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Absolutely love this restaurant and our experience there. We drive along the Kamehameha Highway all the time and never noticed this restaurant. Yes, that's crazy! I looked on Yelp for gluten free options near Kaaawa. This restaurant came up In my search. The parking lot is large with plenty of parking. The exterior of the restaurant is large and beautiful. There's plenty of cool photo options inside and outside the restaurant. There's so many cool lion related statues and merchandise to look at. We were quickly seated. We did ask to sit near the window. We could see the beautiful Pacific Ocean from our window. They had plenty of gluten free options and our server was amazing. I've forgotten his name but he lives in Kaaawa and I think he had another job like most locals. He explained the menu and knew a lot about gluten free. The food is pricey but fresh and tasty. You can't beat the view and menu. Such a wonderful find.
My husband and I visited Crouching Lion for the first time, and it was such a wonderful experience! The food and atmosphere were incredible, but our waitress, Brazil, made the occasion truly extra special. From the moment we sat down, she was so sweet, attentive, and genuinely warm. She made us feel completely taken care of from start to finish. Outstanding hospitality, we can't wait to come back!
Absolutely loved the perfect location of this place! It was beautiful and was great for being nearby after touring Kualoa Ranch. The drinks were all amazing and the food was all excellent! We did have a bit of regret with ordering the feast. Our server sold us on it and said it was small plates of the entire menu. It started out great with a sip and some bites. The sushi was so good and the salmon belly - absolutely amazing! Then, it escalated to portions that were far too large and not near enough protein of bread, peppers, cucumber salad and ceviche (while all still tasting delicious), and then there was a huge gap in service. We were told tastings from the grill were next and were ready to leave before the time they came out - 40 min later! The short ribs and veggies were okay, but definitely not worth that wait. And then there was another huge wait again for a couple of desserts. The gap in time was so bad, we paid our bill and were ready to walk out without even finishing our meal. We felt bad because our server was so nice and the food that came out was really great, it just wasn't timed/managed well. If they would have just continued pacing very small plates, every few minutes as we finished each one, like the drink, tofu and sushi, and then continue on with small plates of their rice/noodles dishes, then a few smaller portions from the grill...it could have been excellent. While the food that is served is amazing, I'd recommend just ordering what you really want and expect to wait. I'd give them a 5 for taste, but 1 or a 2 for all of the ridiculous waiting.
The Crouching Lion is such a gorgeous place to enjoy a meal with good company. Having lived on Oahu and driven past the establishment when it was closed many times, it was a real treat when Terry K. took us here to dine. We arrived on a weekday afternoon and walked right in. We took time to explore the spaces, and I was in awe of how pretty it is overlooking the water. Plenty of space outside on their patio as well as spaces inside--all open air. It's a great place for all party sizes, ranging from friends and family to loved ones. The ambiance is relaxing and scenic. We didn't have reservations, but it's recommended on busier days. Service was friendly and accommodating throughout our entire stay. Having a full day ahead, the three of us shared some pupus. We got the Ceviche with House Nuac Cham Chips and Crispy Tofu. The ceviche was tasty and fresh. The chips were fine, crunchy, but inconsistent in texture, ranging from light to a bit harder and stale. The tofu was good, a simple agedashi tofu. You are paying for the view as prices are a bit more, reflecting the environment and location. But they do offer complimentary wonton chips, which were a nice touch. If you're driving around the island, a stop at The Crouching Lion is a must for the views. So happy to have the opportunity to dine here now that they're reopened. Find them off Kamehameha Highway with plenty of parking out front.
This place was amazing! They had the most beautiful singer/guitarist playing on a weeknight. You can't beat the views. It got a bit hot/humid to be honest, like beads of sweat on me-but they have fans and our water cups were never empty. The service is definitely on point. Fave dishes included the Japanese stew alongside their rice, the fries with aioli were perfectly crispy, BBQ chicken was crazy good, the steak was good. All the kimbap rolls were on point but the Fresno chili in the brisket one took me out- I was dying from the spiciness and had to down a lava flow to quench that ache haha. Oh edemame was good too! Bread pudding, yes. I took ZERO food photos which I kind of regret but wanted to enjoy the moment and our time there. Highly recommend. If you're still reading- just plan to share food with others at the table. Food comes out sometimes immediately after ordering too. It's kind of like a tapas vibe but bigger portions. Mahalo Crouching Lion!!
