CROUCHING LION HIKE

hike view

Where to find it

Kaawa, Hi, 96730

What to bring

Proper Shoes

Water

Camera!

Difficulty Level

Advanced

1-2 Hours

*Hike at your own risk

You will for sure get a work out done with this hike. But the view is totally worth it!  The magnificent (yet kinda scary) hike known as Crouching Lion is one of the many must-do’s on Oahu.  From Honolulu head towards Kaaawa (we recommend taking the Pali and then Kamehameha Hwy) and you’ll find the entrance to the hike just a few minutes past Kualoa Ranch.  To the right side of the road you will see a small patch of dirt for parking right across from the entrance.

The hike itself is relatively short but it’s the steepness of it that challenges you.  We also want to point out that it isn’t very family friendly so it’s best to leave the keiki’s and the pups at home.

hike view

When you get to the entrance you will see two pairs of signs that say “No Trespassing”.  It is a very popular and well-known hike, but still, hike at your own risk as that you are trespassing. The first pair of signs you come across lead up a very steep and narrow path that will involve a little bit of rock climbing. Certain areas will be accompanied by rope to help you up. It is not the time to be macho, use the rope, especially on the way back down. Along the way, enjoy gorgeous sneak peek views of Kahana Bay.  Something to note about this path is that there is no rope for help so going back down this way is something we do not recommend.

hike

Once you reach the top, you can see the full view of Kahana Bay and enjoy the cooling breeze from your climb up. But there is one last step, climbing on top of the “Crouching Lion”. You will follow the path to the left that goes more towards the ocean. You will see a larger rock structure. Again, be extremely careful, this part may be easy going up but very slippery when making your way down and there are no ropes.

bomber

Now that you have finished a hike that will definitely leave you tired but even more so, hungry!  If you are really a PRO hiker, you’d bring a Kono’s bomber with you to devour and enjoy the views. BUT if you are not a PRO yet, you have the option of two Kono’s to head to for an after-hike meal! Cruise on up to Haleiwa for a North Shore day or head back down to Kailua to jump into the beautiful waters at Lanikai beach.  Whichever you pick we will be there to make sure you are recharged for more adventures!

See More of the East Side

hike view