This was a great tour -- so close and yet so far away! From Kailua-Kona, the Hualalai volcano dominates the skyline, but visiting it is a different matter entirely! It was such a great day! Taro was our guide and his knowledge base was fantastic. As we drove higher and higher in our coach van, he explained how the flora and fauna changed and why (trade winds and moisture). The moment we left the pavement for the 4WD road, we knew that this to be a spectacular adventure! We were not disappointed. The hiking is serious (wear good shoes and be ready) with ascent and descent -- but it was not frightening and was simply amazing! To see craters and fissures dating mostly back to the last eruptions in 1800-1801 were awe-inspiring! Taro led us expertly through the various areas. The views back to the ocean were fantastic -- and the cloud formations were beautiful. Seeing the craters and fissures made these mountains "come alive" for all of us. Taro showed us how the mountain and environment altered the Oh'ia and Koa trees and we had a wonderful time hiking and resting as he continued to hlep us understand what we were seeing! The hike up through a lava tube was very fun (not required) and one could get up and close and personal with lava, lava, lava! I don't know what I really expected from this tour -- but it was beyond my expectations! Pickup and drop off at the HFT headquarters was easy and simple. And our tour group was a great group of people!