AMAZING food, service and ambience!! From the breathtaking views, food bursting with flavor and the exceptional service from our server, Joselyn, we were blown away. I would describe the menu as a shareable/familiy style menu. We ordered quite a bit, but it was all worth it. What we ordered: * Ribeye Streak * Scallops * Lobster tail * Steamed clams with focaccia bread * Fried Rice Everything was cooked to perfection. My favorites were the steamed clams and the fried rice. 10 Stars! read more

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We did not have a reservation, so we waited which was expected. Asked host if we can sit another area and was told that the server in that area was overwhelmed so we couldn't. Understood that can happen, however still questioned the statement. Sat down placed order for drinks and food. This is where I have the problem, each item was brought out one at a time. First the fries (amazing) then asparagus, then 1/2 DZ oysters...but no salmon roll. Waited...waited and waited, no update not even checking in to see how the rest of service/food was. We were overlooked. Caught another server attention and began to speak with her, that's when our server ran up to us. I asked him we waited for almost 30 minutes on a single roll. He ran in the back to "check" on it, but saw him twice taking care of other customers. I finally said give me the bill so I can leave and eat elsewhere. I just wanted some kind of acknowledgement but received none. read more

Went on a weekday on Tuesday and it wasn't busy at all. We were able to sit by the ocean view but it was raining so we moved closer to the middle. I ordered the volcano nachos and the brisket roll. My favorite here is their brisket, so I wanted to try their other brisket items. When we got them, it was delicious! I wish there was a bit more sauce on the nachos, but I asked for some on the side to dip the fries in. The roll was very good too and each part paired well together. I would return again for their brisket. Our server was very nice and attentive and I enjoyed the dinner! read more

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Crouching Lion on Oahu is one of those places where the view alone makes it worth the visit -- but the food holds its own too. We went for lunch and sat on the patio, which overlooks the ocean and is absolutely beautiful. It's such a relaxing setting and perfect for taking in the scenery while you eat. The vibe during lunch was very casual. Some people were dressed up, but you definitely don't need to feel obligated to do the same. If you want a table closest to the very edge of the patio, I'd recommend making a reservation ahead of time. That said, the views are great from pretty much anywhere outside. We ordered the bulgogi kimbap roll, scallion pancakes, and mandu. Everything was really flavorful and perfect for sharing. Portion sizes were okay -- not huge, but enough for a light lunch. There's a small parking lot on-site, which can fill up, so just keep that in mind depending on when you go. It is definitely on the pricier side, but honestly that's pretty expected for Hawaii, especially at a place with views like this. I'd absolutely come back. Between the incredible ocean views and the solid food, it's a great spot to stop if you're exploring that side of the island read more

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Excellent. Asian-fusion cuisine across street from beach with direct ocean views. Very exotic, bohemian, Balinese atmosphere open to the elements. Well known dishes as larb, curries, suishi raw bar etc. worth the drive. read more

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The ceviche is absolutely amazing. The serving portion is very small, but worth trying! The service is really good as well. We did not have a reservation, but asked if we could be seated facing the ocean, and they were able to accommodate us. I think it is a great place for a nice dinner with friends or a date. At least two birthday parties were going on while I was there. read more

The Crouching Lion - Ceviche - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

Great service and scenic view! The oysters were so fresh! Highly recommend the scallion pancakes and edamame. I was a little disappointed with the scallops. They tasted like they were cooked in the same pan/grill as burgers and the texture was chewier than I'd like. Other than that, everything was amazing! For two people, we spend just under $200. read more

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If you a chance, go here! My husband will not stop talking about the brisket tacos, and he rarely truly "remembers" a meal. The views and ocean breeze made for a wonderful lunch after our stop at Kuloa Ranch read more

The MOST delicious and flavorful loaded fries I have ever had. The meat was spectacular, very lean and full of flavor. The service was excellent and the cider was good! We sat along the railing and split it all,-plenty of food. The views were incredible. We came after walking around at the Byodo In temple, perfect way to cap off the trip. read more

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This is our go to spot for good food and drinks. Worth the hour drive from Mililani! Anthony was our server tonight and he was awesome. Never had bad service yet every time we come here. Always feel like we are ohana. Mahalo Crouching Lion and Anthony! read more

