The Crouching Lion hike may be short, but it’s an incredibly steep and challenging trail that rewards adventurers with spectacular views of Kahana Bay, Kaaawa, and the majestic Pu’u Manamana ridge.
From the very start, the trail steeply ascends, guaranteeing that you'll break a sweat as you navigate over twisted tree roots and duck under low-hanging branches. As you continue your climb, the path becomes progressively more paved, but be prepared for slippery stretches, especially after heavy rain. While it’s definitely an adventurous trail with a touch of danger, the stunning vistas make it worthwhile.
The first notable landmark on the trail is the pillbox, which you’ll encounter early on. It only takes about ten minutes to reach this point, where you can climb atop the pillbox and take in the view of Kahana Bay. Here, you'll also find a vibrant mural of 'Aloha' painted in red, orange, and green. The panoramic view from this point is already breathtaking.
After leaving the pillbox, we explored several smaller paths leading toward rock formations and the cliff's edge. We discovered hidden caves along the cliffs that added to the sense of adventure. The trail continues across a broad ridge with remarkable views—Kaaawa stretches to the left, while Kahana Bay unfolds to the right. Be cautious if you decide to explore the caves or rock ledges, as the area is rocky and crumbly.
As you continue along the ridge, you’ll come across a small clearing that overlooks Kahana Bay. This is where the iconic "Crouching Lion" rock formation appears. From the right angle, the formation resembles a lion lying down, which is how the hike gets its name. You’ll spot this unique rock on your left as you move toward a larger clearing.
Crouching Lion Hike: Short Route
The short route starts from a trailhead located between a 'Do Not Pass' sign and a telephone pole, though it's not clearly marked. At first, it may seem like the trail heads straight into thick bushes, but after a few steps, you'll begin to see the path open up. When we hiked this route, we saw a number of small groups along the way, confirming we were on the right track.
This popular and easy-to-follow route takes you through lush undergrowth to the main viewpoint. It’s much quicker than the longer route and is the preferred choice for most hikers. We parked a few hundred meters down the road from the trailhead, on the right side of the road coming from Honolulu. The trailhead itself is on the left side of the road.
Crouching Lion Hike: Long Route
For a more extensive adventure, you can take the longer route starting at Swanzy Beach Park. From there, walk up Huamalani Road to find the trailhead. The Crouching Lion trail can be tricky in spots, but trail markers, often in the form of ribbons, usually guide the way.
This route follows the Pu’u Manamana Ridge and is part of the larger Kahakili-Manamana loop, which takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. It’s important to note that this route is significantly more dangerous. The drop-offs are incredibly steep, and the terrain can be hazardous, claiming the lives of some hikers in the past. If you choose this route, it’s highly recommended to do so with a local guide familiar with the trail, as the path can be difficult to navigate without prior experience.
