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It was intense. When you enter there are two directions to go up. If you go right be prepared for a 7/10 difficulty. If it rained as well like it did for us there was a moment when we had to rock climb using a rope and the rocks were slippery. I even rethought my life choices for a moment. I don't know if it's a lot easier when it's dry but it was intense. I believe the left side is easier but we don't know because we didn't take it. If you go with kids don't take the right side or if your athleticism is low as well.
Crouching Lion Hidden Path. You'd be remiss to not do this hike, it offers a beautiful view and isn't insanely difficult to do. If someone like me, who abhors exercise, can do this hike, then anyone can right? Granted it's about 30 minutes to the top, there's a good amount of incline and parts where using your hands may help. The particularly steep inclines have ropes to help you along. Once you make it to the top of a flat area, there're 2-3 viewpoints you can head towards. It's worthwhile to do all of them, the views are amazing. Be careful when near the edges, don't be too much of an adrenaline junky when out hiking. Parking can be found along a dirt path near the entrance of Crouching Lion, just be sure to keep your belongings hidden or with you.
BEAUTIFUL HIKE IF YOU ARE NOT AFRAID OF HEIGHTS! Crouching Lion is a fairly short, fun, and somewhat challenging hike if you are NOT afraid of heights. There seems to be two entryways for Crouching Lion, the easy way and the way that includes a short rock-climbing section. We took the rock-climbing section as we did not know that there is an easier way. The rock-climbing portion wasn't too difficult, but for first timers to hiking and rock-climbing like me, it was somewhat of a challenge. There is a rope that helps you up, but it did not help as it was BROKEN. We free handed the rock climb, which wasn't too tall but you could definitely injure yourself if you fell off. If you are afraid of heights, definitely avoid this section and go for the easier route that is near the entrance. Once past the small rock-climbing portion, you have to walk through a narrow path near the edge of the cliff, which again can be scary if you're afraid of heights. You are rewarded with a nice view of the ocean once you do reach the top. PARKING: There is a small section for parking right across the entrance of the trail. It may be hard to find parking as this small section can be full, so be aware of that! The entrance is right near the side of the road and should be indicated by a metal sign.
Most epic and channeling hike we were on in Oahu! My daughter and didn't know what to expect, but I could assure you that it was better and more challenging then anything we could've expected. It's slippery, steep, and straight up. Trail head at side of the road and you can't see much of the trail because of the lush trees and brush. Be ready for steep very dangerous trail, last year a girl slipped and died so it's very sketchy. Once you climb about a half mile up, the cries are extraordinary and well worth every step, slip, and sweat. I'd would rank this higher the any other hike we completed.
Holy cow! Beautiful view at the top! But it's a super strenuous hike and a lot of super steep areas. Really sketchy when it's raining! Did this hike on my recent visit to the island, and I have to say this is not for the faint hearted. The trail is basically walked out by people and not really anything official. Towards the middle of the section there were workers that were building staircases, but the rest of it is basically tried it out by other people. This area also gets a lot of ring, so the trail is really wet and slippery all the time. And in some sections it is so steep that you have to climb up on all fours. I happen to pick a day when it was torrential downpour. The rain was forming little rivers flowing down the mountain. The view at the top was very foggy, but pretty! Coming down, it was worse. I basically slide down in the mud on my butt, and fell down several times on the trail. I have heard from other people that people die every year hiking the trail. Be really cautious if you want to try to hike this, and wear shoes that has grip would be helpful. Also no bathrooms, so you would have to pop a squat in the bushes.
I thought this was the perfect hike for me. It was not too rigorous, but still had a gorgeous view at the top. The hike was not paved, but there was a trail, making it easy to find your way. Be careful when its wet because it will probably be very slippery. Even when dry, be careful because i slipped 3 times going down! If you want a little challenge, this is a good hike because its on the shorter side (maybe about 15-20 mins one way). There are some parts when you need to pull yourself up or make bigger steps, but nothing too strenuous. There are a couple view points, but theyre pretty much towards the end of the hike. We parked right after the beach park (coming from Kaneohe side). I think on Google Maps, it says "Crouch Lion Park". Its pretty much just parking on the side of the road. Then walk across the road and start the hike.
