"This is a significant step for PADI, and a terrific opportunity for divers," said Bill Hamm, Manager-PADI International Resort Association. "Working with Outrigger, we expect to generate tremendous interest in Hawaii as a diving destination." PADI affiliated dive operations will offer scuba diving courses and fully sanctioned certifications, along with affordable dive package selections on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii through the PADI Travel Network.
Hamm said that Hawaii's spectacular underwater realm, with its warm waters, superb visibility and unique ocean environment, provides for incredible diving conditions year round. "With PADI Travel Network's Hawaii packages, any level of dive enthusiast can enjoy a range of diving opportunities, including manta ray dives off the Kona coast, the fascinating Mahi shipwreck on Oahu and wall dives near Molokini crater," he added.
According to Bryan KIum, Director of Marketing for Outrigger, additional dive marketing opportunities will become available in the next two years as Outrigger opens hotels in Guam, Palau, French Polynesia and Fiji. "Outrigger is committed to being the most dive-friendly hotel chain in the Pacific," KIum said. "Over the next two years, we II be opening resorts in some of the most popular diving destinations in the Pacific."
PADI Travel Network's Hawaii dive vacations feature 2 days of two-tank boat dives and 3 nights accommodations in an Outrigger hotel. Dive vacations start from:
According to Hamm, PADI has been meeting the needs of the dive industry
for more than 30 years by setting high standards for quality, education
and fun. PADI's scuba courses are offered at various Outrigger locations
and range from open water to advanced certifications like wreck or deep
diving. "All scuba programs at Outrigger
are supervised by qualified PADI professionals, from five-star PADI
dive operators who are intimately familiar with all of Hawaii's unique
dive sites and ocean conditions," Hamm said.
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is Hawaii's largest hotel company and the 28th largest in the U.S., offering 29 hotels and resort condominiums throughout Hawaii and the Marshall Islands, with projects currently underway in Palau, Guam, French Polynesia and Fiji. This year marks the company's 50th anniversary of doing business in the Islands. Outrigger's affiliate, Outrigger Lodging Services, manages nearly two dozen hotels and resorts throughout the U.S. mainland.