East Fusion Love any excuse to drive out here (: Restaurant entrance is on the left when facing the building - opposite end of the cafe. Breezy open air seating that overlooks out to the sea. . First time visiting and pleasantly surprised with the Korean based cuisine! -Prime brisket tacos - not too oily and are large enough to be a meal on its own. But beware the red jalapeños, they're deadly! - Hamachi kama - good, standard sized portion and taste. - Clams and focaccia bread - bread was amazingly fluffy, light but with a nice thin crunchy crust. Clams sat in wonderful garlic butter - tho I do wish they arrived pre-chucked. - Uni pasta - served with buckwheat noodles was a nice change! It enriched the blends of flavor of the thick uni cut toppings, cream sauce, and dabbles of ikura that gave a salty burst in each bite. - Peach Makgeoli ...the sweet sparkling beverage itself is wayy overpriced and not worth it. but I love the pretty carafe and matching cups it comes in - it gave an attempted perception of looking traditional despite serving a very modernized fizzy drink -- just saying. . Good service and the restaurant was very responsive on OpenTable when I contacted them about our late arrival. It also wasn't too crowded considering it was Mother's Day. Despite the ocean breeze - food by the beach will naturally attract flies. There wasn't plenty but it took small efforts to protect our meal from unwanted landings. Overall, an experience worth driving to. (:
Food was pretty good. I especially liked the wonton chips (free seasoned wonton chips with your meal!). The fries were my favorite and came with even more wonton chips. Tacos used flour tortilla instead of corn, which is not my personal preference. My boyfriend added an extra taco (order comes with 3) and it was $9 yeah Hawai'i is expensive but $9 felt steep for a single taco. Service was great. Very nice and they even gave us these red bean balls as a gift when we were leaving! Establishment was made up of 3 sections I think so there's something for everyone. Outdoor dining had lots of flies though but there's an electric fan-like item to deter them
I've always enjoyed bringing family and friends to Crouching Lion for lunch or dinner. It's a great alternative to dining in Waikiki, and in the past the food, service, and overall vibe have usually been very good. Unfortunately, tonight's experience fell short of what we've come to expect. We made reservations online and arrived on time, but after checking in we were asked to wait while being told we would be seated shortly. During that time, another group of six arrived without reservations and was seated before us, even though we could clearly see our table was already available. As locals, it gave the impression that tourists were being prioritized over repeat local customers. I completely understand how important visitors are to businesses, but locals are often the ones who continue supporting a restaurant year after year. Our server started off great and was friendly throughout the meal, but after we finished eating he seemed to disappear for quite a while. We waited so long that we eventually decided to skip dessert by the time he returned. The food was mixed tonight. Most dishes were tasty, but the items from the Robata Grill -- including the scallops, mushrooms, and pork belly -- arrived cold, which was disappointing for grilled items. This review reflects tonight's experience only. I've had many good visits here before and I'll definitely return, hoping things get back to the solid 4-5 star experiences I've enjoyed in the past.
This is a good restaurant, although admittedly the only one I've been to on the Northeast side of Oahu. It's got great views and food - my wife and I tried the Wagyu Slides, Brisket Tacos, and the Volcano Brisket Fries. My favorite was the Volcano Brisket Fries, large portion and great taste, with the won ton chips adding some additional structure and making it easy to grab the ingrediments. The Brisket Taco was good, and despite the pepper in my photo, wasn't too hot (although it does have a lil' kick). Wagyu Slider was good, the pickled stuff added a nice touch. There's an attached coffee spot as well. The one knock against this place was that there were some flies hanging around, despite the fan-shoo-away things they had on the table--but for the food, service, and vibes, definitely on point and would recommend trying this place out if you're in the area.