Also known as Mini Crouching Lion. This hike gets slippery when it has been raining. It is a good short hike that has a steep-ish hill to walk up. It has beautiful ocean views on sunny days, but regardless the view is nice. There are a couple ways to get up and a few others to get back down. Can't really get lost because they all lead to Kamehameha Hwy. going up there's different areas that you could end up though. This hike takes around 40-60 ish minutes depending on your level of fitness. There are a lot of roots which in the beginning and it's nice! Love all the trees and most of the way going up is pretty shaded. This hike is probably rated easy/moderate. You can google directions. There is a parking area across the street where the hike starts. There are a lot of misquotes so make sure to bring some spray. This is located near a neighborhood/condos, so be mindful :). There is a break ins in Hawaii, make sure not to have valuables in your vehicle.
This is a quick climb - as others have said it is less of a hike and more of a climb due to the steep grade and unstable rocky dirt. It is not a sanctioned hike and there are a couple of memorials setup for the teenager who died here trying to rescue her phone. This makes it a bit eerie, especially if you go up on a windy day. It should however be a reminder to young people and old alike that life is precious, and phones are not. There are three places you can enter with the memorial being the middle entry point. If there has been any sign of rain for the last day I would not recommend doing this climb. The person that said their 60 year old dad did the hike with them has a pretty fit dad who likely has very good balance. This climb is not for the faint of heart. The views are beautiful, but there are easier climbs/hikes with similarly beautiful views. Wear good shoes, take some deep breaths, and enjoy the challenge if you choose to take it!
What can I say about this hike? Well for one go into it with a open mind and be ready for a steep climb and gorgeous views! The hike is dirt and rocks the whole time but is easy to follow as you slowly ascend. If this hike is muddy when you go, be careful please as it can be very slippery! At times during this hike me and my sons slipped and almost fell right on our butts even when it was dry. There is a gorgeous view nearly the whole time of not only the shoreline but the mountain range that is usually never cloudy! We parked near the beach park and it was very easy to find parking as this hike isn't that popular with tourists or locals. Right across the street from the parking is the beginning of the hike.
Great, quick, hidden hike on the windward side. Park on the right side of the road and then find the warning steep incline sign that's the start. Once you get clear of the trees(about 15 minutes) you will be able to see the "crouching lion" rock formation and the end of the hike. It takes a total of 30 min to get to the end. Fairly easy hike with some vertical climb. Highly recommend!!! Do not go if raining. That would be dangerous.
Every summer, when I was a little kid (I'm a tall kid now), dad would drive us to "The Country" where his fraternity had an annual family picnic. Along the way - between Honolulu and "The Country" - my three younger sisters and I would point at the animals and yell out, "Cow!", "Horse!", etc. Our parents would laugh at us and call us "City Slickers". Hey - at least we weren't yelling, "Bear!" and "Moose!", right? My siblings and I would look for certain landmarks and know that our destination was near. Besides the Hygienic Store and Chinaman's Hat, we'd look for the Crouching Lion in Ka'a'awa. There used to be a restaurant at the bottom of the mountain where the lion rests, but it is no longer in business... Yesterday, I had to stop at the side of the road, next to the former restaurant, and look upwards to find him... Yes! He's still there! Next time, when you take the scenic route and drive along Kamehameha Highway to Kahuku for some garlic shrimp, look for the Crouching Lion. He's kind of cool!
