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Aaron's Dive Shops
Categories: Shopping Sporting Goods Active Life Diving Sporting Goods, Diving [Edit]
307 Hahani StKailua, HI 96734
(808) 262-2333
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat 7 am - 6 pm
Sun 7 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
17 reviews for Aaron's Dive Shops
Review Highlights
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"The staff was very friendly and patient with everyone." In 4 reviews -
"I mostly dove with Mel but all I can say is her relaxed..." In 4 reviews -
"...kept everyone informed of how to exit and enter the boat." In 7 reviews
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17 reviews in English
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Review from Meme W.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2012
I just got certified for open water scuba diving with Aaron's. I learned with an instructor named Melanie, and was the only student in a private pool. She was a tough instructor by making sure that you got the skills down (and not let you get away with anything) but I appreciate it. I feel so much more confident that I'll be okay in the water. She also took the time for me to review the basic skills that I had learned three years ago when I got certified to 12 meters. She takes scuba safety very seriously, and was very patient with me. I then went on two dives with Colin and Sam. They're a fun, friendly, and laid back pair to go diving with. They may be relaxed, but Sam (dove with him) is totally professional, patient, encouraging, and I felt completely safe with him in the water. Oh, and I got certified on my birthday so Aaron's gave me a t-shirt as a small gift, which was so nice! It makes the perfect souvenir. :)
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Review from Claire W.
12/8/2011
Went on a shore dive from the North Shore of Oahu to Shark's Cove with the divemaster from Aaron's Dive Shops and a few friends in August 2010. Don't be fooled by the name of this spot as there were NO sharks. I was hoping to at least see some sea turtles but did not see any either. We drove to the Shore by ourselves and met with the divemaster there with our rented gear. I don't remember his name but he was a young guy and was very nice and lead us to some nice spots to dive. I did not see anything exciting though. Maybe I was comparing this to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbeans...
We paid $70 each for one dive including the equipment, wetsuit, fin, etc. I don't know if that's the normal rate for diving Hawaii. I heard people also do boat dives near Wakiki beach for about the same price though, so that sounds a little high to me. If I go back I would probably try their boat dive so that I may see more sea lives. -
Review from Penelope W.
Rockville, MD
12/7/2011
We found Aaron's Dive Shop by accident and found that the staff is very friendly. They offer several dives a day with divers of all levels. They also give free nitrox which is a great added bonus and the price isn't that bad.
Only downside is that they really should get a better boat. Compared to other dive boats we've been on, this one was pretty bare. The first dive wasn't that impressive and there was not much to see. The buttom was very flat and there were very small fish. I got a better view from snorkeling nearby beaches than I did on this first dive. Other divers had similar comments.
The second dive was pretty cool and we got to see a bunch of sea turtles at Koko Craters. This dive site is quite popular as we saw several other groups diving. So be sure you keep an eye on your guide or dive buddies. -
Review from Audrey L.
9/27/2011 2 photos
Amazingly friendly and accommodating staff. The staff makes sure everyone is safe and has a good time. I really enjoyed meeting and diving with Pedro, Melanie, Silvia, Jeff, Ryan, and Cori. They have daily charters which run a bit more for single dives, but if you dive 3 or more days, you get a deal, about $15 off.
I dove 2 reef locations: Koko Craters (http://youtu.be/iwOyL9...) and Anglers reef; the mahi shipwreck (http://youtu.be/A8mT9a...) and the upside down LCU wreck (http://youtu.be/zZwB2o...) . While I barely knew any fish names or specimen other than those found in NEMO, my dive masters and boat captains were able to identify everything for me. Great sightings of sea turtles, white tip sharks, eagle rays, and lots of fish!
I definitely would love to come back to Kailua and dive with these guys again. Many Mahalos!Listed in: Island Living
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Review from Patra B.
8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
There was a Living Social deal for an introductory dive package which helped us decide to book with Aaron's Dive Shops. It was a great choice! They came to pick us up at our hotel in the morning and we were off on our adventure.
After we got to the boat, the dive staff went through all our instructions and got our gear ready for us. Unfortunately, the day we went out, there were high winds and the water was choppy. By the time we got to the dive site, I was getting nauseous. But once in the water, it wasn't that bad.
They take you underwater one by one to make sure you can do all the skills they showed you. I got to see my first sea turtle while practicing my skills. It was very worth almost drowning on my first time testing out my scuba lungs! After everyone is done with their skills, they take everyone down for the first group dive. We saw another huge sea turtle and lots of pretty fishies.
Unfortunately, when we got back on the boat to change our oxygen tanks, the sea sickness got worse, and I couldn't make the second dive. I finally puked, the group went back for the second dive, and THEN I felt better. Doh! I just ended up taking a nap on the boat until they got back up. I wasn't the only one who puked, so I didn't feel so bad. =)
Even with the sea sickness, I had a great time. The staff was very friendly and patient with everyone. They provide all your gear, so you don't have to worry about renting anything. And the pickup and drop off at our hotel was very convenient. I would definitely do this again, but I'll take dramamine next time!Listed in: Hawaii Adventures
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Review from Karen D.
