Crouching Lion Trail — Attraction in Oʻahu

Ok, we went Jan 2023 - here is what you need to know

Nutshell: a quick, intense hike with spectacular views. 15 mins up, and 15 mins down if you hustle. stayed at top taking photos and resting for about 30 mins.

Signs all says the area is closed. So that means its not maintained. But its still a safe hike, and many many people do this. Very well worn footpath, you won't get lost.

park on road by trailhead (glass on ground from broken car windows - keep valuables at home, or locked up)

there are 2 sets of signs, right by the 35mph southbound speed limit sign. We took the set on the left, it was a quicker, steeper, more intense hike up. (see photos for help)

hike only took about 15 minutes somewhat steep uphill at a moderate/quick pace to get to the main lookout, much shorter than anticipated. I'm a 40 year old male with slightly above average conditioning. Heart was beating pretty good and was sweaty for sure.

one part has some ropes to help with assent/decent.

fairly protected on the way to the top. The top there are areas with full exposure if you want to free climb some rocks, but you don't need to climb to the tip to get a great view.

You can continue on up the mountain if you wish, there are more paths to keep going. We turned around, since we had other activities to do.

if it was muddy, this would be tough and more dangerous, so skip it if its raining!

Highly recommended - right off the road, great views, quick steep hike up to...

There is parking across the road from trail entrance. Lock your vehicle and don't leave anything of value in sight in vehicle. The hike is kinda steep. Trying hike during rainy season is difficult and muddy. Other than that, the views are incredible. There is an old Army pillbox that the trail initially leads you to. All around the vicinity of the pillbox in the brush you can find old equipment that was used in the pillbox like ammo boxes, etc. You can just stop your hike there. The views from inside the pillbox and from on top of the pillbox are completely worth the rather quick but steep hike it takes to get there. The structure was literally cut out of the side of the mountain. It's a vertical drop below the pillbox of at least a couple hundred feet. The trail approaches the structure from behind and a bit to the side. From the Pillbox location the trail goes on and can be scary. Vertical death drops on both sides as you straddle your way along the ridge line. I honestly never went much past the pillbox because of wind. Both times I went there the wind was significant enough to spook me out of going further then the pillbox. Totally worth the hike if you are looking to see and photograph some spectacular views. Also if you are a history buff or a ww2 military history buff then you will appreciate the pillbox and surrounding area. Well preserved piece of...

Two ways to get to the top, hiked it on both. Very slippery for me, prolly not going back.

Crouching Lion is one of Oahu’s most breathtaking yet relatively short hikes. Located near Kahana Bay, this hike offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline, lush green mountains, and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. The trail is steep and can be muddy, especially after rain, making it a bit of a challenge despite its short distance. Hikers should wear proper shoes and be prepared for a bit of scrambling.

The hike takes around 30 to 45 minutes to reach the top, but the climb is steep and requires some effort. Once at the summit, the view is absolutely worth it. The scenic overlook provides a dramatic view of Kahana Bay, the surrounding valleys, and the rugged coastline, making it a great spot for photos.

This trail is not officially maintained, and erosion has made parts of it dangerous. Hikers should exercise caution, especially near the edges. It's best suited for experienced hikers or those comfortable with steep inclines.

Overall, Crouching Lion is a rewarding adventure for those looking for a quick yet exhilarating hike. If you’re up for the challenge, this trail offers one of the most stunning...