This hike is amazing. It is the first sign of "no trespassing" and as you walk in the forest, there's two different ways to go up, either left or right. If you go on right side up the trees and it's a trail, you have a more scenic view of the ocean and ridges. As we hiked, it was sunny and windy with some gravel ground that can make you slip. Faster people should go in front with slower people to the back when going up or down. The views of the ocean and mountain ridges are amazing and it's a quick hike if you only go to the crouching lion and a couple other view points. I would say possibly 20-25 minutes to go up for 3 scenic points and just be careful when close to the edge. Best to park in the area that goes by the bay which 6-7 cars can park. It was not busy when we got there on a Sunday afternoon around 1:15 pm
This is a quick and beautiful hike! I've hiked crouching lion a total of 3 times and have never felt like it was too strenuous to complete. It's around 30 minutes up with some incline, but nothing too serious where your "rock climbing skills" needed. When you get a little closer to the top, there is a part of the trail that is next to the cliff so just be attentive. I really love this hike, but my reason for giving it a 4 is because of the parking. There is dirt parking to the right of the hike. But the 4th time I've been to the hike, cars were broken into. It's still a beautiful hike that shouldn't be doubted, just make sure to keep your valuable either with you or out of site. Enjoy!:)
Do you see it... Not at first I admit but once you know you certainly do and oh how fun it is to grab a glance at it where I usually don't get much a chance of that since I've been driving but on this day with Terry K I got that chance and boy what memories it brings as every moment as a child it represents celebration with family and what a drive it is as you need to take the scenic route as we call with the endless ocean views. Not exactly sure who discovered this unique rock formation but is a fun view point as you take in the stunning various parts of the island that's free yet a great photo opportunity along with some rest/lunch stop at The Crouching Lion Restaurant which is exactly what we did and hope that you do so to take the time and enjoy this stunning view. Thank you! read more
Awesome easy hike with amazing views! Parking is on a side street and we've heard rumors of frequent break in's so be-careful not to leave anything of value in your car or in plain site. The hike is short and sweet. Nothing too crazy and doable for everyone in my opinion. The views on the top are totally worth it. Fair warning, it does get a bit windy but that is to be expected when you are that high up. read more
This hike was on my bookmarked list for awhile. Finally, did it with a great friend. It is a little hard to find though. Use Yelp app and click on map to open it in Google map for direction. Parking on the street. Just make sure not to leave any valuable items there. Cross the street where you see the warning sign. - as other reviews mentioned, it is not a long hike but steep and slippery. Toward the top, there are ropes to help you along the slippery sections. - wear good traction shoes. If you don't have traction shoes, you can buy microspikes for hiking through Amazon. - don't go hiking alone. If you are slipped or hurt, there is no one around to help you. - I would rate this hike as moderate due to its steepness and slippery. I wouldn't bring small kids here. read more
3 years ago
It was intense. When you enter there are two directions to go up. If you go right be prepared for a 7/10 difficulty. If it rained as well like it did for us there was a moment when we had to rock climb using a rope and the rocks were slippery. I even rethought my life choices for a moment. I don't know if it's a lot easier when it's dry but it was intense. I believe the left side is easier but we don't know because we didn't take it. If you go with kids don't take the right side or if your athleticism is low as well. read more
1 year ago
Crouching Lion Hidden Path. You'd be remiss to not do this hike, it offers a beautiful view and isn't insanely difficult to do. If someone like me, who abhors exercise, can do this hike, then anyone can right? Granted it's about 30 minutes to the top, there's a good amount of incline and parts where using your hands may help. The particularly steep inclines have ropes to help you along. Once you make it to the top of a flat area, there're 2-3 viewpoints you can head towards. It's worthwhile to do all of them, the views are amazing. Be careful when near the edges, don't be too much of an adrenaline junky when out hiking. Parking can be found along a dirt path near the entrance of Crouching Lion, just be sure to keep your belongings hidden or with you. read more
5 years ago
