Quick Facts

• Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip
• Elevation Gain: 300 feet (90 m)
• Duration: 1 hour round trip
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Crouching Lion Hike Oahu

This is a 20-30 minute hike on a dirt trail that takes you up the side of a steep hill. You will feel exhausted and panting on the way up, but the trail to the first viewpoint isn’t dangerous at all.

With an elevation gain of only about 300 feet, it may feel more challenging due to the short distance. Just remember to stay hydrated by bringing some water.

Please keep an eye on the weather conditions; the dirt trail can become steep and slippery after heavy rain.

The Crouching Lion Viewpoint

After approximately 20 minutes of hiking, you will reach a flat hilltop where you can soak in the breathtaking views. The atmosphere here is tranquil, with only the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees.

While there are steep drop-offs that could pose risks, you can still enjoy the area if you maintain a safe distance from the ledge. There is ample space to walk around on the hilltop without danger.

If you venture eastward, a rock platform awaits, offering even better vistas of the ocean and mountains. This rocky formation is what lends the hike its name, ‘crouching lion.’

You can either enjoy this vantage point or continue further up the mountain, where the trail eventually connects with Puu Manamana. However, this route is known to be one of the more treacherous cliff trails in Hawaii, and it is advisable to avoid it unless you’re experienced.

As part of being a responsible hiker, please remember to keep the trail clean, respect fellow hikers, and leave no trace. Happy hiking!

Is Crouching Lion Hike Closed / Illegal?

At one point, Hawaiian authorities placed signs claiming the Crouching Lion trail was closed. However, this has not been enforced for several years and appears to be ineffective as of 2024.

Initial restrictions may have aimed to limit access to Puu Manamana, a much more dangerous hike that shares the same trailhead as Crouching Lion.

Nevertheless, most hikers utilize this trailhead to embark on the short and manageable hike to the Crouching Lion hilltop, which is one of Hawaii’s finest hikes and is not particularly hazardous.

Crouching Lion Pillboxes

If you seek additional interest along the Crouching Lion hike, small U.S. military bunkers known as pillboxes are concealed in the foliage on the northeast side of the trail.

Constructed during World War II, these concrete bunkers served as lookout stations and usually offer stunning views of Hawaii’s coastline.

Although the Crouching Lion pillboxes may now be dilapidated and overgrown, they remain a fascinating aspect of the trail, and you can explore inside or climb on top for a great view of Kahana Bay.

Kahana Bay Beach Park

While visiting the Crouching Lion trail, make sure to visit the nearby beach that hugs Kahana Bay.

Located just across the road from the start of the Crouching Lion trail, the beach offers epic views and tends to be quite empty!

You can camp at this beach park with a permit, making it a lovely spot to relax before or after your hiking adventure.

Map For Crouching Lion

Here’s a map from AllTrails that illustrates the hiking route and elevation profile.

Trailhead Location / Directions

The Crouching Lion hike is situated on the northern windward side of Oahu, Hawaii, just 4 miles from Kualoa Ranch.

GPS coordinates for the trailhead are: 21.557731051267226, -157.86653988890907

Clicking the link opens maps to guide you directly to the parking lot, which is about a one-hour drive from Waikiki or Honolulu.

There is limited parking available, and the location is also accessible via bus, with several stops nearby the trailhead.

To begin the hike, cross the road from the parking area and navigate through the jungle and up the hill.

You will come across 3 or 4 different unmarked trails; however, any of them will lead you to the viewpoint.

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Thank you for reading! I hope you found this travel guide for the Crouching Lion hike in Oahu, Hawaii enjoyable and informative.

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