Backcountry hiking is not allowed in order to protect fragile geological and archeological features, as well as the recovering landscape. Hiking is permitted only on designated trails. Use caution when hiking: lava is brittle, unstable, and sharp!
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Check out this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Volcano, Hawaii. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 50 min to complete. This is a very popular area for walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Most of the hike is on a steep incline which becomes tougher the higher you hike. Total elevation gain is 5150 ft./ 1500 m. The final hour of the hike is the toughest because by that point, you are so high up that you're climbing through volcanic sand instead of solid ground. Combined with the altitude, it's strenuous.
The hike to the world's largest active volcano crater might also be the easiest: A short 10-minute walk up a paved road at Poas Volcano National Park brings you to an observation deck where you can gaze out at the mile-long caldera.