“From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free.”

         – Jacques Cousteau

To view the ocean from the shoreline is to observe the line of demarcation between two worlds. One we are born to and become familiar with as we reach maturity. The other is a mystery and will remain so, unless we initiate the effort to become acquainted with the realities of all that define it. Such are the sentiments of those who dive below that veil of separation. Once experienced, scuba diving becomes a passion for many. So how about the rest of us? What are we missing? In the inquiries that I made for this article, I found out!

Exploration of the gardens of Neptune requires that we adapt for an environment that can be hostile and unforgiving if we fail to prepare. Scuba diving is a very rewarding experience for anyone who is eager to investigate issues of life and death within a watery world. Therefore, some devote themselves to the study of varied life forms in the ocean and others to rescue and harvest of its gifts. Thus, there is no loss when we seek to understand all that it takes to nurture and sustain life contained in our seas. In fact, many “frogmen/divers” (women included) are “Green” not because of some strange photochemical reaction to sunlight, but because of a dedication to protect and preserve the seas that they explore and monitor.

Sean Deming is a master diver and the owner of a small diving company in Waikiki. One of his “green” duties is to clean reefs strewn with netting and other types of debris. Creatures often get tangled in them and slowly starve to death. Like many instructors he teaches beginners not only how to use the equipment safely and the basics of first aid, but also some of the principles of being a polite visitor. Furthermore, Sean understands what Jacques Cousteau meant about a sense of freedom when under water. So his business is not about the numbers, as much as it is about the quality of the experience. No more than four students per instructor assure a safer program and basic certification can be accomplished in three days. Intermediate and advanced certifications are also available. However, if equipment is all that is needed, then the local diving shops can provide the entire support one could hope for.

One of the best reasons to prioritize a diving session in the Hawaiian Islands is the variety of sea creatures in the local waters, but rare anywhere else. For example green sea turtles, monk seals and whales that give birth to their young, though often seasonal, are abundant. Yet, it is the smaller fish that live and play near the shoreline, among the reefs and wrecks that are remarkable, for they are often curious. On occasion, a small, but fearless little guy will pull his own investigation of a diver. Perhaps the creature is amused by the spectacle of a “land lubber” who pretends to be something he is not. Or could it just be another way of Aloha? Dare we think that we are the only species capable of understanding and expressing such spirit?

Make no mistake, bigger more dangerous creatures do appear from time to time and sometimes they can be curious too. Yet, they usually do not bother anyone. A good instructor will be on the watch for danger and knows how to respond. It is important for a novice to learn from someone who loves the ocean and takes his responsibilities seriously. Always ready to assist another is one of the most important unspoken rules of the diving community. This is just one more reason to consider diving as a way to meet some very nice people.

A few of the most popular sites to dive around Oahu are Peliae Point, Sea Cave, Baby Barge, Fantasy Reef, Mahi Shipwreck, the Corsair Airplane, Makaha Caverns, Black Rock, Sharks Cove to name just a few. Keep in mind that I am still referring to the island of Oahu. The other islands offer their own treats. In addition, not all locations are equal in the skill level required of the diver; others can only be ventured at certain times of the year. Local divers know all about the issues of diving in local waters. So regardless of where one chooses for a diving adventure, it is wise to contact those who know.

Why Consider Diving?

Scuba diving is a new way of the “Great Outdoors”, another way of freedom that develops different survivor skills from what may be necessary on “Terra Firma”. Therefore, diving develops diverse ways of “seeing” the world and becoming sensitive to the earth and those inhabitants we would otherwise miss. Our imaginations are expanded, research is advanced and connection with others who often share similar values is quite common. So don’t be afraid to get wet, and yes the waters of Hawaii are warm, clean and waiting for you.

All photographs were taken by Sean Deming.

When you check a hole or a small cave looking for any fish living there, they get flat next to the ceiling trying not to be seen. To observe them well you have to look from a lower angle and then waiting motionless till they feel more confident. Inexperienced divers who dive too far from the sea bed often see only the really big fish and/or the ones living outside caves. Photographers know this well and learnt how to wait and even not breath trying to avoid bubbles that might scare the fish.

This behaviour is even more common if in that area underwater fishing is allowed. Only in more rarely visited marine sanctuaries where scuba diving is not so popular fish behaves even curiously approaching you.