7/25/2011 15 Check-ins Here
A day of meeting dolphins, sea turtles, eels, tropical fish, and sea urchins up close and personal...Aaron's Dive Shop introduced us to that and more as part of an introductory dive package purchased through Living Social.
This amazing, other-worldly experience was made possible through the fantastic instruction of Melanie and Sylvia, the dive masters for our excursion. Our party of four consisted of three who had never experienced scuba before, and these ladies did a terrific job of showing us the ropes so that we understood what to expect, knew the basic skills, and felt safe and comfortable the whole time. They were laid back and super friendly but very professional as well.
We checked in at the dive shop and rode with them to where the boat was waiting for us at Maunalua Bay Beach Park (across from Hawaii Kai Town Center). After we reached the dive site, we made two shallow water dives, 30-40 feet in depth, staying under first 15 then 25 minutes. There were other dive charters in the vicinity but none at our exact location. Light snacks and bottled water were provided (they recommended that we not eat too much as it could cause nausea). The excursion lasted 4.5 hours.
If you have never taken a trip of this kind before and are unaccustomed to boating, you will need to wear your swimsuit and sunscreen and consider bringing a beach bag with sunglasses, swim cover-up, towel, slippers (flip-flops), and hat. You will be out on the water for a long time, and you might end up getting colder than you expect between being in the water and feeling the windy conditions on the boat while you are wet. Take something for motion sickness if there is any possibility you could feel sea sickness as you will be in a small boat. They provide all the diving gear you need. Other than that, relax and enjoy--it's a whole new incredible world down in the deep blue sea! -
Review from C W.
Honolulu, HI
9/1/2011
I've had two experiences with Aaron's Dive Shop and both have been great. My first experience was when I went to their anniversary sale. They had a really good deal on a dive computer and after doing a little research online their deal was better than anything I could find online. I purchased it that day and the person helping me was very informative and helpful. My second experience was a few weeks ago. I purchased the Living Social deal and used it on their Corsair dive. When I first got to the harbor they greeted me and took my equipment to the boat. They were so helpful and kept everyone informed of how to exit and enter the boat. After our first dive they offered us water and snacks. Then after our second dive they offered us warm towels. I would definitely recommend them and I would definitely do another dive with them.
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Review from Christine M.
2/11/2008
We booked a 3 day suicide scuba certification at Aaron's. It's a local shop and the guys were completely cool. They dropped off reading materials and the instructional dvd at our hotel in Waikiki so we would be ready. (NOTE: The dvd is actually like FIVE HOURS LONG so don't wait until the night before like we did to watch it...).
Overall, I would recommend Aaron's but I'd offer a few pieces of advice for folks looking to get open water certified.
The class had five people in it. I felt as though you really got some personalized attention but I didn't particularly hit it off with our instructor. She was a Type A German woman with zero sense of humor. Everyone else at the shop were super cool but she was all business and would get frustrated with the class (and especially me) when we didn't get something on the first try. Sometimes I wondered if I had actually paid to be treated like an idiot. She was clearly proficient with lots of experience but patience was not one of her virtues.
We spent the first day in the classroom and the pool. They are cramming so much in the three days that they don't stop for lunch - which didn't bode well for me. I was STARVING. So bring some munchies with you. Even on the days that you dive in the ocean, they don't provide a box lunch or even suggest that you bring one. I painfully learned my lesson after day 1 and adjusted accordingly.
We did two dives a day in the ocean. It was pretty choppy but I think it was a great preparation for learning all of the skills. Jason was also with us and if I were to go back to the shop, I would definitely request him - both as an instructor and as a guide. He's great.
I am so glad that I'm PADI certified and that we were able to dive in Hawaii. But it wasn't easy... I'm glad that the shop wasn't touristy and I feel like I really learned all of the essential skills for a potentially dangerous activity. I wouldn't let a personality conflict with one person prevent my recommendation of Aaron's... -
Review from Emma L.
Sausalito, CA
7/6/2011
Aarons dive shop was the first dive company that I ever dove with, and four years later I still sive with them. They have a very friendly staff who are friendly and very helpful. The only few problems with this safe and laid back shop is that their equipment is somewhat worn down and the boats, mainly in Hawaii Kai, can feel unsafe during rougher seas. Although the boats can be a little uneasy, the captains of the boats are very friendly and offer you sodas and a dry place to put your towels and such. If you're not a person who cares about the equipment (which may be worn, but is still safe and ok for use) then this is a great place to go. They know all the secret dive spots and can show you same amazing and very hard to find aquatic animals on the dives.
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Review from David M.
Kailua, HI
12/26/2009
I've dove with Aaron's a few times over the past year or so. They offered free nitrox with their dives which was really nice to have. The divemasters vary in their style so if you don't quite get along with the one you get, I wouldn't say it's really indicative of the company as a whole. I've had great divemasters and ones I'd rather not see again.