This was our second time coming here and the experience was just as wonderful as the first time. Our server Anthony was a complete joy and had wonderful recommendations. We ordered the Kimchi fried rice and Volcano Brisket Fries and it was the perfect quick meal for the three of us!
We did the feast option which honestly I thought would be more of a tasting menu, but it is an actual feast. The plates are large enough for sharing and give you a wide variety of things to try. The staff is very attentive and you get a lot of interaction with everyone because they all drop off food. It comes from three kitchens so you get to try specials from different chefs which was really cool experience. You absolutely cannot beat the view it is gorgeous! I would highly recommend making a reservation because it is very busy.
AMAZING food, service and ambience!! From the breathtaking views, food bursting with flavor and the exceptional service from our server, Joselyn, we were blown away. I would describe the menu as a shareable/familiy style menu. We ordered quite a bit, but it was all worth it. What we ordered: * Ribeye Streak * Scallops * Lobster tail * Steamed clams with focaccia bread * Fried Rice Everything was cooked to perfection. My favorites were the steamed clams and the fried rice. 10 Stars!
Went on a weekday on Tuesday and it wasn't busy at all. We were able to sit by the ocean view but it was raining so we moved closer to the middle. I ordered the volcano nachos and the brisket roll. My favorite here is their brisket, so I wanted to try their other brisket items. When we got them, it was delicious! I wish there was a bit more sauce on the nachos, but I asked for some on the side to dip the fries in. The roll was very good too and each part paired well together. I would return again for their brisket. Our server was very nice and attentive and I enjoyed the dinner!
7 days ago
1 month ago
Yes -- here's a shorter version that still captures the birthday surprise, food, views, live music, and atmosphere. You can copy and paste the same review into Google, Yelp, and OpenTable. My husband surprised me with dinner at Crouching Lion for my birthday, and it did not disappoint! He also invited four of our friends, which made the night even more special. The views are breathtaking, the food was delicious, and the staff was phenomenal. Everything is served family-style, which we loved because you can order several dishes and try a little bit of everything. The live music started at 6 PM, and the place was packed--the atmosphere was amazing! The restaurant itself is beautiful, with so much attention to detail and an extraordinary vibe. Perfect for a romantic evening, birthday celebration, dinner with friends, or even lunch while enjoying the gorgeous views. We will 100% be back and definitely recommend Crouching Lion! read more
12 days ago
1 month ago
Wanted to try this place out since it's my husband birthday. We went up to the hostess and asked how long of a wait. She said 3 hours. She didn't even try to accommodate us. I looked on one side of the restaurant, it's completely empty, the other side maybe top 20 people. She said there's a rush coming in. There was no one waiting and didn't see any one coming as we walked out. There is no where that said reservation needed. Obviously they didn't want our business. read more
22 days ago
We sat down to this stunning view of Kahana Bay and deep dived into a seafood feast! The clams and oysters were sooo fresh, and the Hamachi Kama and lamb chops straight from the fire grill? Delicious! But we saved the best for last -- shaved ice for dessert! So refreshing, especially after a long hike on a hot day! If you're in the area, check this spot out. Amazing food and killer view read more
1 year ago
Everything about this place was perfect. I enjoyed each dish we tried and was a big fan of the atmosphere. The food was more than I had expected and I am so thankful we drove from Wai'anae over to the east side for this menu and experience. The wonton chips were crispy, and I can't place the flavors but they were a touch of spicy and sweet. Great to snack on while checking the menu. We started with a shareable drink that was light, crisp and refreshing called Makgeolli Peach Sharable Spritz. Highly recommend this cocktail. No usually go to mai tai or margarita for me tonight. This was just what I needed. The oysters are from Seattle and they are almost as amazing as being at Elliot's in Seattle. Don't get the half; get the bakers dozen or you will be sad and want more. I asked for something spicy besides the horse radish, and had the spicy chili oil which was a nice touch with the shoyu and lemon. My first time ever eating scallops so I am not sure how to rate them but they had a meaty yet tender texture. They were buttery and delicious. The sauce I had been worried about since I am not a wasabi fan but it was light and not over powering. The Ribeye was tender, juicy and flavorful. Perfectly cooked and cut pupu style. Spicy ahi roll, inside out or something, yum! Loved it. Our waitress Ka'imi was exceptional. As a newer employee, she knew what's dishes were popular and what other guests enjoyed so she was able to recommend and knock our restaurant experience out of the park. I couldn't have asked for a more attentive and kind waitress. We also had a younger gentleman fill our water who was kind and attentive as well but I forgot to grab his name but we chatted about the beaches on the west side briefly. read more
