harbor pairs wreck exploration with reef diving—giving you the best of both worlds beneath Hawaii's crystal-clear waters. The deeper waters around Oahu's shipwrecks are where you'll encounter the island's most impressive marine life. Think green sea turtles gliding through the wreck's structure, eagle rays cruising overhead, and reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections. The biodiversity at these sites simply can't be matched by shallow reef dives alone. Professional dive instructors accompany every group, maintaining small ratios that prioritize safety without sacrificing the thrill of exploration. Whether you're launching from Kewalo Basin Harbor or Ala Wai Boat Harbor, all your gear is waiting on board—no need to haul heavy tanks across town. Advanced certified divers can dive straight into the full Seatiger Shipwreck + 60ft Dive Honolulu experience, while newer divers can participate as adventure divers with additional PADI instruction. Your instructor will walk you through deep diving safety protocols and parameters before you slip beneath the surface. It's an excellent way to push your diving boundaries in Hawaii's forgiving conditions. Don't worry about leaving anyone behind—family and friends can join as ride-along passengers or snorkelers for an additional fee. The boat becomes your floating base camp for the morning. Pricing starts from $199.99 per person for advanced certified divers, with adventure divers paying $229.99. All equipment and professional guidance are included. Just remember to book at least 48 hours ahead for full refunds, and allow a 15-minute buffer for arrival—island time is real, but the boat won't wait forever.
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About
Living on Oahu, I've watched countless snorkeling and diving operators come and go, but Ola ParaDive has earned my genuine respect. Based right here in Honolulu, they've mastered the art of revealing our island's underwater treasures to visitors and locals alike.
What I love about their approach is how they've zeroed in on what Oahu does best-our incredible reef systems. These aren't your typical "jack of all trades" ocean tours. Instead, Ola ParaDive has built their entire operation around showcasing Hawaii's marine environments, taking groups to both easy-access shore spots and those pristine offshore sites that most people never see.
They've got ten different tours, which might sound overwhelming, but there's real thought behind each one. Their boat tours hit those crystal-clear waters that make for perfect snorkeling photos, while their shore diving options let you get up close with our tropical fish without fighting boat schedules. The seasonal Electric Beach shore dives-available May through August when conditions are just right-are particularly special. And if you've never done a night dive, their Magic Reef tours will completely change how you think about the ocean after dark.
For newcomers to diving, their PADI Open Water certification courses are thorough without being intimidating. But here's what really sets them apart: they actually know these reefs. After years of exploring Oahu's waters, I can tell when guides truly understand our marine ecosystems versus just following GPS coordinates. Ola ParaDive's team consistently finds the healthiest coral sites and seems to have a sixth sense for where you'll encounter the most marine life. Plus, they keep groups small, which means better safety and less impact on the reefs we're all here to protect.