BEAUTIFUL HIKE IF YOU ARE NOT AFRAID OF HEIGHTS! Crouching Lion is a fairly short, fun, and somewhat challenging hike if you are NOT afraid of heights. There seems to be two entryways for Crouching Lion, the easy way and the way that includes a short rock-climbing section. We took the rock-climbing section as we did not know that there is an easier way. The rock-climbing portion wasn't too difficult, but for first timers to hiking and rock-climbing like me, it was somewhat of a challenge. There is a rope that helps you up, but it did not help as it was BROKEN. We free handed the rock climb, which wasn't too tall but you could definitely injure yourself if you fell off. If you are afraid of heights, definitely avoid this section and go for the easier route that is near the entrance. Once past the small rock-climbing portion, you have to walk through a narrow path near the edge of the cliff, which again can be scary if you're afraid of heights. You are rewarded with a nice view of the ocean once you do reach the top. PARKING: There is a small section for parking right across the entrance of the trail. It may be hard to find parking as this small section can be full, so be aware of that! The entrance is right near the side of the road and should be indicated by a metal sign. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Most epic and channeling hike we were on in Oahu! My daughter and didn't know what to expect, but I could assure you that it was better and more challenging then anything we could've expected. It's slippery, steep, and straight up. Trail head at side of the road and you can't see much of the trail because of the lush trees and brush. Be ready for steep very dangerous trail, last year a girl slipped and died so it's very sketchy. Once you climb about a half mile up, the cries are extraordinary and well worth every step, slip, and sweat. I'd would rank this higher the any other hike we completed. read more
Holy cow! Beautiful view at the top! But it's a super strenuous hike and a lot of super steep areas. Really sketchy when it's raining! Did this hike on my recent visit to the island, and I have to say this is not for the faint hearted. The trail is basically walked out by people and not really anything official. Towards the middle of the section there were workers that were building staircases, but the rest of it is basically tried it out by other people. This area also gets a lot of ring, so the trail is really wet and slippery all the time. And in some sections it is so steep that you have to climb up on all fours. I happen to pick a day when it was torrential downpour. The rain was forming little rivers flowing down the mountain. The view at the top was very foggy, but pretty! Coming down, it was worse. I basically slide down in the mud on my butt, and fell down several times on the trail. I have heard from other people that people die every year hiking the trail. Be really cautious if you want to try to hike this, and wear shoes that has grip would be helpful. Also no bathrooms, so you would have to pop a squat in the bushes. read more
I thought this was the perfect hike for me. It was not too rigorous, but still had a gorgeous view at the top. The hike was not paved, but there was a trail, making it easy to find your way. Be careful when its wet because it will probably be very slippery. Even when dry, be careful because i slipped 3 times going down! If you want a little challenge, this is a good hike because its on the shorter side (maybe about 15-20 mins one way). There are some parts when you need to pull yourself up or make bigger steps, but nothing too strenuous. There are a couple view points, but theyre pretty much towards the end of the hike. We parked right after the beach park (coming from Kaneohe side). I think on Google Maps, it says "Crouch Lion Park". Its pretty much just parking on the side of the road. Then walk across the road and start the hike. read more
Also known as Mini Crouching Lion. This hike gets slippery when it has been raining. It is a good short hike that has a steep-ish hill to walk up. It has beautiful ocean views on sunny days, but regardless the view is nice. There are a couple ways to get up and a few others to get back down. Can't really get lost because they all lead to Kamehameha Hwy. going up there's different areas that you could end up though. This hike takes around 40-60 ish minutes depending on your level of fitness. There are a lot of roots which in the beginning and it's nice! Love all the trees and most of the way going up is pretty shaded. This hike is probably rated easy/moderate. You can google directions. There is a parking area across the street where the hike starts. There are a lot of misquotes so make sure to bring some spray. This is located near a neighborhood/condos, so be mindful :). There is a break ins in Hawaii, make sure not to have valuables in your vehicle. read more
This is a quick climb - as others have said it is less of a hike and more of a climb due to the steep grade and unstable rocky dirt. It is not a sanctioned hike and there are a couple of memorials setup for the teenager who died here trying to rescue her phone. This makes it a bit eerie, especially if you go up on a windy day. It should however be a reminder to young people and old alike that life is precious, and phones are not. There are three places you can enter with the memorial being the middle entry point. If there has been any sign of rain for the last day I would not recommend doing this climb. The person that said their 60 year old dad did the hike with them has a pretty fit dad who likely has very good balance. This climb is not for the faint of heart. The views are beautiful, but there are easier climbs/hikes with similarly beautiful views. Wear good shoes, take some deep breaths, and enjoy the challenge if you choose to take it! read more