2 months ago
Food heaven with a stunning view while being serenaded by a local singer. It doesn't get any better than that. ...and if you're lucky to have someone with the knowledge and patience with all of our questions such as Trimaine. Compliments to the chef, staff and the restaurant. read more
The MOST delicious and flavorful loaded fries I have ever had. The meat was spectacular, very lean and full of flavor. The service was excellent and the cider was good! We sat along the railing and split it all,-plenty of food. The views were incredible. We came after walking around at the Byodo In temple, perfect way to cap off the trip. read more
7 months ago
My cousins were in town, so we did the classic island cruise and made a lunch stop at the newly reopened Crouching Lion. After being closed for over a decade, this spot reopened May 2024 under new ownership. It's much bigger than before . What used to be a small restaurant with a gift shop on the side is now a really big restaurant. The entire space itself is smartly designed to showcase the beautiful ocean views. The layout feels ready-made for big events like weddings, company parties, etc... The setup is pretty cool with two kitchens, one dedicated to robata grilling and the other handling regular dishes and a raw bar. The menu leans Korean with splashes of Japanese influence and a few local twists thrown in. The food? A bit of a roller coaster with some hits, some misses, and a few in-betweens. * The Scallion Pancakes with Octopus were the unanimous favorite. Crispy, flaky, packed with flavor. * Kalbi Ribs delivered too: smoky, garlicky, exactly what you want from Kalbi. * Duck Breast Lemongrass Butter Confit... not so much. Four tiny cubes of chewy, bland duck with zero lemongrass flavor for $26. Gonna pass on it next time. * Brisket Taco Reverse Roll was a mixed bag: tender, flavorful brisket but the rice was soft and almost mushy. Texturally not a good mouthfeel. Service was excellent. Our server, Josie, was on top of it. Friendly, attentive, and professional. A bit on the pricey side but we would come back on our next island tour. It's a nice stop between town and the North Shore with beautiful views, solid service, and enough menu intrigue to give it another go. Happy Eating!! read more
The location is breath taking, by being right on the ocean. I'd recommend going before sunset. The ambiance is very nice, it's clean and very aesthetic. We had a bday party for my wife. The food is definitely shareable and delicious. There's a lot of options and the menu seems built to share. The service was good enough and very friendly. I would definitely go back with friends. read more
Very Cute place... food was okay... service was good... they get their name from the surrounding area.... crouching lion trail and the mountain behind the restaurant also looks like a crouching lion.... One of the best things about this place is there is a car collection in back... some of the coolest cars... read more
3 months ago
Excellent food. I had the Mandu and it was delicious. Ocean view. And the staff are very friendly and helpful. Thank you! read more
1 year ago
We came to Crouching Lion after visiting Kualoa Ranch, and it was the perfect way to end the day. We got there around 5 pm, which turned out to be a great time -- not too busy yet, but you could see it starting to fill up later. First off, the ambience. This is one of those rare spots outside Honolulu/ Waikiki where the atmosphere actually feels thoughtfully put together. It's not just the amazing ocean view -- they've got flowers, a fountain at the entrance, nice lighting, and everything felt clean and welcoming. Definitely more "special night out" vibes than your average countryside restaurant. We had kids with us (a toddler and a 10-year-old), and I loved how they treated families. Crayons and coloring sheets came right away, and the kids' meals were served in little toy cars -- a hit. Food-wise: * Oysters: pricey (around $50 for 13), but fresh, tasty, and came with two sauces to try. * Sliders: just okay * Tacos: amazing * Mocktail (virgin piña colada): fine, nothing special, but they do have a full cocktail menu if you're drinking. * Dessert: the star of the night. The crème brûlée (made with Hawaiian-grown coffee) was outstanding. One of the best I've ever had, and I've had my fair share, even in France. Perfectly crunchy caramelized top, smooth custard with a subtle coffee twist. Expensive at $20, but worth it. * Ice cream was $8 a scoop, which felt a little too steep for what it was. Overall, this is not a budget dinner spot, but if you're looking for a memorable, sit-down meal with great views and nice ambience -- especially after doing something nearby like Kualoa Ranch -- it really hits the mark. read more
