03-18-2017, 05:05 PM
Cagary - as bananahead wrote, there are no restrictions. There are a couple of trails to the lake, one from the switchback as you enter the Astronomy Precinct area, and one from a little farther down. Both trails circumnavigate the Pu'u Hau Kea cinder cone. The former is longer (about a mile) but flatter, I believe the other is shorter but involves a climb. Parking is more difficult for the former, there is a parking lot close to the start of the latter trail.
Screengrab of the google map of the area in which the trails are easily visible (the lake is near the bottom, just left of center):
https://goo.gl/QCrvEM
If you try either hike, please remember to take plenty of water and put on sunscreen as sunburn is a real problem at altitude, even for short hikes. Also, check in at the VIS and let them know your plans, they'll give you great information!
Screengrab of the google map of the area in which the trails are easily visible (the lake is near the bottom, just left of center):
https://goo.gl/QCrvEM
If you try either hike, please remember to take plenty of water and put on sunscreen as sunburn is a real problem at altitude, even for short hikes. Also, check in at the VIS and let them know your plans, they'll give you great information!