Crouching Lion Hike Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa

Amazing views and an awesome hike. There are 2 sets of warning signs. Enter in by the ones on the right side when you are facing the mountain, NOT the left set of signs. Take plenty of water and snacks with you. You climb a few rock faces, some much easier due to others who have gone before... There are hand and foot holds on all of the climbing parts of the trail.

Best hike we have ever done hands down. This hike is so good the helicopter tours come into the valley of it. There is a reason it’s closed though, it’s not maintained, is quite slippery, very steep, and there are numerous memorials on the trail from people that have died….. 😞 If you do choose to do it, we’ve never had as great of a reward as this on a hike before. Absolutely stunning, breathtaking.

PARKING!!! There are lots of reviews with directions, when pieced together they make sense, but I personally like visuals. So here are my directions to find the hike with photos for reference. If you coming from the North Shore direction the parking lot is going to be on your left (ocean side). It is right next too the Huilua Fishpond. If you get to the crouching lion cafe you’ve gone too far. Once out of your car you will need to cross the road (mountain side). You will come to two sets of “danger” “hazardous cliff” signs. You want to take the the second set. Currently there is a memorial by the second set as well as pink ties around the metal posts of these signs. The beginning of the trail is marked by pinks ties. You see those, you know you are on the right path. At the top you are going to come to a second memorial, this is not the end! (You’ll miss the best part if you stop here) turn left, then left again. This will take you to the “head” of the lion. Full 360° views from there! My husband and I did the hike in chacos/tevas just fine. Just an FYI for anyone debating.

I love this beautiful and amazing 360 view, i can sit here and reflect in hours! Its get muddy and slippey when raining, get the right shoes. Dont leave any valuables inside your car, and thank you for not leaving any trash behind the trail.

This was a great challenging and shorter hike. The challenge was the steepness, but if you take your time and watch your footing wearing shoes with good tread, you'll be fine. There are ropes in some of the harder areas that you may want to use when you head down, actually. You get great views from a couple different spots, including on the left by the lion head (rock that looks like the lion in the name).

There are 3 trail heads right across from the Koolauloa beach swing (where we parked) the middle one is the one to take. Right now it also is marked with a beautiful memorial. We tried the path on the right first, but met some very steep rocks too challenging for our daughter. The middle is the one to take. You cannot get better views of Kahana Bay. Really really incredible. The wind was strong at the top, so be careful. We made it up with regular tennis shoes and a 12 year old daughter. No rain or mud today. Passed about 5 other groups hiking as well. To find the pillboxes. Park at the same place and continue traveling from Kahana Bay towards Swanzy park. Right at the 1st corner past the three entrances is an unmarked trail right by a utility pole. Take this trail to find 2 pillboxes and reach the lower of the two rock peaks. I believe these trails all do connect, but I wasn't brave enough to hike the ridge connecting them.

Wow such an amazing hike and views of the ocean. Is challenging and slippery, and has some steep edges. There are ropes to assist in some but not all parts of the trail. Probably 30 min to 1 hour to the top depending on your speed.

My ABSOLUTE favorite hike on island. Hike with respect. Dont leave any trash and pick up any that you do come across.

Sketchy. t's a climb, not a hike. Wear grippy shoes, not after a heavy rain. You're going to slip and slide. The view was great though.

View was incredible up there, definitely worth the trec. Do be aware it does get quite muddy when it's been raining. Shorter hike about a half mile or so up I believe. Recommended downloading the AllTrails app to find the opening of the hike and where you should park

Very short but extremely intense hike. Easier if ground is slightly wet, but too muddy and you will be sliding everywhere. Be careful and don't hike it without water!! It gets very very hot!

About 30 mins up, very steep! Be very careful. Not for toddlers. The top is breathtaking if you can get when the sun is rising. I always bring family here when they visit. Across the street when you’re done we usually rinse off in the ocean because we are always muddy. MUST DO if you love to hike. So worth it. There are also 2 ways to go up, the way we like is to the left. and the right we’ve only done the peak, never any farther yet.

Very steep but short hike. You should be ok even if you are out of shape. We got up to the first big lookout where someone made a memorial. The view was amazing. The rest of the trail seemed a bit more treacherous, so we made our way down after enjoying the view. Park in the wide spot next to the road for the pond across the street and hike up between the area closed sign and the dangerous cliff sign...