The Crouching Lion was 10/10 experience. The vibe was so cute, all decorated for Christmas, with a killer view of the ocean. We had the Santa Sangria to start. Delicious and sweet. Then we ordered share plates of crunchy ahi, crunchy salmon, brisket tacos and volcano fries. All were seriously so satisfying and plenty to go around between the four of us. We were also celebrating a birthday and an upcoming deployment. The staff surprised us with a sweet chocolate ice cream dish to share as well as a candle and a sweet, sweet serenade from the live music artist they had that night. It was definitely an incredible experience and we can't wait to dine here again. read more

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The location is breath taking, by being right on the ocean. I'd recommend going before sunset. The ambiance is very nice, it's clean and very aesthetic. We had a bday party for my wife. The food is definitely shareable and delicious. There's a lot of options and the menu seems built to share. The service was good enough and very friendly. I would definitely go back with friends. read more

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This restaurant was on my list of places to check out forever but I never made the trek from town until I pulled out the "it's my birthday and I want to go here so please drive me so I can drink and enjoy" card out. The view is pretty during the day but there's nothing but darkness outside of you go at night. It's a pretty large place so we were able to get a table for 3 as a walk in. The servers are very nice and attentive. The hostess gave me a chocolate rose as a birthday gift. The chefs and bartenders know what they're doing. The food was yummy! Everything we tried was delicious and nicely plated. It should be for the price point! My favorite dish was the wagyu beef larb which we ate with the complimentary freshly fried won ton chips. 'Ono!! The sushi roll sampler was a nice way to try their different sushi rolls. It wasn't the best sushi but it was good. I'd skip this next time tho. The Karaage chicken was wonderful. Big portion, yummy sauce, hot and crispy. read more

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The restaurant itself is very nice. I enjoyed the location and the interior decors. As for the food, I thought it was only okay. The best thing I ate was definitely the order of beef kalbi with a side of plain white rice. The meat was a bit tough, but the flavors were really good. However, I can't give it a higher rating because of the service. Although our server was very enthusiastic and friendly, he completely forgot one of our orders, did not check on us, and completely disappeared for long time periods during our visit. read more

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Great views, but the food leaves more to be desired. This restaurant is located along Kamehameha Highway facing the water. It's located right next to "The Collection," a building showcasing cars and motorcycles, which also belongs to the owner of The Crouching Lion. We came in on a weekend for lunch and it wasn't busy at all, and we were able to be seated quite promptly! We ordered the CL bruschetta, which was essentially crispy rice with toppings of raw fish, as well as the rose tteokbokki carbonara. I think it took around 30 minutes for our food to come out. The bruschetta was an interesting concept, though it was rather oily and I got tired of the taste/texture by the second piece. I liked the rose tteokbokki the most, though the dish was quite expensive for the portion size and just being rice cakes and sauce. I likely would not come back since I didn't really enjoy the food, but if you wanted a scenic view while eating lunch or dinner, this is definitely an option! read more

The Crouching Lion - lava flow - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

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We had such a wonderful experience at Crouching Lion. The view was absolutely amazing -- overlooking the ocean with the mountains as a breathtaking backdrop. It's one of those spots where the scenery alone makes the visit worthwhile. The service made it even better. Our server was so sweet and friendly, which really added to the overall experience. The food was delicious and beautifully prepared. The spicy cucumber dish was refreshing, though not as spicy as expected -- which may actually be perfect for those who prefer mild heat. Overall, great food, warm service, and unforgettable views. We'll definitely be back. read more

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It's a bit far, but it was worth the drive. Nestled right on the side of the Crouching Lion hike, it had a beautiful view of the ocean, would definitely recommend coming in the day for the view. We came as a walk-in on a Wednesday evening around 5:30 and was seated within 20min. Our server was great, she made great recommendations, was very knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the Bulgogi Kimbap, Spicy cucumbers, wagyu sliders, volcanic loaded brisket fries, classic mandu, and uni pasta. This was more than enough for two people to share and the food was so good. My husband really enjoyed the spicy cucumbers, volcano fries and the wagyu sliders. My favorite was the uni pasta. Will definitely be back to try other foods on the menu. The atmosphere was nice, there was live music being played, the server checked in on us in a timely manner and the whole staff was great. read more

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Off of Kamehameha hwy this spot has amazing vibe, interior and menu. Draws are definitely the location with beautiful beach view, interior design and great food and drink options, definitely maximized on the cute lion merch. Cute little photo op sections. Service was a little slow but friendly also assuming they are short staffed. Menu items are all shareable and varied between appetizers to grilled items. We started with bloody Mary, macadamia mai tai refreshing and mai tai was strong yet delicious. Kim chee fried rice, volcano fries, grilled squid and oysters. Everything was delicious main star was the grilled squid with garlic. Kim chee rice was perfectly cooked nice pieces of pork belly, oysters fresh, volcano fries loaded with brisket. Def a nice place to visit at night for a nice dinner after the beach. read more