5 days ago
7 days ago
The restaurant itself is very nice. I enjoyed the location and the interior decors. As for the food, I thought it was only okay. The best thing I ate was definitely the order of beef kalbi with a side of plain white rice. The meat was a bit tough, but the flavors were really good. However, I can't give it a higher rating because of the service. Although our server was very enthusiastic and friendly, he completely forgot one of our orders, did not check on us, and completely disappeared for long time periods during our visit. read more
I was really hoping that my experience here would be great as my brother recommended that we go here tonight as their family really likes this restaurant. Some red flags happen as we walked in to check in for our reservation. We were asked to wait to on the side as a party entered after us with no reservations. They were seated right away as there were many open tables at 6:00 pm. We were later seated after them to a table toward the back of the restaurant. Receptionists did not once say anything why we were not seated first as our table was available, but the other thing we all noticed is that she did not once greet us or smiled. Someone in our party made a comment that it's because we are locals and the group after us was obviously tourist. I really hope this is not the case as I feel that locals are the backbone that will sustain a restaurant during low travel seasons. Our waiter Brian was very friendly as he took our order and made great recommendations. Unfortunately I feel they might have been short staffed as he was quite busy and could not check on us. We received some of our dishes but the dishes we ordered from the grill did not arrive too much later. You could also tell that they had been sitting for a while as they came out cold. This was really tough as I was most excited to eat the grilled scallops and grilled pork belly. We also had an issue with fly's all night. Hopefully they can do something about that. We were initially going to try some desserts but after waiting for another 15-20 minutes we decided not to. I do like the fact that randomly their manager Stephanie came by and asked how things were as she saw us just sitting and waiting around. I explained that the flavors were great but the execution and service lacked some. She seemed very concerned and noted that she appreciated the criticism as she would like to address those issues. Because my brother really likes the restaurant and I grew up in Kahaluu, I hope to give them another try with a different experience. read more
Off of Kamehameha hwy this spot has amazing vibe, interior and menu. Draws are definitely the location with beautiful beach view, interior design and great food and drink options, definitely maximized on the cute lion merch. Cute little photo op sections. Service was a little slow but friendly also assuming they are short staffed. Menu items are all shareable and varied between appetizers to grilled items. We started with bloody Mary, macadamia mai tai refreshing and mai tai was strong yet delicious. Kim chee fried rice, volcano fries, grilled squid and oysters. Everything was delicious main star was the grilled squid with garlic. Kim chee rice was perfectly cooked nice pieces of pork belly, oysters fresh, volcano fries loaded with brisket. Def a nice place to visit at night for a nice dinner after the beach. read more
8 months ago
We went prior to 12:00 and didn't have to wait. Once 12:00 came it got busy. They handle it with ease as far as I could tell.. definitely visiting again. read more
3 months ago
It's a bit far, but it was worth the drive. Nestled right on the side of the Crouching Lion hike, it had a beautiful view of the ocean, would definitely recommend coming in the day for the view. We came as a walk-in on a Wednesday evening around 5:30 and was seated within 20min. Our server was great, she made great recommendations, was very knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the Bulgogi Kimbap, Spicy cucumbers, wagyu sliders, volcanic loaded brisket fries, classic mandu, and uni pasta. This was more than enough for two people to share and the food was so good. My husband really enjoyed the spicy cucumbers, volcano fries and the wagyu sliders. My favorite was the uni pasta. Will definitely be back to try other foods on the menu. The atmosphere was nice, there was live music being played, the server checked in on us in a timely manner and the whole staff was great. read more
