This rating is specific to the swim lesson packages for children. I purchased a 20 lesson package for my 4 1/2 y/o who had drowned in the pool. I wanted to find her an isr instructor but Hilo is extremely limited in options. When I found that HOA offered children's swim lessons I was really excited. Prior to purchasing I explained what I was looking for and the woman on the phone told me the 20 lesson package should be enough to teach her how to SWIM. Given the fact I had already had a nde with my toddler, I didn't care how much it cost. I just wanted her to learn safety skills and how to swim. I made it very clear to these people that it was the utmost importance to get her trained in water safety and skills to stay afloat if she was to be in water too deep. My daughter, who is extremely smart and capable of learning new things, completed all 20 lessons and still could not demonstrate confidently that if she was to be in deep water, she would know how to react and what to do to stay afloat/alive and not sink. The first 10+ lessons she had a different instructor each time. Because they had never worked with her or knew her skills she previously learned the session before, they just floated around in the pool with her. After many lessons and no skills learned, I politely shared my frustrations with the manager. I told her I did not want my daughter using floaters her whole lesson and emphasized the importance of her learning safety skills. I also asked her if (some of) the instructors were even educated on teaching infants and toddlers how to swim bec they didn't really seem like it? Overall I was really disappointed in the amount of skills she learned after 20 (30 minute) lessonsa and nearly $500 spent. I asked the manager for a couple of additional free or deeply discounted lessons bec I fet like the first 10 we're a waste of time and money, she was unable to accommodate this request. She told me wait for a sale and buy more...I think not. read more

Very disappointed. My sister and I went in to try and buy a new mask, we were sold a new snorkel and mask based on the fact that the mask "wouldn't pull hair, and would seal properly if it would sealed in the store". We tried holding our breath and the mask felt fine in the store but once in the water it did not work and leaked, and pulled our hair. When I went back to try and swap out the mask the girl said they have a "no return policy". It was the same girl who sold me the mask, she never mentioned that when we bought it and there's nothing on the receipt indicating that either. That's a very expensive $130 "oops" to make as a small local business, and I feel very disappointed and will be not read more

The owners & staff at Hilo Ocean Adventure are outstanding! They are very friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable! I would highly recommend this shop if you are on the Hilo side to dive. read more

We were so excited to find a Stand Up Paddle Board rental walking distance from the water (Reeds Bay). The rental was a reasonable price ($45 for 3 hrs). The transaction went off without a hitch. When we picked up our boards we noticed that the boards did not have fins. I asked the employee about the missing fin and she assured us it was okay and all we had to do was shift our weight on the board. I believed her. Needless to say, she was wrong! The fin is super important to stay straight in still water. I have my own smaller board and felt that if she said it was ok (this is a much bigger board than what I own) I would follow her advice. We had just SUP'd to Cook Monument 2 days before, so we know how to paddle! Today we were spinning with every stroke having to continually correct our course. It was beyond frustrating! We never made it to the mouth of the bay, we turned back and immediately called the store telling them about our frustrations. They initially wanted us to come back and pick up the fins. After we had already lugged our boards 2 blocks to the water?!?! Really?!?! So we asked for a refund. They changed their tone and said they could bring us the fins. By that point we were too frustrated to continue. It ruined our day! To top it all off, they would not give us a refund, saying that we were offered a remedy. It was too late! Do NOT rent paddle boards from this place! Unless you like being frustrated, use poorly maintained SUP boards, and spending most of your time correcting your course!!! read more

Brandon was a great guide. I did a shore dive and was happy with the entry, and the attentive nature of the guide. The cost and rental of the SCUBA gear was excellent; however the snorkel rental was over twice other places in Hilo. read more

My family had a very wonderful experience for our first time snorkeling. The crew Alexa, Big C and Captain Kimo made our experience very memorable. They made sure we are all safe and made our experience very fun. The captain took us to a very wonderful snorkeling spot. They also had snacks and refreshments on the boat if you want to take a break or just done for the day and just rest after snorkeling. read more

Staff was super friendly and kind. Very helpful as well. Cost of rentals was 15 dollars for the day but didn't have to return until the next business day so really got two days out of them. Great business! read more

This place was AMAZING! I know everyone days dive over in Kona, but if you're staying on the Hilo side that can be hard. Do not fear, this wonderful dive shop will take you to some spectacular spots around Hilo. We had 2 dive leaders who were so helpful, nice, and knowledgeable, we were at total ease with them. We dove 2 spots with them in a walk-in location near the bay. We saw TONS of turtles -- at one point there were 3 below us nesting and about 4 more swimming around us, it was a moment never to be forgotten. Also, there were whales father out in the harbor we could hear! Again, just amazing. The coral was fantastic, the colorful fish were abundant. It was just spectacular! The Hilo side should not be missed by divers, I don't care what they say about Kona, and this dive shop is a great business to take you out there. read more