6 years ago
What can I say about this hike? Well for one go into it with a open mind and be ready for a steep climb and gorgeous views! The hike is dirt and rocks the whole time but is easy to follow as you slowly ascend. If this hike is muddy when you go, be careful please as it can be very slippery! At times during this hike me and my sons slipped and almost fell right on our butts even when it was dry. There is a gorgeous view nearly the whole time of not only the shoreline but the mountain range that is usually never cloudy! We parked near the beach park and it was very easy to find parking as this hike isn't that popular with tourists or locals. Right across the street from the parking is the beginning of the hike. read more
Great, quick, hidden hike on the windward side. Park on the right side of the road and then find the warning steep incline sign that's the start. Once you get clear of the trees(about 15 minutes) you will be able to see the "crouching lion" rock formation and the end of the hike. It takes a total of 30 min to get to the end. Fairly easy hike with some vertical climb. Highly recommend!!! Do not go if raining. That would be dangerous. read more
Every summer, when I was a little kid (I'm a tall kid now), dad would drive us to "The Country" where his fraternity had an annual family picnic. Along the way - between Honolulu and "The Country" - my three younger sisters and I would point at the animals and yell out, "Cow!", "Horse!", etc. Our parents would laugh at us and call us "City Slickers". Hey - at least we weren't yelling, "Bear!" and "Moose!", right? My siblings and I would look for certain landmarks and know that our destination was near. Besides the Hygienic Store and Chinaman's Hat, we'd look for the Crouching Lion in Ka'a'awa. There used to be a restaurant at the bottom of the mountain where the lion rests, but it is no longer in business... Yesterday, I had to stop at the side of the road, next to the former restaurant, and look upwards to find him... Yes! He's still there! Next time, when you take the scenic route and drive along Kamehameha Highway to Kahuku for some garlic shrimp, look for the Crouching Lion. He's kind of cool! read more
This hike is amazing. It is the first sign of "no trespassing" and as you walk in the forest, there's two different ways to go up, either left or right. If you go on right side up the trees and it's a trail, you have a more scenic view of the ocean and ridges. As we hiked, it was sunny and windy with some gravel ground that can make you slip. Faster people should go in front with slower people to the back when going up or down. The views of the ocean and mountain ridges are amazing and it's a quick hike if you only go to the crouching lion and a couple other view points. I would say possibly 20-25 minutes to go up for 3 scenic points and just be careful when close to the edge. Best to park in the area that goes by the bay which 6-7 cars can park. It was not busy when we got there on a Sunday afternoon around 1:15 pm read more
This is a quick and beautiful hike! I've hiked crouching lion a total of 3 times and have never felt like it was too strenuous to complete. It's around 30 minutes up with some incline, but nothing too serious where your "rock climbing skills" needed. When you get a little closer to the top, there is a part of the trail that is next to the cliff so just be attentive. I really love this hike, but my reason for giving it a 4 is because of the parking. There is dirt parking to the right of the hike. But the 4th time I've been to the hike, cars were broken into. It's still a beautiful hike that shouldn't be doubted, just make sure to keep your valuable either with you or out of site. Enjoy!:) read more
7 years ago
Great view once you make it to the top. Use yelp directions and park outside. Enter where there is warning signs. Take the left trail. Hikers told us to take the right side where we got stuck with a hill and had to use rope to go up. And we didnt have good shoes on. Once you reach the top there is so many spots to take pictures. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
It's a safe hike if you want it to be! We took our three kids and they had a blast. A little climbing but the views are amazing! read more
Beautiful sprawling views, fairly easy and short hike (my 7 year old was able to do it and we all had slippers on) definitely a must for families who like to get outdoors and see spectacular views of Hawaii. Follow the rock arrow up! No designated places to park... off road side parking here and there only. Go down to the beach after the hike and stick your feed in the water and ride the tree swing too! Keeping this on my list of "great easy hikes" for future! read more
8 years ago
