Difficulty: Moderately difficult
Distance: Approximately 1 mile
Time: 40-90 minutes
Accessibility: Year round
The #Crouching #Lion #Hike trail-head is also part of the longer Pu’u Manamana #hike. Pu’u Manamana is an extremely difficult hike. A warning before you go: the Pu'u Manamana Trail is not a walk in the park. With a relentlessly #steep elevation gain, the trail’s ascent and descent should only be attempted by seasoned #hikers. The trail also traces some narrow ridges, with steep drops on either side. Crouching Lion is the small rock formation, it sits above the Crouching Lion Inn & Restaurant. At just the right angle, it looks like a lion sitting on it’s belly.
The trail begins just north of the Crouching Lion Inn on #Kamehameha #Highway. The trail is rugged and uneven, so make sure you have on the right hiking shoes. The first part of the hike takes you through thick foliage. After about 30 minutes, you will approach at the first lookout point. From here, we could already enjoy a closer look at the Crouching Lion, and a #panoramic #view of the reefs that interweave through Kahana Bay.
On our hike, the weather got windy and there was light rain from an approaching storm. We were lucky to complete the hike just in time before the rains approached. I would not recommend attempting this hike in the rain because the trails will become very wet and #dangerous. Though quite a workout, the hike has a worthy award at its end. The views from the Crouching Lion are absolutely breathtaking, and on a clear day, you can see all the way from Kaneohe Bay to the south to Laie Point further north. The hike to the Crouching Lion usually takes about 90 minutes, depending on your pace.
Parking for this trail is a little tricky because it is unmarked. If you’re coming from the nearest cross street (which is Kamehameha Hwy / Trout Farm Road) the trail-head will be on your right. The trail-head is located between the “Do Not Pass” sign and the telephone pole just past it. If you are visiting #Oahu, this is definitely a hidden gem you wouldn't want to miss.
