UPDATED FEB 2020. The breathtaking views at the top make this one of the most popular, iconic, and ‘Insta-famous’ hikes on Oahu. But, it’s not without its challenges. Here’s a complete guide on how to find the Crouching Lion hike with everything you need to know to plan your hiking adventure.
How To Find The Crouching Lion Hike + Complete Hiking Guide
Disclaimer
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FAQ for hiking the Crouching Lion trail
Where is the trail located?
On the North Shore of Oahu.
How long does it take to drive there from Waikiki?
Approx 45 minutes from Waikiki.
How long does it take to complete the hike?
Approx 2 hours total depending on your pace.
What is the difficulty level of the hike?
Intermediate – steep sections, rope assist, and some rocky ground.
What type of parking is available?
Side of the road parking.
What should you bring with you?
- Good hiking shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus
) - Camera (I use this action camera with this floaty selfie stick for swimming afterward)
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Hat
- Sunscreen
)
for swimming afterward)
Where to park for the Crouching Lion trail
To get to the Crouching Lion Trail, take the Kamehameha Highway North. Use ‘Crouching Lion Hike’ in Google Maps.
You can park off the side of the road past the Crouching Lion Inn or wherever you can find a space.
BEFORE you leave your house make sure you put your valuables in the trunk of your car or leave them at home. Even if there are no valuables, a cluttered car looks more enticing to a thief and car break-ins are unfortunately common in Hawaii.
The trailhead is past this sign on the right
How to find the trailhead
The start of the trail is a little hidden and not clearly marked.
The trailhead is just passed a ‘Do Not Pass’ sign on the side of the road.
It looks more like a small path than a hike, so keep an eye out. Once you get into the trail it’s easier to find your way.
The difficulty of the Crouching Lion trail
You don’t have to be super fit or agile to complete the Crouching Lion hike – I am certainly not super in either category and I did it.
It is more of an intermediate hike though. While the hike is fairly short, the difficult areas are at the start and towards the end where there are a couple of steep and open sections. The footing in these sections can be a little slippery because of the loose dirt and if you are afraid of heights, it might be a little daunting.
Because of these sections, it’s better if you’ve already done some beginner hikes and have some confidence in hiking.
Here are some ideas if you are looking for beginner hikes on Oahu.
What to expect
After you start the trail, the first section is a steep incline where you walk over tree roots. The hike is technically closed so it is not maintained and clearly marked.
It’s popular enough that there’ll most likely be other people around to follow, and you’ll also need to pay attention to follow the path.
Soon enough, you’ll see a clearing and a pillbox with some gorgeous views of the bay. It’s a good place to catch your breath and get some pics – it’s beautiful.
If that’s enough for you, you could turn around here, or you can continue up the trail.
You will come to a fork where you have the option to go left or right. Left will take you on the shorter trail straight to the summit of the Crouching Lion hike. This is the way I went and it is where you can find the popular location that gives you epic views of Kahana Bay.
If you go right there is another long hike ahead of you which will bring you out by 7-11.
Important safety tips
There are some open sections so make sure to wear sunscreen a hat and bring water to protect against the elements.
It can be a slippery trail if it has been raining so check the weather forecast and keep that in mind. I wouldn’t do the hike if it is raining or had been raining in a couple of days prior to hiking it.
I recommend having a good pair of hiking shoes to help keep your footing stable during the hike. My favorite is the New Balance Minimus
.
Other things to do nearby
After your hike you could visit Laie falls, Laie point (this is the Forgetting Sarah Marshall jump spot), and make sure you get shave ice from Angels Ice Cream in Laie while you’re there.
Alternatively, you could make a beach-hopping day of it to stop at beaches with the photogenic swings along the highway.
If you’d like to hang out at a beach after your hike, I recommend Kualoa Beach Park to chill out by Chinaman’s Hat. The best snorkeling spots in the area are Sharks Cove and Three Tables.
For a delicious meal, make sure you stop at Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken where you can get a delicious ‘eat with your hands’ type food truck meal.
Here’s my full guide on things to do in Hawaii for even more ideas.
Where to stay on Oahu
My favorite place to stay on the North Shore is Turtle Bay Resort. If you want that quintessential resort vacation feel, it’s perfect. They offer a lot of activities, have great snorkeling right outside the hotel, and having a Mai Tai at one of the beach bars is a great way to end the day.
Location wise though, Waikiki is the best place to base yourself from to see more of the island and for accommodation in Waikiki, my favorite is the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
No matter where you chose to stay, I recommend searching on Booking.com. This is what I use to find accommodation for my trips because I can always find a good deal there.
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As always, I’m here to give as much information as I can, but please use your best judgment as far as if this hike would be suitable for your skill and fitness levels.
Above all else, treat the area with respect by sticking to the trail, not leaving any trash behind, and pick up any trash you see while you’re there.
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