Meet Our Team

Logan Kneeland

• Favorites:
• Ultimate dream car? ... One that starts
• Octopus
• Kauai
• The Godfather
• Drink of Choice? ... The one in my hand
• With over 40 years of diving experience and certifications from the world’s top diving organizations, including PADI, I aim to personalize lessons for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the ocean for the first time, or an experienced diver seeking advanced techniques, I enjoy providing hands-on guidance in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. I’ve mentored more than 1,100 PADI students and look forward to sharing my professional expertise while empowering you to discover vibrant marine life and gain confidence with every dive.

Dominic Priest

• Favorites:
• A silver dollar coin
• Curry, Steak, Cheeseburgers, and Sushi
• Nudibranchs and Sharks
• Usually any Hefe, Pale Ale, or a classic Lager
• Live for the day but get enough rest to see tomorrow
• I'm a scuba diving instructor with a passion for exploring the underwater world. I completed my professional training in Thailand and spent over two years working in Cambodia, gaining invaluable experience and connecting with divers from all walks of life. For the past three years, I've been fortunate to call Kauai home, where I continue to share my love for the ocean. When I'm not diving, you can find me camping, enjoying BBQs with friends, or indulging in great food.

Jill Pellegrini

• Favorites:
• Indonesia
• The Police
• Vodka Martini
• The General Lee
• Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
• When I took a Discover Scuba Diving course in Puerto Rico, it sparked a lifelong passion and altered the course of my life. I eventually walked away from the corporate world and moved to Bali, Indonesia, where I did all of my professional scuba training. I am a MSDT and have taught scuba on three continents. I moved to Kauai in 2017 and found my forever home ... the most beautiful place on Earth with a wonderful dive community. I am certified to teach various PADI specialty courses including Diver Propulsion Vehicle, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Nitrox, Fish ID, Project AWARE, and Self-Reliant Diver.

Logan "Deuce" Barnard

• Favorites:
• Black Coffee
• Milo Jenkins, the best dog to ever live!
• Blanton's Gold
• Humpback Whales or Tiger Shark
• If u think u can, or u think u can't, you're right
• I am just a small town cowboy from Mississippi who has always had a passion for the underwater world. Being raised on boats in the Gulf of Mexico, my love for the ocean only grew. I got a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Marketing from Mississippi College, and then moved to Mexico to become an instructor! After completion of my training I applied to work at Dive Kauai and moved here in the beginning of 2022! My favorite thing I've seen underwater is a humpback whale, and at the top of my list to see next is a whale shark! Fun fact: I count my sneezes. Ask me about it.

Alejandra Contreras

• Favorites:
• Whales
• Extra pepperoni, extra sauce, extra cheese
• Mexico!
• Pasta
• Shooting Stars
• Aloha! I am from San Diego, California. I moved to Kauai to chase waterfalls and make a positive change for myself and those around me. I am happy to say that I have succeeded my mission by working as a social worker for the judiciary, a deckhand on the Na Pali coast, and a divemaster in the ocean. I love sharing my excitement and love for the ocean with my guests and keeping them safe. When I’m not guiding scuba divers in collapsed lava tubes, I am probably surfing or at the Na Pali Coast. I am the luckiest girl in the world!

Avery "Rooster" Smith

• Favorites:
• Steak and Eggs
• My pup's name is Poochie!
• Pepperoni, Pineapple, and Jalapeños
• Miller Lite
• Espresso and Cream ANY WAY
• Hi, I’m Rooster from Houston, Texas! I started out in Hospitality Management but found my true passion in scuba diving, and now I’m a full-time Scuba Instructor. My love for diving began at just 11 years old, and it completely changed my life. Now, I’m dedicated to helping others discover that same spark beneath the surface. When I’m not underwater, you can catch me watching UFC, throwing darts with friends, or catching up with family and friends back home. I plan to keep this adventure going for many years to come!

Georgia Stanton

• Favorites:
• '66 Mustang
• Falmouth, Cornwall
• Blacktip Shark
• The princess captains
• Dodge and Moon
• I'm a marine biologist, scuba instructor, and sailing captain passionate about conservation and having a good life. A few pet peeves are people chewing with their mouths open, those with closed minds, and being asked if I’m Australian. Although I might lie awake figuring out how to afford to live here, I get to live HERE - on a beautiful island where I can hang out and dive with my friends all day.

A.J. Martinez

• Favorites:
• Sublime!!
• Don't stress the things you have no control over.
• Rage Against The Machine VoodooFest 07 NOLA
• 1969 Chevy Camaro SS
• I miss my Pittie Khaleesi!! She's back in TX.
• Texas born and raised. Grew up in the waters of South Padre Island thanks to my parents. I left home at an early age to conquer the world. With a backround in mechanics, my work life was empty. I found diving while visiting family in Guam, and from that first dive, I knew this life was for me. Exploring underwater worlds, penetrating wrecks, caverns and cenotes, making octopus and fish friends. I'm a tropical person so no cold water diving for me ... not yet at least. Spent the last 2 years training and teaching in Mexico before making the move to Kauai. Let's go dive n see some cool s***!

