PĀHOA BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Explore The Infamous Vent Of Kīlauea Volcano’s 2018 Eruption
A local-led, full-day exploration from Pāhoa/Hilo that visits the Fissure 8 (AhuʻAilāʻau) cone and combines Volcanoes National Park viewpoints with historic Hilo stops.
Explore The Infamous Vent Of Kīlauea Volcano’s 2018 Eruption.
Embark on the Fissure 8 Lava Flow Tour for an intimate, guided exploration of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption’s imprint on Lower Puna. Led by a local resident with direct access to the site, the tour walks across hardened lava fields to the towering Fissure 8 cone and pairs that experience with the Volcano Explorer and Hilo Discovery packages, offering cultural and geological context for one of the most significant recent volcanic events on the Big Island.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fissure 8 cone and the 2018 lava fields
Walk directly across surreal, hardened lava where entire neighborhoods once stood and stand beneath the towering Fissure 8 (AhuʻAilāʻau) cone that dominated the 2018 eruption.
Local insight on loss, resilience, and place names
Guidance from a resident of Leilani Estates brings personal accounts of homes lost, a visit to an owner’s former house lot, and learning about Ahu ʻAilāʻau—the community-chosen name for Fissure 8 that means “Shrine of the Forest Eater.”
Volcanoes National Park viewpoints and historic Hilo
The tour bundles the Volcano Explorer and Hilo Discovery: stops include Steam Vents, Kīlauea Iki overlook, Halemaʻumaʻu (Uēkahuna Lookout), Thurston Lava Tube, and Hilo sights such as Rainbow Falls and Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a day of contrasts—driving from lush upland forests to moonscape lava, short hikes to summit overlooks, and peaceful strolls through Hilo’s historic gardens—delivered by a guide who blends geological explanation with local memory and cultural respect for Pele.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Allow 7–8 hours for the full experience; times may vary due to pickup/drop-off locations and traffic.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes, a light sweater or jacket, camera (note park drone restrictions), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent, walking stick, poncho/umbrella, water and snacks.
Pickups begin from Hilo locations; Kona pickups are available only for private tours—confirm exact meeting location and times with the operator.
Due to space limits, luggage is not permitted unless booked on a custom tour; small bags/backpacks that fit on your lap or under the seat are preferred. Drones are not allowed at Volcanoes National Park.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is the Fissure 8 hike wheelchair accessible?
No. The Fissure 8 hike and summit walk are not wheelchair accessible.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7–8 hours; times may vary by pickup and drop-off locations.
Are drones allowed during the tour or in the park?
Drones are not allowed at Volcanoes National Park and therefore should not be used on this tour.
What should I wear and bring?
Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended; bring a light jacket, sun protection, insect repellent, water and snacks; small backpacks are preferred.
Where does the tour meet?
The operator meets guests at Hilo locations; Kona pickups are available for private tours—confirm your exact pickup point when booking.
What is the activity level and required skill?
The tour is rated moderate and suitable for beginners; it involves some physical exertion, including a main hiking portion to a summit overlook.