The big benefit of this place is they do private boat charters. This means that Aaron's is the only company on their boat, so there's far less confusion and chaos going in and out of the water. Smaller groups also tend to be more enjoyable in my opinion.
All in all, I like Aaron's. They do a great job and have a generally positive attitude about things. Check 'em out! -
Review from Ian S.
Updated - 8/21/2008
After further consideration about the lack of safety, the open system for gas measurement, junk food on the surface interval, and contrasting with other boat dives at various prices, I have the following conclusion:
I would recommend that you find another company to use for a boat dive.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2008
Aloha, brodie. Welcome to a totally laid back dive, yo. We'll put you in the water, bro.
I see you… Read more »
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Review from Allen L.
Fremont, CA
6/29/2009
I did 3 boat dives with Aaron's Dive Shops. A drift dive, the Corsair and the YO. Jeff, Kevin and Roger were the staff members that led us.
They were great, each one has a lot of experience, very friendly, helpful and made my vacation safe and enjoyable. They picked me up at my hotel every morning, which made things easy for someone who is from out of town.
The drift dive saw us out on fairly rough seas but all went very well. We saw some great sea life and all had a good time. I did a PADI specialty cert on this dive. Jeff was very helpful.
My next dive was the Corsair, led by Jeff and Roger. What a beautiful dive! The life on and around the plane was surreal. Photographically, one could not have asked for more.
The YO, which was led by Kevin was a lot of fun also, These were my first wreck dives. I loved them due to the animal life that surrounds. I did not enter just swam around. The turtles, fish, octopuses and eels were about and just hanging out to be photographed.
My next dive trip to Oahu will be with Aaron's. -
Review from Ella B.
Los Olivos, CA
5/2/2008
We came in looking for snorkel fins. Me, being the novice, i dunno how much they cost. so the guy starts showing me like $100 fins! wow, uh, do you have any to rent instead??
luckily he was really cool about it and they had fins to rent, a pair for $6 a day. we rented two fins on monday and off we went to Hanauma Bay on Tues, only to find that the Bay was closed on Tues. What to do??
We called Ryan back at the dive shop and he recommended some spots we could go to, we ended going to Electric Beach but didn't snorkel b/c even some places are too local for me... anyway, so we ended up going to Hanauma which was awesome.
I give the dive shop 5 stars for service, but minus one b/c like everything else in Kailua, it closes really early at 7pm, so we weren't able to get our fins back in time and were charged an extra day. Not entirely their fault, but c'mon it's not even dark yet at 7!
If i needed other equipment, i would go back to Aaron's and support the local shop rather than a place like Snorkel Bob's. -
Review from Cj L.
Honolulu, HI
5/20/2011
I am truly happy to yelp about Aarons Dive shop since my previous encounter with another dive company Reef Pirates left me devastated and crying on the first day of my scheduled 3 day certification course which I didn't even get to start because the owner of the company was arguing and making me feel like a burden. (didn't even have me on the pickup schedule that day when I arranged it 2 weeks prior but his excuse was that the worker doesnt work there anymore and went on and on) Anyhoo.. now for better experiences.
That day I went online and found Aarons Dive shop and actually remembered hearing about them. I called and talked to Kit who was soooo accomodating..the 3 day course certification was flexible.. she scheduled me in the next day and my open dives didnt have to be in succession. They had their Padi packet that came with a dvd when the other place didn't even have one and I truly wonder how students that go through Reef were to study with incomplete resources?.I actually went in that day to pay for the course and met Kit she was sooo helpful and cheerful helping me set up with my mask and snorkel. I also got to meet Braunwyn the store manager who helped me by gear on another day and she wasnt pushy or seeking to make a expensive sale. Anyways, the next day after I signed up I was in class and poolside with Larry.. he is the BOMB! He has soo much experience and was soo fun and nice to work with. He was highly experienced and had so much patience and a cool jolly attitude, I didn't feel pressured or pushed learning things. He was truly like FAMILY someone you know and feel comfortable with. The next two open dives I was able to dive with Jeff and Mel. Who were a great dynamic team. I mostly dove with Mel but all I can say is her relaxed composure, knowledge , patience and demeanor truly made me feel safe to dive with her and wanting to dive with her. I highly recommend this group they dive to different sites everyday. -
Review from Justin B.
Kailua, HI
1/20/2011
The staff at Aaron's are very friendly and their rental dive gear is reasonably priced and of good quality. The only downside here is that their inventory is very overpriced.... you may as well order your dive gear from the internet after trying on a similar product at Aaron's.
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Review from Jason E.
Pflugerville, TX
6/19/2010
Great service and a good selectiono of gear for rent or purchase.
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Review from Sarah D.
2/20/2010
I loved the service at Aaron's. I got some great new fins at a really reasonably price. I haven't gone on any dives with them, so I can't speak to that, but the staff was friendly, I love my fins and I would definitely shop there again.
