If you are bold enough to enter this tide pool, you can bathe like a queen.
The QUEEN’S BATH, located in Princeville on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, is a stunning and unusual pool protected from the ocean by lava rock. Water streams over the rocks, refreshing the pool, and some sea creatures reside there.
The pool was named the Queen’s Bath because it was supposedly originally used as a royal bathing area.
In the summer, the tide pool is a lovely and romantic location to explore. During the warmer months, the water is often calmer, and the waves make it an ideal swimming spot. Visitors are encouraged to check the daily surf report and are advised to avoid the pool on days when waves exceed four feet.
However, winter is a little different. The season is characterized by unexpected tides that are dangerous even for experienced surfers and swimmers, let alone tourists who are unfamiliar with the water.
While the lava shelf that shelters the pool from ocean tides is typically 10 to 15 feet high, many waves in the winter can reach 12 to 15 feet, providing minimal protection.
According to HawaiiGaga, seven people drowned in the pool between 1970 and 2012. Other tourists have been hurt by unexpected waves and slick mud tracks that lead to the pool. To dissuade tourists from swimming in perilous conditions, residents have up warning signs, including one claiming 28 people have died there.
Despite how dangerous the Queen’s Bath appears to be, it has 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor and is the second most popular thing to do in Princeville. Swimmers have gushed about the pool’s gorgeous, crystal-clear waters and the dramatic smashes of waves on the rocks.
Many reviews also advise guests to take extra precautions, like wearing suitable shoes for the 10-minute hike to the pool.
If you want a thrill and are an outstanding swimmer, a summer break to the Queen’s Bath can be a peaceful trip that also provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime view. Princeville also has a number of upscale hotels and resorts, including the Hanalei Bay Resort, the St. Regis, and the Castle at Princeville.
A little risk may make for a fantastic trip, as long as you come prepared.