Safety And Dangers of SCUBA Diving In Hawaii

Q: Can you scuba dive with sharks in Hawaii?

Yes. We frequently encounter white tip reef sharks during our dives in Honolulu. They are generally not aggressive and are often found resting under reef overhangs.

Article by Ken Goetz, SCUBA diving instructor, Rainbow Scuba Hawaii on October 27, 2021

Page At‑a‑Glance

Is diving dangerous? We discuss safety protocols, shark myths, and common risks for first-time divers in Honolulu.

Is Scuba Diving in Hawaii Dangerous?

Many prospective first-time scuba divers ask, "Is scuba diving in Hawaii dangerous?" The truth is that Hawaii is one of the safest locations to try scuba diving in the world. This is primarily due to the fact that all dives are led by highly experienced dive guides or certified scuba instructors. While the ocean always commands respect, the structured environment of a guided tour mitigates most risks significantly.

scuba diving honolulu safety on 10-27-2021 — A safe and guided introduction to the underwater world.

Watch the Dive Adventure

See our first-time divers encountering Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish at Horseshoe Reef.

Myths About Marine Life Danger

Many people assume the danger of scuba diving in Hawaii comes from being attacked by Sharks, Moray Eels, or Barracuda. However, these animals seldom attack and actively try to avoid scuba divers. Attacks from marine life in Hawaii are extremely rare, and accidents are normally caused by an unaware diver interacting with, touching, or stepping on them. So, is scuba diving in Hawaii safe? Yes. For individuals in good health who are properly trained, the chance of harm is statistically very low. Our scuba instructors fully brief all divers and review skill levels prior to entering the water to ensure a safe and fun experience.

scuba diving with marine life in Hawaii — Marine life encounters are peaceful when treated with respect.

The Real Risks: Training and Buoyancy

The real danger of scuba diving is not the marine life, but rather a lack of proper training, panic strikes, or forgetting the basic rules of diving. Most minor injuries in scuba diving in Hawaii are simply small cuts or scrapes resulting from improper diver buoyancy—bumping into the reef because you aren't paying attention to your surroundings. With our close supervision, we help manage your buoyancy to keep both you and the reef safe.

diver buoyancy control in honolulu — Good buoyancy control prevents minor injuries and protects the reef.

Conclusion: Diving with Sharks

In conclusion, Scuba diving in Hawaii with Rainbow Scuba Hawaii is extremely safe and fun. A common follow-up question is: "Can you scuba dive with sharks in Hawaii?" Yes! We frequently encounter white tip reef sharks during our scuba dives in Honolulu. The white tip reef sharks in Hawaii are not aggressive and are normally observed resting under overhangs on the reef. Even larger species are generally safe for divers to observe. Check our online reservation calendar to book your safe adventure today.