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We went prior to 12:00 and didn't have to wait. Once 12:00 came it got busy. They handle it with ease as far as I could tell.. definitely visiting again. read more

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I was having such a hard time trying to find a place for rehearsal dinner that would be close enough to the venue AND would host 19 people. I reached out and Stephanie was amazing to communicate with. When we got there the electricity went completely out and they had some lamps to put around the table. I really felt bad for my photographer because bad lighting sucks. But the service here was absolutely amazing. Even with zero electricity they were able to serve a 4 course meal and it was alll so freakin good. We decided to come back for dinner the night before we left and it was good. The nachos or whatever they were , had such great flavor. I would skip on the pasta - we didn't love it. Also every dish on our menu for the rehearsal was amazing read more

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The food was fantastic and the desert to die for. They have very unique and interesting dishes. Our waitress was named Alyssa. We were there on 25 Apr 2026 after a long visit at Kualoa Ranch. One of our drivers recommended crouching tiger to us. Glad he did. Views from our main dining were of the ocean was fantastic. Drinks were perfect too. Overall, it's a "Don't Miss" for all Kailua Coast visitors. Thank you CROUCHING TIGER. Loved the entire restaurant and bar. Clean bathrooms. Yay. We will all return. We had a table of 7, with 2 children. Everyone loved it. Alyssa was perfect with everyone. Great waitress. Keep her if you can. read more

The Crouching Lion - Main Dining Area. Great for large parties. - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

We sat down to this stunning view of Kahana Bay and deep dived into a seafood feast! The clams and oysters were sooo fresh, and the Hamachi Kama and lamb chops straight from the fire grill? Delicious! But we saved the best for last -- shaved ice for dessert! So refreshing, especially after a long hike on a hot day! If you're in the area, check this spot out. Amazing food and killer view read more

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Everything about this place was perfect. I enjoyed each dish we tried and was a big fan of the atmosphere. The food was more than I had expected and I am so thankful we drove from Wai'anae over to the east side for this menu and experience. The wonton chips were crispy, and I can't place the flavors but they were a touch of spicy and sweet. Great to snack on while checking the menu. We started with a shareable drink that was light, crisp and refreshing called Makgeolli Peach Sharable Spritz. Highly recommend this cocktail. No usually go to mai tai or margarita for me tonight. This was just what I needed. The oysters are from Seattle and they are almost as amazing as being at Elliot's in Seattle. Don't get the half; get the bakers dozen or you will be sad and want more. I asked for something spicy besides the horse radish, and had the spicy chili oil which was a nice touch with the shoyu and lemon. My first time ever eating scallops so I am not sure how to rate them but they had a meaty yet tender texture. They were buttery and delicious. The sauce I had been worried about since I am not a wasabi fan but it was light and not over powering. The Ribeye was tender, juicy and flavorful. Perfectly cooked and cut pupu style. Spicy ahi roll, inside out or something, yum! Loved it. Our waitress Ka'imi was exceptional. As a newer employee, she knew what's dishes were popular and what other guests enjoyed so she was able to recommend and knock our restaurant experience out of the park. I couldn't have asked for a more attentive and kind waitress. We also had a younger gentleman fill our water who was kind and attentive as well but I forgot to grab his name but we chatted about the beaches on the west side briefly. read more

The Crouching Lion - At night - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

There couldn't be a more picturesque location for a restaurant than this one -- great view of the ocean on a peaceful stretch of the North Shore. We had the AYCE feast option, a mix of appetizers, sushi, robata grill dishes, and cooked entrees. The food was solid, although the service was a bit too fast paced for the quantity delivered. read more

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I'm a foodie that will travel for food and this place was worth the trek. I did the Crouching Lion feast and had the pleasure of being served by Joshua Winder. Joshua was great, personable and very passionate about what he was serving (he too is a foodie and appreciates delicious noms)! The feast is definitely worth it. It was all good but the salmon, bbq and Shiitake mushrooms really stood out for me. As if 12 courses wasn't enough, they then bring you coffee and dessert! Highly recommend and ask to sit in Joshua's section! read more

