Queen's Bath on Kauai
Posted: Saturday, September 01, 2007
by Drew Jackson
Queen's Bath is one of the more unique and refreshing swimming areas on the North Shore of Kauai. It's nothing more than a large crack of an old lava flow that has 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 of Kauai. In fact, it's so popular a parking area was created for visitors.
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. This path looks intimidating, but don't give in because it's actually a short hike and the rewards are worth the effort.
Step carefully down the path as it has many tree roots and rocks to step over on the way down. The path narrows at places so be sure you can 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 to Queen's bath 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 Queen's bath.
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, 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. On Kauai 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.
If you're looking for a resource on the beaches of Kauai, we invite you to visit Discovering Kauai Beaches and see what the Garden Island has to offer people looking for fun or relaxation.
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