Great hike but definitely not for beginners. That are several sections of the trail that you need hands and feet because it is almost straight up. There is a sign that says the trail is closed but it seems that everyone just ignores this. The locals also warned us of car robberies along the road where you park on for this trial. Make sure all valuables are with you or out of site. And put valuables in the trunk before you get there. According to what we were told they have spotters to scope out which cars to hit. We didn't have an issue but be careful. The view from the top is worth it!

Arguably some of the most incredible views of the island are from here. It's a steep incline to get here but doable. It gets much more advanced if you want to go up the Manamana turnover trail up from the crouching lion viewpoint. There are steep ridges and mild climbing which makes it exciting. The trail also connects to Kahekili ridge which is nice but Ov.ergrown

Definitely in my top 3 hikes of all time. It is challenging but there are enough ropes to help anyone along. Make sure to wear/bring proper equipment. Hiking shoes are a must. Also be sure to look up online how to find the start of the trail, as it’s not obvious. Wonderful overall experience.

Awesome hike!! Totally worth it for those of you who are on the fence about it being illegal. Only down fall is your car will probably get broken into while your gone.

This can be steep and slippery, but a beautiful view at the end. These are closed trails that are not for inexperienced hikers. Memorials are scattered to remember those who didn't return. Don't die for a selfie.

LOCK YOUR VALUABLES! CAR BREAK INS FREQUENT HERE! Our car was broken into yesterday at 7am. Two windows smashed in and bags stolen. Cops don’t really care and said it happens all the time. The hike itself was amazing :)

The trail is short but very steep and slippery. Take time and cautious when heading up and down, so you won’t hurt yourself. The parking close by is sketchy

Steep! We were apprehensive as we had heard it was illegal and/or dangerous. The day we went it had not rained (lucky!) and it was not very windy so we felt we had picked a perfect day. From the dirt lot parking when you first cross the street there are two possible entrances which was confusing — both have the “closed beyond this point, hazard cliffs” signs. We did not go on the first one. We went on the 2nd one that has some memorial wreaths and such at the base of it. This was the “short steep climb” we had read about in all the reviews. 30 min or less to the top super steep and sweat inducing, but do able. We had a 7 year old with us he did fine even though it was a hard climb. Once we got to the first landing we went a little ways up the ridge to the right - very pretty but just went up far enough to experience it but did not continue for safety concerns. Then doubled back to the original landing and went up to the left below the jutted rock to the other high point. That one was awesome highly recommend. I would love to go back and experience the full trail again some day perhaps without a child in tow. We all felt challenged and accomplished. The pictures were beautiful.

Very short and steep hike that offers majestic views and mountain vistas.

Great short hike. You have to enter past a sign stating to not continue and warning you of the risks, but after that it's a quick 30-40 minutes to the top which provides amazing views. Would recommend for anyone comfortable with heights and discourage anyone with young children not used to hiking near cliffs.

Amazing views!! This hike is not too difficult, however steep on a few parts if you take the trail going up on the most east side of the entrance. I ended up climbing the western most trail unknowingly and had to scale up the side of the mountain. Be careful on this hike you will be climbing on certain parts, although the easier trail has a rope for assistance, the route i choose did not. You will be walking on a ridge and the winds can blow at times making it interesting. Wear good shoes and take water. It is a shorter climb then others but there is a cliff you will be walking along side. The memorials are a testament to how dangerous these hikes can be. Probably not a good hike to bring a dog on.

Great short but steep hike. Amazing views. Do not follow the directions most anywhere. There's a new looking bakery/restaurant where most say to start. Another guy dropped a pin about half way from there to the actual trail. We went up there and found a hidden pillbox which was fun. If coming from Honolulu go past all of these and 500ft later you'll see a dirt lot on the right. With you back to the lot go left. Towards a "do not pass" highway sign. And you will see the start of the trail.

Was an awesome hike but beware of burglars that will break your car windows and steal your belongings. If you are going to the hike from the airport highly recommend to checking in you belongings first at your hotel or put your things on your trunk.