South Seas Aquatics

My first visit to South Seas was a pleasant experience and my two friends and I purchased several items; they even offered us a Kama’aina discount for which we were most grateful. I purchased, among other things, a mask strap. When I tried to attach it to my mask it was difficult and uncomfortable. (Aug 15, 2015) When I went to return the strap, (day or two later) parking was tight and I called to find out where the best place to park was. The sales woman informed me that «parking was behind the store and we validate parking.»
I parked where directed and proceeded in the store to return a $ 7 dollar mask, a small item considering I spent over $ 100 at the store. The sales woman, CJ, was rude and made returning the mask a very unpleasant experience. I then asked her to validate my parking to which she replied, «The first 15 minutes are free.» When I left the garage I was charged $ 4 dollars. I immediately called the store and CJ told me «my bad, most people get away with it.»
The biggest disappointment came when obviously upset by my experience I called the owner Rick and explained my experience in his establishment. To my surprise and astonishment he defended CJ saying that sometimes she did offend people, but she had the most sales and you can’t expect everyone to like everyone! Instead of offering an apology he simply boasted that he is the oldest shop on the island with the lowest prices and he again and again kept saying that not everyone likes everyone. He was clearly one of the most unprofessional business people I have ever encountered, exemplified by the fact that he said his staff can be rude and that he was not concerned about their inappropriate behavior.
So if saving a very few dollars and being treated poorly and disrespectfully is something that you are OK with then this is your store. For me I want to be treated respectfully and I will not compromise integrity to save a dollar or two. Rich has nothing to be proud of with his business and certainly not with CJ, and it is a shame that he not only openly acknowledges rudeness and poor service on his staff, but defends it as well. Rick kept saying for me to do what was in my heart… I am going to a business to buy a product and receive good service, products, and prices, not to be treated poorly and receive a chanting of do what is in your heart. It is in my heart that other people should be warned that they may encounter rude people whose behavior is affirmed and defended by the owner and if you don’t like it tough luck! There are enough other professional good priced stores on the Island to stay far away from this poor business establishment. I urge you to choose one with Aloha, and not this on which has ZERO!
I’d give them a negative star if I could!

My husband and I are nearsighted. We have been snorkeling for two years now in Oahu with regular masks. We were planning on our treat of a trip to North Shore Shark Adventures and I wanted it to be as memberable as I could so I shopped around for finally getting prescription lenses and masks.
I had three comparisons on prescription lensed masks. SSA won our choice first off by their price of about half of what other stores offered. Second it won our respect through great service and quality product.
We hope others dont put off trying out prescription lense masks like we did. My husband and I will never snorkle again without ours. The undersea world is breathtakingly beautiful! The masks make such a difference in our vision!
SSA is our goto first store for all things scuba and snorkle!
Mahalo!!!

I was looking for a place that sells snorkel gear, as my body glove set from sam’s club or costco started breaking and malfunctioning after a few uses. At first, I was thinking to go to Hanapaa Fishing in Kalihi – until I remembered the horrible customer service there. I was hesitant to come to South Seas Aquatics because it’s in Waikiki and I thought maybe prices would be really inflated. But I read the positive reviews on Unilocal and decided to take a look.
The worker in the shop was really helpful, and didn’t make me feel stupid or uncomfortable for being a beginner. She let me try on several masks and pointed out a snorkel kit, which she said would be an upgrade from my body glove set. She also told me she could piece together a set for me (around $ 70), which I was really pleased with (as the mask in the set didn’t fit my face that well).
In the end, I went with a set pieced together that includes a closed foot sea sports fins, tusa dry snorkel, and a sea sports mask with rubber seal. I’m really excited to try out my gear tomorrow. If I start going snorkeling more regularly, I will definitely be back to upgrade my equipment.
I highly recommend this place and I’m really happy with my purchase.
Parking:
From Kalakaua Ave, turn left onto Seaside Ave. Stay in your right lane. After Ross, there will be parking for Waikiki Trade Center.
There is validation at the store, and if you come on the weekend, you will definitely need it. The weekend flat rate is $ 10 for 4 hrs. With a half-​hour validation, I only paid $ 4 for parking – not bad for Waikiki.

Great products, amazing knowledgeable staff that helps you out even if you are beginner diver on the budget!
I’m happy with all my purchases from them so far:)
Thank you so much guys and keep up your excellent work!

Come on the weekend and Will and Katelyn will set you up for everything diving related you could possibly need! My husband and I just bought our Scubapro wet suits here and I wish we came here sooner for all the other gear we had purchased through Dive Oahu at the NEX. Way better prices at South Sea Aquatics AND they give a discount.
I also purchased a pair of Aqualung booties here that are a lot more flexible than my older pair of Scubapro Deltas. Price was even better than Amazon.
You can park below the Waikiki Trade Center on Seaside Street.

AWESOME PLACE for diving products!
People here are friendly and definitely helpful. They even have brands like Tusa and Scubapro for the Scuba-​fans. I absolutely recommend this place when shopping for the diving equipments especially because of their Kamaaina discount as well as their reasonable pricing!
Spread the word to your friends, SSA is a quality shop! Will be back there soon!

Just got home with my new D4i! I have to say the guys at South Seas Aquatics are awesome and any one that needs gear I will send them here. There is no pressure to buy anything unlike other places I have gone they have great customer service and that is the most important thing in my mind, other then the price but the price here is no issue they will give you the best price in town. Thank you south seas aquatics I will be back soon. Mahalo

Great guys who know their gear. As an instructor for over 5 years on Oahu, the guys at SSA carry a solid line of products and have proven experience with the gear to guide you to the most sensible choice.
Just picked a new computer up for my dive set and am stoked. The location has changed though and they are now on the 2^nd floor of the Waikiki Trade Center (Above The Shack)

Friendly service from experienced divers who gave honest opinions of products. Prices were very fair, especially considering it’s on the edge of Waikiki. They offer boat dive trips and PADI scuba training, as well as scuba and snorkeling gear.