We were visiting Hilo and wanted to dive before heading over to Kona. This shop is very well run and helpful, The boat is a 6 person which is great to dive off of. You can do a giant stride off the swim platform or a backwards roll (your choice). We saw at least a dozen green turtles. Many at cleaning stations which was really fun to watch. When we were done diving we saw at least 100 spinner dolphins in the distance. The captain dropped us right in the middle with our masks and snorkels. They put on quite a show for us. The boat had drinks and snacks for us which was a nice touch. Don't ignore this side of the island. read more

We had a great experience! The captain went way out of his way to make sure we were having a good time and was satisfied. He let us go swimming in the middle of the ocean, he even stayed out over our 2 hour time limit because we were getting into some up close and personal encounters with a few whales! I'd definitely recommend these guys! read more

Best dive shop on the island. Very informed owner and employees. Indoor swimming pool for lessons. Amazing deals on equipment!

Brandon Walter, the owner, is awesome! I came in looking for a new mask that had been recommended by my instructor in Maui. Brandon had me try on several masks while in their pool so that I could find a mask that I felt comfortable while assimilating diving! Awesome! No pressure just the perfect opportunity to try mask and make a decision based on fit and comfort! read more

Hilo Ocean Adventures - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

We rented snorkels on Maui, Kona and here. This was the most expensive, about double the other places. The woman behind the counter knew absolutely nothing about snorkels. There was another worker across the store, but she didn't call them over to answer our question. They had a small supply of snorkels as I think this place was a dive shop, not a snorkel shop. We found it by doing a google search. read more

It was my first time diving and Brandon was very calm and able to reassure me even in the ocean. He's fun to talk to and has a good sense of humor. I panicked a little bit when I wasn't able to clear pressure under deep water, but he kept me calm and was able to guide me quickly and effectively. When we were underwater he pointed to the various fish and explained what they were on a little slate he carried with him. The Ocean is super awesome! I would definitely dive with them again and am hoping to get certified on my next trip there. read more

Thank you Hilo Ocean Adventures for welcoming me to the island as a NEW dive instructor! Hilo Ocean Adventures is a top of the line dive shop, with great divemasters and great service. I'm proud to be diving with you as a PADI specialty dive shop. Offering classes and certifications in Open water. Advanced. Rescue diver. Dive master professional and non professional "Black Belt of Diving" MasterDiver. Call about our monthly Dive Buddy Club and movie night and our Women's Dive Day. read more

Swimming with the tropical fish and seeing a large turtle underwater was one of the highlights of my trips to Hawaii. Hilo Ocean Adventures took great care to ensure I had a marvelous experience. Having never snorkeled before, I grossly underestimated its difficulty and took a boat excursion. I panicked and had to call it quits after 10 minutes. Hilo Ocean Adventures was very considerate and non-judgmental, and they invited me out the next day for a one on one session on a walkout from the beach at no additional charge. read more

Hilo Ocean Adventures is amazing! My 3 year old son takes swim lessons with Hunter and it is incredible to see the progress he is making. All of the staff are very friendly and the shop is always very clean. My son loves coming here! read more

We booked a whale watching tour for 2:30 about 3 days prior to going. The day before the trip someone from the shop called to ask if we could go at 11:30 instead, we said yes. So the day of the trip about an hour before I called to confirm where check in was...it was at that time that they told me there wasnt an 11:30 and whoever called us was wrong. We had already driven to Hilo from Volcano and now had to wait until 2:30. The man on the phone was very nice and called me back a few times to update me on the tour (weather). Kimo was very nice although some of his humpback whale facts were inaccurate. Overall we had a good time but were annoyed we had to waste half our our day waiting when we could have done something else all morning. When we were on the boat the captain even told us that someone called to confirm and they had her down for the wrong trip entirely. Extremely nice people but unorganized. read more

We only rented snorkel equipment, but the customer service was great. Super nice people full of great info, willing to answer our dumb tourist questions over the phone later regarding best places to snorkel, safest times to go, etc. Next time I'm in Hilo I'll be back for whatever diving-related needs I may have. read more

Love the swim instructor. Very patient with the kids. But it's difficult to schedule an appt over the phone as they don't return calls. I called twice and I didn't get a return call. Have to physically go down to the store to schedule your lesson. read more

I was very disappointed with this company. I will not use them again. They couldn't find our reservation and asked us if we had paid-I had my receipt. Got different stories from a staff person and then the owner. Will use Nautilus next time-they have a good reputation for customer satisfaction. read more