Loved this Hike!! Just make sure you go when it doesn't rain because it can get muddy. There are two ways to go up, I recommend going to the first speed limit sign walking from the parking area. The second sign path was a little more steeper and has less rocks to grip on. It only takes 20 min to go up and the view is amazing. Directions: just go straight up the mountain from the first speed limit sign. When you reach an area with no more trees and a dry spot area go left. There should be a path going under the trees and leads you straight to the crouching Lion. If you want to go higher, you can keep going up from the dry spot. read more
5 years ago
What an amazing hike! Would consider this an intermediate to hard hike depending on your fitness level. The hike itself isn't far but expect tough terrain recommend shoes with a good grip. read more
6 years ago
8 years ago
Short sweet review: Parking: along the road across from trail entrance Difficulty: pretty damn... BUT! It's worth it and not very long at all, you can do it, pinky promise. It's tough going up because the grade is steep and the ground is loose. Footing is more difficult coming down in my opinion. Trail traffic: moderate traffic but not overly touristy like some others. read more
6 years ago
Great place to visit! Not so much a walk but more of a climb, fun experience!! All well worth it! The view is amazing. Beautiful! read more
DO NOT GO ON A RAINY DAY very dangerous. But on the a sunny day it's beautiful. The view is just outstanding. Pretty rough for the first 10 minutes but after that it's not that bad. I feel it's worth the journey. Once you make it to the first view point you have a choice to keep going up and up. If your lazy I'd say just enjoy the view at the first point it's very beautiful. If your in for an adventure then keep going up trust me the view is even better up there !!!! Pro tips: Bring lots of water, camera, shoes (that are okay with getting muddy) Parking: There is usually parking right outside of the hike once you past the bend before Kahana bay. You will see cars so park there read more
6 years ago
I love this hike! It's short but very steep the entire way up. The view from the top is so worth it though! Be careful if you're planning on hiking right after the rain because it gets super muddy read more
7 years ago
I love this hike!! I live in Laie so it's close to home and a super good one to do at sunrise. My friends and I often hike crouching lion and it doesn't take too long, but it is a little steep. I've even done in in the rain and barefoot- I don't suggest that, just sayin it's possible. I'm not a super big hiker and I'm trying to get back in shape but this is a good weekend hike or if you're visiting I think has one of the best views on the island. Definitely makes my top 5 Oahu hikes. read more
We did this hike on a nice sunny day and enjoyed it, though it can be a bit challenging. We started after the road bends and started heading toward the bay, where a number of cars were parked on the side of the road. We parked, crossed the street, and started the hike. Initially I found the hike pretty good, though once I got high enough to get a view, it seemed to get steeper and with that, a bit more tiring and challenging. I hiked up to the first clearing, where the view toward the bay really opens up and you can walk 30 feet away and look in the opposite direction as well as up the ridgeline. This was a little over a mile and I did this in about 45 minutes. My wife made it around half way up and was content with going that far. She saw essentially the same view of the bay I did but was maybe about 1/3 less distance (and not as much elevation). If you are looking to get out of the car, do a little hiking and get a nice view, I would recommend this hike. You get a great view, but the trail is in better shape than a lot of the other ones. Just make sure you dont go shortly after it's rained. read more
9 years ago
Parking will be across the busy street. And ofcourse it will say the trail is close but obviously it means you go on your own risk. The hike is all inclined your traction will only be with the roots of the trees sticking out the mountain wall and your hiking shoes so be ready for a slippery muddy trail. This trail very steep so its not good for kids especially when it just rained or currently raining my 14 y/o didnt make to the top since it was very slippery. Going down can be very dangerous so take your time but over all. The view is majestic and worth the sweat. read more
6 years ago
9 years ago
I was so lucky to have came here with my loving friends. Thankful for my friend Bobbi for having a family member who lived here and knew where this hike was. If you're not a local, this hike is impossible to find. There's no public signs for this hike. This was such a beautiful hike. It wasn't too challenging. I definitely want to come back and hike this mountain when I come back to this beautiful paradise! read more
8 years ago
Nice easy hike. It was completely dry out today so it was easy but we could tell that it could easily turn into a muddy sketch mess if it was nasty rainy. The trailhead is the opening in the trees with 2 trail signs and the cement bench, there is also a memorial there currently. Watch your footing going up, my friend had to grab a woman today and save her from taking a spill straight now the hill.... also wear good shoes, we seen a mom and her teenage boy almost take a spill backwards down the hill due to poor shoe choices... read more
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