Thanks for the link. I didn't know we could meet them at the trailhead to join their guided hike...we will next time. It looks like they found surface breakouts up from the ocean entry just two days before we got there. I think combining the Kalapana-side hike with knowledgable guides is the best of both worlds.

Hopefully some forum members can give them a try and report their experience. Although the webpage was full of warnings which made it seem like you needed to be an athletic 20something to handle the trip, I can report that I saw people of almost every size, shape and alleged fitness level (as well as a variety of ages) on their tour. They even give out white gloves for people to wear in case they need to grab or touch lava to maintain their balance.

For lava hikers - I strongly recommend taking a walking stick or two. It makes the hike and keeping your balance much easier.