Queen's Bath

Queen's Bath is a salt water pool located on the rocky shores of Kauai near the northern town of Princeville. The ocean water washes over the rocks around the pond and spills into the bath every few minutes, keeping the water fresh and full of small marine life. The setting is divine: The waves crash onto the shore as you take in the views toward Hanalei, and green sea turtles (honu) commonly swim along the coast. The rocks on the floor of the bath are smooth and fortunately I did not see any sea urchins 9Vana) to have to be careful for, making it a safe place to enter barefoot. There are three small waterfalls along the way to the bath including one that cascades into the Pacific Ocean. This is a really cool spot and worth visiting even if you are not staying very close to Princeville.

This trail is short but very slippery near the trailhead, especially after rain. There are several rocky ocean coves on the way to the bath, but it is not recommended to use these as swimming holes due to high waves and lack of easy access in and out. Many people have died in this area, and a fatality count is displayed as hashes on a piece of rock. At least 20 people have died here over the years, so please use caution and do not visit on days with high waves or heavy rain.