Do I need to complete any coursework before the Advanced Open Water Diver Course?

Yes, PADI eLearning must be completed before the course begins to cover the academic portion in advance.

Is transportation to dive sites provided?

No, transportation is not included, so participants need to arrange their own travel to the meeting point.

What is the minimum age to participate?

You must be at least 18 years old to enroll in this course.

Is previous diving experience required?

Yes, participants must have an Open Water Diver certification prior to taking this advanced course.

What marine life can I expect to see during the dives?

Expect to see colorful reef fish, Hawaiian reef sharks, and during the night dive, majestic manta rays.

Are dive gear and equipment provided?

All necessary SCUBA gear for the course is included, so no need to bring your own unless preferred.

Earn Your Advanced Open Water Diver Certification in Kona’s Pristine Waters

Kailua-Kona, perched on Hawaii’s Big Island’s sun-drenched west coast, offers one of the most exhilarating settings to advance your scuba diving skills. The Advanced Open Water Diver Course run by Kona Honu Divers promises an immersive three-day dive experience that combines education, adrenaline, and the unmatched beauty of the Pacific Ocean. This course is designed for certified divers eager to deepen their knowledge and explore new marine environments under expert guidance.

Over three consecutive days, participants complete six dives that focus on key adventurous specialties including Deep Diver, Underwater Navigation, and the iconic Manta Night Dive. Each dive presents its own set of challenges and spectacular underwater vistas. From the bright coral reefs teeming with tropical fish to the mysterious nocturnal ballet of manta rays illuminated by dive lights, this adventure immerses divers in some of Hawaii’s most celebrated marine ecosystems.

Day one kicks off with local morning two-tank dives emphasizing buoyancy and Peak Performance Buoyancy skills—crucial for efficient, safe diving. These tropical waters, clear and warm year-round, offer excellent visibility and diverse marine life shaped by the volcanic coastline and rich reef structures.

The second day deepens exploration with dives focused on mastering depth and navigation techniques. Knowing how to maneuver through undersea landscapes with precision is key to enjoying dives safely while discovering lesser-seen inhabitants of the reef.

The final day includes either a Naturalist or Fish Identification Adventure Dive, refining awareness of Hawaii's underwater species, followed by the highlight: the Manta Night Dive. This rare experience lets divers witness giant manta rays feeding in near-total darkness—a humbling, unforgettable spectacle.

Kona Honu Divers stands out for its small minimum group size, ensuring personalized instruction from seasoned Master Scuba Diving Instructors and all necessary-course gear provided. While transportation isn’t included, the meeting point at The Honu One in Kailua-Kona is easily accessible.

This course not only boosts your diving qualifications but also deepens your appreciation for Hawaii’s vibrant underwater ecosystems, where conservation awareness is key. By choosing this certification in Kona, divers engage with marine stewardship in one of the world’s premier dive destinations.

For those ready to advance their underwater adventures, this course offers a perfect blend of technical skill-building and spectacular local wildlife encounters, backed by expert instruction in one of the most iconic island settings on the planet.