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My cousins were in town, so we did the classic island cruise and made a lunch stop at the newly reopened Crouching Lion. After being closed for over a decade, this spot reopened May 2024 under new ownership. It's much bigger than before . What used to be a small restaurant with a gift shop on the side is now a really big restaurant. The entire space itself is smartly designed to showcase the beautiful ocean views. The layout feels ready-made for big events like weddings, company parties, etc... The setup is pretty cool with two kitchens, one dedicated to robata grilling and the other handling regular dishes and a raw bar. The menu leans Korean with splashes of Japanese influence and a few local twists thrown in. The food? A bit of a roller coaster with some hits, some misses, and a few in-betweens. * The Scallion Pancakes with Octopus were the unanimous favorite. Crispy, flaky, packed with flavor. * Kalbi Ribs delivered too: smoky, garlicky, exactly what you want from Kalbi. * Duck Breast Lemongrass Butter Confit... not so much. Four tiny cubes of chewy, bland duck with zero lemongrass flavor for $26. Gonna pass on it next time. * Brisket Taco Reverse Roll was a mixed bag: tender, flavorful brisket but the rice was soft and almost mushy. Texturally not a good mouthfeel. Service was excellent. Our server, Josie, was on top of it. Friendly, attentive, and professional. A bit on the pricey side but we would come back on our next island tour. It's a nice stop between town and the North Shore with beautiful views, solid service, and enough menu intrigue to give it another go. Happy Eating!! read more

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Very Cute place... food was okay... service was good... they get their name from the surrounding area.... crouching lion trail and the mountain behind the restaurant also looks like a crouching lion.... One of the best things about this place is there is a car collection in back... some of the coolest cars... read more

The Crouching Lion - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

We came to Crouching Lion after visiting Kualoa Ranch, and it was the perfect way to end the day. We got there around 5 pm, which turned out to be a great time -- not too busy yet, but you could see it starting to fill up later. First off, the ambience. This is one of those rare spots outside Honolulu/ Waikiki where the atmosphere actually feels thoughtfully put together. It's not just the amazing ocean view -- they've got flowers, a fountain at the entrance, nice lighting, and everything felt clean and welcoming. Definitely more "special night out" vibes than your average countryside restaurant. We had kids with us (a toddler and a 10-year-old), and I loved how they treated families. Crayons and coloring sheets came right away, and the kids' meals were served in little toy cars -- a hit. Food-wise: * Oysters: pricey (around $50 for 13), but fresh, tasty, and came with two sauces to try. * Sliders: just okay * Tacos: amazing * Mocktail (virgin piña colada): fine, nothing special, but they do have a full cocktail menu if you're drinking. * Dessert: the star of the night. The crème brûlée (made with Hawaiian-grown coffee) was outstanding. One of the best I've ever had, and I've had my fair share, even in France. Perfectly crunchy caramelized top, smooth custard with a subtle coffee twist. Expensive at $20, but worth it. * Ice cream was $8 a scoop, which felt a little too steep for what it was. Overall, this is not a budget dinner spot, but if you're looking for a memorable, sit-down meal with great views and nice ambience -- especially after doing something nearby like Kualoa Ranch -- it really hits the mark. read more

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We stopped by The Crouching Lion after a day at Kualoa Ranch, absolutely famished. A friend in our group knows the family who owns the restaurant, so we made it a point to visit. And we're so glad we did! Everything was amazing. The space is stunning, right by the water with incredible ocean views, and the portions are generous and perfect for sharing. We left feeling completely stuffed and so happy. *COCKTAILS We loved every drink we tried: the 100% Kona Espresso Martini, Mokoli'i Yuzu Express, and the Highball. Each one was smooth, balanced, and beautifully made. KAHANA POKE Wow, off to a great start. It was so fresh, with the right amount of shoyu to marinate the ahi tuna. The presentation is gorgeous with the microgreens. KIMCHI FRIED RICE A huge and satisfying portion. Comforting, flavorful, and so fulfilling. It had this really great smoky Chipotle like flavor. ***UNI PASTA Obsessed. The creamy mushroom sauce paired perfectly with the salty-sweet ikura and rich uni. The noodles were the perfect texture. It seriously vanished within seconds. Our favorite dish of the day! FRIES WITH HONEY AIOLI Crispy, golden, and perfect for sharing. The honey aioli is a standout. **OYSTER ON THE HALF SHELL Absolutely gorgeous. Fresh, buttery, and possibly the best oysters I've ever had. *SCALLION PANCAKES So light and crispy, with bits of squid throughout for texture and flavor. The dipping sauce complemented it perfectly, just the right hint of spice. **LARB Delicious and balanced. Generous portions with simple, fresh ingredients and bold flavor. The spice level was perfect, and the fresh lettuce for wraps made it even better. Highly recommend adding it on. ***CRISPY SALMON BELLY Incredible. Perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. You won't even need a knife. The spiced soy sauce took it to another level. I really hope they make this a permanent menu item! read more

