Getting Open Water Certified in Maui: What to Know Before You Begin

Scuba diving in Maui is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have. Before you can explore the island’s vibrant underwater world, you’ll need your Open Water certification.

At Aloha Maui Diving, we’re proud to be a full-service dive shop offering everything you need to get started — certified instructors, quality gear rentals, tank refills, and a fully stocked diving shop. Whether you’re discovering a new passion or preparing for future dive adventures, here’s what to know before beginning your certification journey.

Scuba Diving Is Fun, But It’s Still an Extreme Sport
While diving in Maui is safe and accessible with proper training, it still requires a basic level of physical fitness. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable swimming, able to lift gear, and ready for time spent in the water during multiple sessions.

Before taking any scuba class, you’ll fill out a medical questionnaire. In some cases, your doctor may need to sign off before you dive. This doesn’t mean you can’t participate — it simply helps ensure your safety. If you have specific physical needs, diving can usually be adapted. For example, if shore entries are challenging, boat dives may be easier. If you prefer to learn at a slower pace, ask about referral programs that allow you to complete e-learning and pool sessions at home before finishing your ocean dives here in Maui.

Scuba diving is a lifelong activity that’s accessible to nearly everyone. Certification is open to students as young as ten, and there’s no upper age limit. The key is being honest about your physical and mental readiness so your instructor can keep you safe and comfortable.

Certification Takes Time and Focus
Many new divers are surprised to learn that certification isn’t just jumping in the water — it’s a structured process with three parts:

E-learning: About 10 to 12 hours of self-paced online lessons. We recommend starting this before you arrive in Maui.
Confined water training: Practicing basic skills in a pool or pool-like environment, usually across five sessions.
Open Water dives: Four ocean dives completed over two days.

In Maui’s resort-style setting, courses often move quickly, which is great if you’re already confident in the water. Expect two full days of training from roughly 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s a fun, action-packed experience, but it requires energy and focus.

If you prefer to move at an easier pace, we highly recommend a referral course. Many divers start their e-learning and pool sessions at home, then travel to Maui to complete their open water dives in our warm, clear ocean. This approach gives you more time to process information and build confidence.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the night before your class to start your e-learning. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed and confident you’ll feel once you hit the water.

Eat Before You Dive
It’s common to feel nervous or worry about seasickness, but skipping meals isn’t the answer. Diving on an empty stomach can make you feel tired or queasy. Eat a light breakfast — oatmeal, toast, or fruit — and bring easy, high-protein snacks to stay energized throughout your training. Remember to stay hydrated between dives.

Choosing the Right Certification Agency
There are several respected scuba certification organizations, including PADI and SSI. Both offer globally recognized programs and high training standards. At Aloha Maui Diving, we proudly teach through both agencies, and it’s perfectly fine to mix and match. For example, you can earn your Open Water certification with one organization and complete your next course with another.

What matters most is choosing a program that fits your needs and finding qualified instructors who can support you every step of the way — and that’s what we’re here for.

Why Train With Aloha Maui Diving

As one of Maui’s trusted dive shops, we’re more than instructors — we’re your partners in exploration. Here’s what you can expect when training with us:
Expert-led courses with SSI and PADI-certified instructors
Flexible scheduling, including referral programs for travelers
High-quality gear included with every course
A curated dive shop with equipment you can test, rent, or purchase
Small class sizes and patient, encouraging instructors

We’re here to make your certification process smooth, safe, and fun. Whether you’re a first-time diver or continuing your education, our team will guide you with aloha every step of the way.

Final Tips Before You Dive In
Schedule your certification early in your trip so there’s room to adjust for weather if needed.
Take each dive as a learning experience — progress happens dive by dive.
Ask questions! Our instructors love helping you grow your confidence.
Consider diver insurance. It’s an affordable safety net that’s worth having, even during training.

Let’s Get You Certified
Ready to explore Maui’s incredible underwater world? Aloha Maui Diving is here to help you earn your certification, feel confident in the water, and discover a lifelong passion for diving.
📞 Call us at (808) 495-9559
🌐 Visit alohamauidiving.com
📍 Stop by our dive shop — we’re fully stocked, friendly, and ready to help you dive in.