Jimi Gaskin

• Favorites:
• Double espresso with a shot of espresso
• The best world destination is the country I haven't visited yet.
• Orcas
• Can't say you've seen the world without diving.
• I am obsessed with combining technology with the thrill of exploration. I've lived around the world. My journey has taken me from Japan, a world deep in tradition & technology, to Colombia, a country with deep respect for nature and a festive atmosphere. I've explored ancient ruins, jungles, temples, but my true passion is exploring the underwater world. I've finally found my paradise in Kauai, which offers a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. When I'm not exploring the ocean, you can find me hiking or at the local cafe, on my fifth cup of espresso, trying to complete my current app idea.

Zach Russell

• Favorites:
• Surf’s Up the movie is my all time favorite
• My Bassett Hound named Wrigley
• I love to snowboard my home mountain - Mt. Hood, Oregon
• Favorite Album is GO:OD AM by Mac Miller
• Octopus are by far my favorite!
• Hello! My name is Zach and I’m a Divemaster at Dive Kauai. I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management at Linfield University in 2022 and enjoyed playing 4 seasons of collegiate Football as a runningback. My passion is enjoying the outdoors preferably hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and scuba diving! I also love traveling and experiencing new places as I have lived in over 20 states throughout the United States. I chose scuba diving as a profession to combine my love for sports and the outdoors. I also love giving people experiences that create lasting memories for the rest of their lives!

Brandon Thompson

• Favorites:
• '64 Ford Falcon Futura
• My favorite food is definitely Pizza
• Smith and Cross Daquiri
• A Blue Whale that surfaced in front of my boat
• I grew up sailing around Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and up into the Gulf Islands of Canada. I started sailing professionally at age 18 doing charters off Maui. Working as a freelance delivery captain, I have sailed extensively on the west coast from Canada, the US, and south into Mexico. I’ve also sailed throughout the Caribbean and as far north as Rhode Island on the East Coast. I am a navigator at heart, a musician, and an infinite seeker.

Nick Aasand

• Favorites:
• '64 Baja Bug
• My faves are free and cold!
• I like turtles
• Hey, I’m Nick. I’m a boat captain and lifelong resident of Kauai. I enjoy surfing and tinkering on my cars. Always looking for the next adventure on the water or the road.

Justin Ipac

• Favorites:
• Cybertruck
• Tiger Shark
• Reggae
• Captain 'n Coke
• Pono
• I was born and raised on Kauai. I have a passion for being on the water. Good vibes!!

Elaine Leung

• Favorites:
• Spinner Dolphins
• Illy Coffee is my jam
• Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, Japan
• Shoutout to the cats that keep the birds away!
• Cakebread Cab or Meomi Cab
• The way to my heart is definitely through my stomach! As a passionate foodie and lover of coffee & wine, I find myself daydreaming about delicious treats. Share a cookie with me, I’ll be all smiles; pair it with great coffee, and you’ll have my full attention. I adore traveling to sample mouthwatering dishes from around the world. I’ve loved exploring Kauai’s sea life! On our NaPali Coast tour, the pods of dolphins were so close, it felt like they were within reach. Same goes with sea turtles when I tried scuba diving. It’s so amazing to be underwater and in such close proximity to marine life!

Rob Prytherch

• Favorites:
• Vancouver, BC: city, beach & mountains all-in-one!
• Beetlejuice - The Musical
• Vacation Duck (aka the pink flamingo rubber ducky)
• The Boulevardier - Bourbon & Campari amazingness!
• Mushrooms, Ham, Onions, & a Sunny-Side Up Egg
• With a degree in Scenic Design & Production Management, I've always enjoyed a passion for the performing arts and try to support local & regional theatres as I am able. Much of my career has been in hands-on education and through many facets of guest service; and I've loved (almost) every minute of it ;-). In my role here on Kauai, I'm fortunate to help guide visitors to our many amazing, immersive, and memorable outdoor adventures. I'm also incredibly grateful to have traveled to many places in this world and it's always the people whom I've met that make it worth it. Safe travels & cheers!

Josh Helmin

Kevin Abernathy

• Favorites:
• Groundhog Shark
• Kauai Coffee Compostable Pods
• John Grisham
• Pepperoni & Peanut Butter
• Breckenridge Bourbon Old Fashioned
• I’m a seasoned (Salty) professional having overseen multiple companies from restaurants to scuba tours in Kauai. I am passionate about bringing people together through great fun and food. I work a ton while navigating my love for diving, entrepreneurship, and travel. I’m a political junkie, a dedicated dog dad to Tucker, and I love to bake! I am driven by integrity but frustrated by mediocrity – especially in business. What keeps me up? A deep desire to create meaningful, efficient systems and foster a work culture of accountability.

Will Kelley

Micah Tillman

• Favorites:
• Spaghetti
• Mola Mola
• Skiros, Greece
• Denzel Curry
• Yuengling
• Always been a water person and when I found scuba diving, I knew it was my life! Certified when I was 13 years old and achieving my Dive Master at age 19, I've climbed the ranks in professional scuba world and I'm now a Master Instructor. I've been able to travel all around and have worked in Costa Rica, Greece, the Bahamas, Florida, and Hawaii. It's an endless journey with so much water to explore. Let's make some bubbles!