Queen's Bath Kauai

Queen's Bath is surely one of the more unique and refreshing swimming areas on the North Shore of Kauai. It's really nothing more than a large crack of an old lava flow that created a perfect pool for swimming and snorkeling.

Queen's Bath was once a well-kept secret by locals, but is now found on most maps. In fact, it has become so popular in recent years a parking area has been created for visitors. Hidden on a area of coastline in a residential neighborhood, you'd never find it if you didn't know it was there

This little Kauai gem was named after Queen Emma, the mother of Prince Albert, from whom the city of Princeville gets its name, this interesting area is worth the steep and sometimes treacherous trip to see it.

The path drops roughly 100 feet as you decent down to the coast.

You'll need to hike down the overgrown red dirt trail to cove.

It may look intimidating at first glance, but don’t give in because it’s actually a short hike and the rewards are certainly worth it.

Step carefully down the path as it has many tree roots and rocks to step over on the way down.

The path narrows are various places so make sure you're in good enough physical shape to grab a friend or an overhanging branch in order to maintain your balance.

On the way down, take note of the waterfall to the right, a perfect resting point to cool off on the return climb back up.

Along the path you'll see interesting rocks in the associated stream.

There are many spots along this trail to stop and take pictures of the waterfall and the stream.

Because Queen's bath has become so popular expect to run across other people along the path.

Also, make sure you're wearing good footwear. Bare feet or aqua socks won't provide enough support as you walk across the lava rock to the pool.

When the trail opens at the bottom of the bluff the cove in front of you is a great spot to watch sea turtles in the surf.

The reef area is coated with algae which draws the turtles to the cove.

We've seen turtles on every visit so keep a close eye out yourself.

From this cove, go left and carefully negotiate the lava rock roughly 250 yards to find Queen's Bath.

Once again, as you can see by the picture, make sure you have good footwear to cross the lava rock.

The Views of the ocean and the rocky shoreline here are excellent and even with calm surf, you'll see waves crash on the rocks shooting spray high into the air.

One word of warning. The surf during the winter and through early comes crashing in and over the lava rocks, so be very careful.

To find Queen's bath take Highway 56 (Kuhio highway) to Princeville. Turn right on Ka Haku Road right before the Princeville Shopping Center. Follow to Punahele and take a right and then another right on Kapiolani.

Park at the small area at the end of Kapiolani. Take the dirt trail, which drops about 100 feet as you descend, along the stream for about 25 yards.