9 months ago
Lovely restaurant on the Winward side of Oahu on Christmas night very very busy and very much appreciated and lovely amazing food and drinks read more
7 months ago
We had such a wonderful experience at Crouching Lion. The view was absolutely amazing -- overlooking the ocean with the mountains as a breathtaking backdrop. It's one of those spots where the scenery alone makes the visit worthwhile. The service made it even better. Our server was so sweet and friendly, which really added to the overall experience. The food was delicious and beautifully prepared. The spicy cucumber dish was refreshing, though not as spicy as expected -- which may actually be perfect for those who prefer mild heat. Overall, great food, warm service, and unforgettable views. We'll definitely be back. read more
4 months ago
****This is an update to my initial review on Feb 14, 2026*** So after 3 months we were able to visit the restaurant. Reservations were made and we were set. It was Mother's Day weekend. We arrived a few minutes early and was warmly greeted by the host. I was given a chocolate rose and a special treat that was made by the restaurant. We order the preset meal, The Crouching Lion Feast. I highly recommend if you are not sure what to order. The atmosphere was amazing. We were seated near the bar area which was perfect. Noise level was just right. The food was delicious as always. The live music was great amazing. My initial complaint isn't about the food or the ambiance. It was more on how things were handled when the restaurant didn't have power and the lack of communication that they were closed. We drove for about an hour just to get to the restaurant, as we live on the west side of the island. There are a couple things I would suggest. 1) Investing in some generators. So that you would have a way to still serve patrons that come from afar. 2) Find an alternate way to better communicate when an unplanned situation occurs. It was unfortunate that the unforeseen circumstances had occurred, but CUSTOMER SERVICE is a big thing for me. My work experience has me face-to-face with customers on a daily and I've learned that no matter the situation you are faced with, it is always go to make the customer feel at ease. read more
8 months ago
I'm a foodie that will travel for food and this place was worth the trek. I did the Crouching Lion feast and had the pleasure of being served by Joshua Winder. Joshua was great, personable and very passionate about what he was serving (he too is a foodie and appreciates delicious noms)! The feast is definitely worth it. It was all good but the salmon, bbq and Shiitake mushrooms really stood out for me. As if 12 courses wasn't enough, they then bring you coffee and dessert! Highly recommend and ask to sit in Joshua's section! read more
1 year ago
This restaurant is lovely, beach front and wonderful breezy views on the second level. Easy to grab a table as a walk in, but I recommend making a reservation. Food is expensive relative to the amount and quality you get. There's a wide variety of Asian inspired dishes, the most popular being the Korean Sushi, kimbap. The quality of ingredients used are great. Quick service and decent amount of free parking. read more
8 months ago
My favorite dish was the steamed clams with focaccia! The clams tasted very fresh and the broth was delicious. I loved dipping the focaccia in the broth to soak up all the flavor. This is a great dish to share with the table and I would definitely get it again! Our server was very kind and attentive and the view can't be beat if you're sitting outside. Highly recommend trying this place out if you're in the area! read more
2 months ago
Richard was the best bartender period. The service and interaction with is amazing. We were driving around after getting married to just see something different and wow.... This place is next level the food mouthwatering the lanikai shaved ice seltzer holy air balls huge hazy guy but the strawberry pineapple seltzer kills its. Also the mai tai crushes monkey pod!! If I knew this place existed before literally would have had our wedding dinner even my newly acquired wife hahah is in love. read more
3 months ago
My husband and I haven't been back since 26 years ago. The restaurant looks different in a good way. We just stopped in for an quick lunch. Everything was Excellent! From the service and food. Madison was our waitress and she was so friendly and helpful. The Sliders and fries she recommended was delicious and chocolate and vanilla ice-cream so yummy!. We're definitely going back for dinner. read more
3 months ago
Really spectacular views! And the guitar player was so wonderful...really added to the atmosphere. I will say the only reason it's not a 5 is the food quality was just a little less than expected. I got a few rolls and the pork. The desert was delicious... creme brulee. I would definitely come back for a glass of wine and desert! read more
4 months ago
Such an incredible place. The location backing to the pali and facing the ocean makes for phenomenal views. We were seated near the railing so we had great ocean views. Our waiter Anthony was great. He informed us of their menu and was great at keeping our drinks fresh, water filled and the sharable food items coming. We ordered ribeye, scallops, spicy tuna sushi and asparagus and we shared it all between us. Everything was cooked to perfection. The highlight was ordering the mango bingsu for dessert. Oh wow! We will definitely be back. read more
8 months ago
We stopped by The Crouching Lion after a day at Kualoa Ranch, absolutely famished. A friend in our group knows the family who owns the restaurant, so we made it a point to visit. And we're so glad we did! Everything was amazing. The space is stunning, right by the water with incredible ocean views, and the portions are generous and perfect for sharing. We left feeling completely stuffed and so happy. *COCKTAILS We loved every drink we tried: the 100% Kona Espresso Martini, Mokoli'i Yuzu Express, and the Highball. Each one was smooth, balanced, and beautifully made. KAHANA POKE Wow, off to a great start. It was so fresh, with the right amount of shoyu to marinate the ahi tuna. The presentation is gorgeous with the microgreens. KIMCHI FRIED RICE A huge and satisfying portion. Comforting, flavorful, and so fulfilling. It had this really great smoky Chipotle like flavor. ***UNI PASTA Obsessed. The creamy mushroom sauce paired perfectly with the salty-sweet ikura and rich uni. The noodles were the perfect texture. It seriously vanished within seconds. Our favorite dish of the day! FRIES WITH HONEY AIOLI Crispy, golden, and perfect for sharing. The honey aioli is a standout. **OYSTER ON THE HALF SHELL Absolutely gorgeous. Fresh, buttery, and possibly the best oysters I've ever had. *SCALLION PANCAKES So light and crispy, with bits of squid throughout for texture and flavor. The dipping sauce complemented it perfectly, just the right hint of spice. **LARB Delicious and balanced. Generous portions with simple, fresh ingredients and bold flavor. The spice level was perfect, and the fresh lettuce for wraps made it even better. Highly recommend adding it on. ***CRISPY SALMON BELLY Incredible. Perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. You won't even need a knife. The spiced soy sauce took it to another level. I really hope they make this a permanent menu item! read more
Parking: Plenty in front of parking Service: Amazing, was able to get lots of recs from the waitress who helped structure our order Ambiance: Upscale open air restaurant with local live music Food: Would rec the clams, jidori chicken, rose tteokbokki pasta, and brisket tacos read more
9 months ago
We drove by earlier in the day and saw this restaurant from the highway. We were staying in the North Shore area and hadn't eaten at many sit-down restaurants outside of our resort so we decided to come here for our final dinner in Hawaii. We ordered a variety of dishes (oysters, sweet potato, mushrooms, hamachi kama, kimbap, miso salmon, and an ube cocktail) and after tasting everything, I genuinely thought that we were sick and something was wrong with our taste buds because most of our food lacked flavor. I've never experienced that in a restaurant before. We realized it wasn't our taste buds after eating other foods the next day so sadly, their food was just missing flavor. We were seated at a six-person table with a great view of the ocean during sunset and they were quick to check in on us throughout our service. The food came out fairly quickly and each dish was wonderfully presented. There was also live acoustic music with the artist playing both classics and Christmas songs. I'd say it's worth stopping by for a drink or two but I hope others have better luck with the flavor of the food. read more
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More info about The Crouching Lion
51-666 Kamehameha Hwy
Kaaawa, HI 96730
Directions
(808) 830-5025
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http://www.thecrouchinglion.com
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Ask the Community - The Crouching Lion
Is this place kid friendly?
I would call to ask but i am 99% sure it is. The vibe is kid friendly for sure. Since it is a restaurant there isn't space for kids to run aorund, but if they can sit at the table contently then they will be okay.
Does this restaurant have a Happy Hour?
I didn't experience a happy hour time but they have great cocktails and appetizers on their regular menu.
Where is the wheelchair access entry?
I believe you have to be drive all the way up to the entrance but I will double check Just confirmed…
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The Crouching Lion - beerbar - Updated September 2026
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