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The Crouching Lion, Kaaawa, HI

The Crouching Lion

4.4
4.4
113 Reviews
$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
51-666 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730

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2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for outdoor dining
Nestled in the picturesque beauty of Kahana Bay with unforgettable ocean views, The Crouching Lion Restaurant & Bar features modern Hawaiian cuisine and craft cocktails.

At The Crouching Lion, our culinary vision is shaped by the rich flavors of America and Asia, blending international and local ingredients with creativity and passion.

We offer a menu that is authentic yet transcends traditional labels, reflecting our interpretation of modern Hawaiian cuisine. Ultimately, we think of our culinary creations as simply delicious food with a twist of island imagination.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Global, International, Korean
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Wed–Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Private party facilities
    Our iconic chandelier room is available for private parties between 15-100 guests. It has been a popular place for wedding parties as well as family gatherings. A multi-course menu, served family-style is decided upon before the event. Email info@thecrouchinglion.com to make a reservation in The Crouching Lion's chandelier room.
  • Neighborhood
    Laie
  • Cross street
    Off Kamehameha Highway, the road that circles the island of Oahu
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Public transit
    Bus stop #60 within walking distance
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 113 people are saying

The Crouching Lion reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Crouching Lion offers a "spectacular setting" with "amazing food" and "fantastic staff." Diners rave about the shareable dishes, brisket tacos, and stunning ocean views. While some note occasional service delays, the ambiance and scenery are consistently praised. It's a "beautiful" spot for special occasions, with "delicious" food and "friendly service."
113 Reviews
  1. Sue VIP

    San Diego47 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great restaurant with delicious food, incredible views and excellent service. Highly recommend! Shared plates is the best way to go.

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  2. Anthony

    Anchorage1 review

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A great dining experience! Food was wonderful, and the owner coming by to make sure everything was ok only added to it all. By far, the best part was our server, Sarah. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and did everything she could to make sure we were taken care of. If you go to the Crouching Lion, INSIST on sitting in her section! It will be worth it.

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  3. Jamie

    London3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    We did not receive two items we ordered and one came when half the table left and the other item had to be refunded. We also never got refills. The waitress came once or twice and didn’t see her again.

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  4. Jay R

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love The Crouching Lion because the setting is spectacular, the food if great and unique and the staff is accommodating and friendly. No other dining option on this side of island offers an experience like The Crouching Lion!

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  5. Sinia

    Hawaii1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    shareables were amazing the portions was just enough, the brisket tacos is a must. 4box sushi rolls was a good option to try different ones if you are unsure of what to get. we checked in 15 minutes early I do say I’m happy that we did cause it got really busy at 7. We are definitely coming back for another special occasion and bringing along friends and family, the view was great especially with the sun setting. The workers were very welcoming and patient while taking our order.

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  6. Victoria

    Philadelphia2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing! Delicious food, beautiful ambiance, great service. Tapas style and little on the pricier side for dishes, but meant to be shared and every dish was wonderful! Will be back!

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  7. Alan VIP

    Palm Springs20 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 25, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Best Biggest Lobster tail 14 16 oz I’ve had in years

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on March 24, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We were seated 45 minutes past our reservation time due to the influx of large parties. The attitude of the crew was apologetic, yet frustration showed. One crew member actually told us that “lots of staff left because the manager is mean” hmmmm Some growing up to do I think. Our server, Bonnie, was the epitome of what a server should be; upbeat, energetic, friendly and knowledgeable of the menu! For that reason, I will return and request her. The food was mediocre at best, signs of a “hurried” kitchen. I would return and will now know how to navigate the system.

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  9. Pat

    Hawaii8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 24, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great place to bring out of town guests. The CL ambience is tropical, relaxed place with amazing food selections. Unfortunately, yesterday afternoon we felt the staff shortage early on in our dinner experience

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  10. Clarence

    Hawaii1 review

    1.0

    Dined on March 23, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Though my experience here was poor I always recommend people to try it for themselves. Me and my wife celebrated our anniversary here and we were highly disappointed. Lets start with the positive notes. The brisket tacos were amazing and the scallops (we had one order of these and they also came on the crouching lion past) were cooked very well. Now for the negative notes. All of the other food we had gotten was not up to par with the prices they have attached. Our crunchy spicy ahi roll was over seasoned with rice seasoning (sesame seeds and nori flakes), and you couldn't even taste the fish. The tuna collar that we got tasted like buttered salmon. Our rice was soggy, and if you've ever put too much water in when cooking rice you know what I'm talking about. Our Crouching Lion Pasta that cost $78 had overcooked half lobster tail, the meat was tough and the inner lining of the shell pulled out with the meat, so we had to eat around that because nothing was separating. The pasta was overcooked as well. We ordered the Lamb Lollipops but they never came and when we told or waitress at the end of our meal she went and checked to see what had happened, turns out no one had informed her that they were done or bothered to bring the plate to our table, so they sat out the whole time in the kitchen. Probably the worst of part this whole experience wasn't even the food, but the fact they allowed someone's pet dog, not a service dog, a pet dog into the restaurant and sat them behind us. They even brought their own food and water bowl with dog food into the restaurant. The dog did stay close to their seating area but still wandered around a bit. Shout out to our waitress. I might have not gotten any refills but we did notice it was just you and maybe 1-2 other wait staff, and a lot of customers coming in and out during our time here. You took care of us when we gave our complaints and still had a smile on your face. You were respectful and we really appreciate you.

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FAQs

The Crouching Lion offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (808) 830-5025.

The Crouching Lion is rated 4.4 stars by 113 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Hawaii
  4. Oahu
  5. Laie

Make a reservation


Booked 55 times today
Google Map for The Crouching Lion

51-666 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Off Kamehameha Highway, the road that circles the island of Oahu
  • Neighborhood
    Laie
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Wed–Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Global, International, Korean
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Public transit
    Bus stop #60 within walking distance
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Our iconic chandelier room is available for private parties between 15-100 guests. It has been a popular place for wedding parties as well as family gatherings. A multi-course menu, served family-style is decided upon before the event. Email info@thecrouchinglion.com to make a reservation in The Crouching Lion's chandelier room.
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