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My favorite dish was the steamed clams with focaccia! The clams tasted very fresh and the broth was delicious. I loved dipping the focaccia in the broth to soak up all the flavor. This is a great dish to share with the table and I would definitely get it again! Our server was very kind and attentive and the view can't be beat if you're sitting outside. Highly recommend trying this place out if you're in the area! read more

The Crouching Lion - Steamed Clams with Housebaked Focaccia - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

My large family (5 adults 3 kids) had a wonderful time at the Crouching Lion. The atmosphere was beautiful right out on the ocean with lanterns and a breeze, and the food was fresh and excellent! We enjoyed everything and the desserts were superb. We really appreciated how many vegetarian options there were as well. The service was also excellent, our server Angela was lovely and extremely professional and attentive to us, especially considering it was right after the storms. Highly recommend! read more

The Crouching Lion - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

After a visit to Kahuku Hospital and a stop at Kahana Valley State Park, we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at The Crouching Lion in Ka'a'awa on the Windward Side of Oahu. It was our second visit, and we were pleasantly surprised (again) by the superb food and attentive staff. The tropical ambiance created a balmy atmosphere that made for a delightful dining experience. Angela, who took care of our culinary delights and beverages, was a true delight. We can't wait to return! read more

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Food was amazing! Dessert was life changing. Ambience was romantic with the beautiful view! Met chef Daniel and he took care of us. I will def be coming back next time I come to Hawaii! read more

The Crouching Lion - Crème brûlée - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

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Just amazing!!! Great imaginative food! Try the scallion pancakes, off the hook good! Incredible service in a beautiful laid back north shore Oahu way! Loved every moment of this dinner! read more

What a wonderful location, delicious food, and great service! Andrew was a fantastic server and we would definetly return here!

We had some amazing sushi and amazing food here at the crouching lion!!! We were greeted by an amazing host named Malia who offered us a picture at the end. She was so nice and generous. Had a great time here we definitely suggested to anyone who comes to Oahu Hawaii. read more

The Crouching Lion - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii

We drove by earlier in the day and saw this restaurant from the highway. We were staying in the North Shore area and hadn't eaten at many sit-down restaurants outside of our resort so we decided to come here for our final dinner in Hawaii. We ordered a variety of dishes (oysters, sweet potato, mushrooms, hamachi kama, kimbap, miso salmon, and an ube cocktail) and after tasting everything, I genuinely thought that we were sick and something was wrong with our taste buds because most of our food lacked flavor. I've never experienced that in a restaurant before. We realized it wasn't our taste buds after eating other foods the next day so sadly, their food was just missing flavor. We were seated at a six-person table with a great view of the ocean during sunset and they were quick to check in on us throughout our service. The food came out fairly quickly and each dish was wonderfully presented. There was also live acoustic music with the artist playing both classics and Christmas songs. I'd say it's worth stopping by for a drink or two but I hope others have better luck with the flavor of the food. read more

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I have not been to The Crouching Lion since 2003. Back then I thought it was just ok. We made a reservation for Christmas night at 8:00pm. The place was packed, assuming mostly tourist looking for a place to eat. Although the reservation was for 8pm, we ended up waiting to about 8:30pm before being seated. This was disappointing but we stuck it out. A lot has changed since 2003 and this time, everything was delicious. I tried the brisket tacos, the kimchi fried rice, and the pork belly from the Robata grill. Everything was excellent! The decor and vibe here are absolutely perfect. I seriously cannot wait to go back. read more

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Food was great and the service was amazing! Our server Anthony was so welcoming and kind and offered a great experience. The restaurant itself was so beautiful and the vibes were perfect. read more

This restaurant is lovely, beach front and wonderful breezy views on the second level. Easy to grab a table as a walk in, but I recommend making a reservation. Food is expensive relative to the amount and quality you get. There's a wide variety of Asian inspired dishes, the most popular being the Korean Sushi, kimbap. The quality of ingredients used are great. Quick service and decent amount of free parking. read more

The Crouching Lion - Tacos - Beer Bar Near Me - Kaaawa, Hawaii