Hawaii is an incredible scuba destination and offers experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. Hawaii is a great place to integrate Scuba diving into a shore vacation because there are great things to do above the water as well. It is not as well suited for live aboard vacations because there is not much to dive that isn't close to shore. Most great dive locations can be reached during a day trip (two tank dive) from your hotel.

 

Prices:

Hawaii, like most other tropical destinations, is affected by high and low seasons. The prices during the high season are much higher than the low season, and if you don't book for the high season early, you probably won't get good lodging.

-- The high season is mid-December through mid-April. Prices and reservations soar during this period and it should generally be avoided at this time. The winter is a time when many people from cold climates are espacing the weather. Spring is especially bad due to Spring Break vacationers. Although you may need to plan your trip during this period, it requires lots of planning and a thicker wallet. Additionally, the conditions that make the diving great do not exist during this season, so it is best to plan your Scuba vacation during the low season anyways.

-- The low season is the summer, and can offer great deals and lots of avaiablity. The crowds are much lower, and the conditions for diving are much better. If your schedule accomodates it, the low season is the ideal time for a Scuba vacation in Hawaii.

 

Weather:

The temperature in Hawaii remains consitent through the entire year, however humidity greatly increases during the summer. The best weather is during late Spring (April and May) and early fall (Septmeber and October). While the rainy season is during the winter, it is almost a garauntee that it will rain a little every day, but this should not affect your planning.

The conditions for diving are good year round, but are ideal during the summer. Water temps average 74 degrees but reach 80 during the middle of summer. You will want to plan to have a shorty or thin wetsuit while diving, as skin diving gets cold on longer dives. The famous waves of Hawaii are peak in the winter, and will make boat diving uncomfortable and difficult. The waves all but disappear in the summer, making boat trips much more enjoyable.

 

What you will see underwater:

Hawaii offers underwater spectales that are hard to find elsewhere. Although the reefs are not the incredible tropical type, there are great walls and volcanic structures that are unique to Hawaii. The fish are incredible, all types of big water as well as reef fish exist, and you will never be disappointed by the abundance of fish here.

The winter months, while not ideal for diving, may offer a chance to see whales. many types of whales migrate to Hawaii during the winter, and if you don't see them underwater, you will undoubtably hear them, which is an incredible experience.

 

Resources to help you plan your Hawaii Scuba vacation:

 

Travelocity Hawaii Air, Hotel, and Travel Packages: