Crouching Lion

hawaii's ocean blue 

Crouching Lion has been on my bucket list for a few years now. After seeing snaps of this blue water and view I begged almost every weekend to go! After reaching the top it's safe to say this has become my favorite view. I made sure to wear my old Nikes because this hike can get muddy! 

To start, you will be coming from the cross streets of Kamehameha Highway and Trout Farm Road. You will cross the street so the trailhead is on your right between the two signs that read 'Do Not Pass' and the telephone pole. You can park at the Trout farm parking as long as other cars are there. People have been towed from here before, so park at your own risk! Once on the trial, there are a few trail heads and we got there at the same time as another group of three who took the left trial and was up at the top when we got there! So I think it is safe to choose either, but we went to the one on the right. 

This hike is extremely steep! I can't stress that enough. I highly recommend holding onto branches and roots along the hike, because they will really help you, just like on Pali Notches! It will sure give you a great workout because you are climbing up the mountain, literally. 

You will see a small trail the whole way up to the top. At some points it may be harder to see but I promise just take a step back and you will find it! Remember to go slow and always watch your step. I DO NOT recommend to doing this hike during or after  it has rained becuase the mud would make it impossible and dangerous! It is already slick in some areas so if it were muddy you would slide down the whole mountain. 

This is not a very long hike because it only took us around 30 minutes to get to the top. Of course we stayed for a while to bask in these views, before rushing down to the beach :) It is a very humid hike so bring lots of water and bug spray!

Thank goodness there was a breeze at the top because we needed it! I really should have put my hair up, ha! But I believe in the freedom to let my hair be :). I would rate this hike moderate because of how steep it is, but it is short and so worth it. I believe if you go slow and be careful almost anyone over the ages of sixteen can do it.

The blues of the water from atop were unreal. I will never get over how beautiful Hawaii's ocean are. We truly have been blessed to live here and I am so thankful for it! This water is part of Kahana Bay on the North East Side of Oahu. 

I love Hawaii hikes because you can always see so much! From pretty oceans, mountain ranges, and valley's this hike really provides. Thats what makes this one of the best hikes on Oahu. It was very hot around 11:00 am while we were hiking so for a more comfortable hike I would leave earlier and try to start by 8:30 or 9:00 am! 

This trail actually continues further up the mountain for a long and more dangerous hike. I wouldn't recommend it unless you are experienced and know what you are doing. These views are so pretty I don't see why you would really need to go further anyway! 

I don't even know what is going on in this picture, but I love it and hiking with him! Even though we can get annoyed at each other ;) we always have so much fun! We have seen some truly amazing places together I can't wait to keep exploring more. 

This is the 'Lion' of the Crouching Lion. You can see its main and open mouth if you look real close. Lots of people climb to the top of it and around just please be cautious of your surroundings and risks. 

I used to hate hiking but now it is one of my favorite activities! These blues sure help but I think Oahu has some of the best hikes. I am going to be putting together a hiking guide for Oahu's Best Hikes so make sure you subscribe to get the latest info and keep your eyes open! 

This may be one of my new favorites! What is you favorite hike? 

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how to get here

 

Getting to Crouching Lion is actually very easy. You can GPS it! It is located right on the side of the road and has an area for parking right by the hike. You just drive along Huamalani St and park near the trout farm. From there walk back down the road until you see the signs mentioned above! 

warning

As mentioned above this hike is very steep and should not be attempted by everyone. Always be cautious of your surroundings and do not stray from the trial. Always bring water and a light snack. Wear old shoes and do not attempt hike after or during rainfall.