MUST BE U.S. CITIZEN OR PERMANENT RESIDENT
Waikiki Dive Center – Now Hiring: PADI Instructors
Full-Time or Part-Time Immediate Openings
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
WaikikiDiveCenter.com | WaikikiDiving.com
Join Hawaii's oldest, longest-standing, and most awarded PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center. For more than 45 years, Waikiki Dive Center has been a leader in scuba education, safety, ocean stewardship, and professional diver development.
We are actively seeking experienced PADI Instructors and IDC Staff Instructors with exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a genuine passion for teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others. Whether you're introducing someone to their very first breath underwater or helping shape the next generation of dive professionals, you'll become part of a legacy team recognized throughout the Pacific for excellence.
At Waikiki Dive Center, you're not simply teaching scuba—you are changing lives.
Why Join Waikiki Dive Center?
- Hawaii's oldest PADI 5-Star IDC
- Over 45 years of continuous operation
- More than 4 million safe dives
- Over 35,000 scuba certifications issued
- Recognized by PADI Scuba Diving Magazine in all seven "Best of the Pacific" categories
- VA-approved vocational scuba training provider for military veterans and eligible dependents
- Opportunity to teach recreational, professional, scientific, and conservation diving
- One of Hawaii's highest instructor pay scales with exceptional opportunities for advancement
Position Requirements
- Current PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) or higher
- IDC Staff Instructor preferred
- Active PADI Teaching Status
- Minimum 2 years of professional instructional experience
- Current EFR Instructor, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen Instructor credentials
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Eligible to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship)
- Minimum one-year commitment
- Available to work weekends and major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's
Who We Are
Waikiki Dive Center is Hawaii's oldest and most awarded dive center. Our mission extends far beyond recreational diving. Through our four business pillars, we create meaningful experiences while developing future dive professionals and protecting Hawaii's marine environment.
Our Four Pillars
Recreational – World-class daily scuba diving experiences
Academic – PADI certifications from beginner through Instructor
Scientific – Marine conservation, citizen science, and ocean stewardship
Retail – Premium equipment, professional service, and operational excellence
Our mission is simple:
I.D.E.A.
Inspire Discover Empower Advance
We lead with humility, discipline, professionalism, accountability, and teamwork. We believe leadership begins with the small things—showing up prepared, supporting one another, and always putting our students and guests first.
Responsibilities
- Teach PADI recreational courses including Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, specialty courses, Emergency First Response, Divemaster, and assist with Instructor Development Courses as assigned
- Conduct classroom, confined water, open water, and boat-based instruction
- Lead certified dive charters and specialty diving experiences
- Mentor Divemaster candidates, instructor candidates, and junior instructional staff
- Maintain exceptional instructional quality while ensuring full compliance with PADI Standards
- Audit course paperwork and maintain accurate student and certification records
- Conduct daily dive charters including equipment setup, dive briefings, in-water leadership, and cleanup
- Confidently manage mixed groups of certified divers, students, Discover Scuba participants, and private clients
- Support retail operations and customer service both in the dive shop and aboard company vessels
- Participate in safety drills, staff meetings, operational planning, and ongoing professional development
- Represent Waikiki Dive Center with professionalism, integrity, and aloha at all times
Who You Are
You are a professional who:
- Leads by example with integrity and humility
- Is emotionally mature and dependable
- Communicates clearly, respectfully, and confidently
- Thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Maintains the highest standards of safety and professionalism
- Inspires confidence in students and fellow team members
- Enjoys mentoring and developing future dive professionals
- Remains calm under pressure while keeping sight of the larger mission
- Is passionate about marine conservation, responsible tourism, and lifelong learning
- Appreciates diverse cultures and enjoys working with guests from around the world
Multilingual applicants (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and other languages) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Compensation & BenefitsW-2 Employment
PADI Instructor or Higher: Starting at $30+/hour
Compensation is based on experience, instructional credentials, certifications, leadership ability, and overall performance.
Employee Benefits
- Medical benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 401(k) (Full-time employees after one year)
- Flexible scheduling
- Spot bonuses recognizing excellence and Aloha Spirit
- Teaching opportunities within PADI recreational and VA-approved vocational training programs
- Complimentary recreational diving and staff boat privileges
- Employee discounts on equipment and gear
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities
We are proud to offer one of the highest instructor pay scales among Hawaiian dive operators. We reward commitment, professionalism, initiative, teamwork, and consistency, with clear opportunities for long-term career growth.
Diversity & Global Outreach
Waikiki Dive Center proudly welcomes professionals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Our guests come from every corner of the world, and we believe diversity strengthens our team, enriches our perspectives, and elevates the level of service we provide. We strongly encourage bilingual professionals and instructors with international experience to apply.
What Our Team Says"Woah!!! That is awesome. And so rare for scuba instructors to be paid in the way they deserve."
— Avalon, IDC Staff Instructor
"You can be a guide or an Instructor. We are Instructors."
— Kevin Davenport, PADI Platinum Course Director
Apply Today
Please email your resume and a brief cover letter to:
[email protected]
Subject: Application – PADI Instructor / IDC Staff Instructor
Or apply online at:
WaikikiDiveCenter.com
Ready to Dive In?
If you're looking for more than just another instructor position—if you want to join a team that values integrity, excellence, humility, professionalism, and heart—this is your opportunity.
Show up with purpose. Dive with heart. Lead with aloha.
Be part of something life-changing.
Aloha,
The Waikiki Dive Center Team
Pay: From $31.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
Work Location: In person
