Queen's Bath Was Once Rumored To Be Used By Royals, But You Can Swim There, Too

The Queens Bath is a popular stop at Kauai’s North Shore. It’s a tide pool—a sinkhole surrounded by igneous rocks encompassed by lush greenery. The Queen’s Bath is said to be a place of relaxation for royals. Hawaii has its own royal family, so naturally, there are places in the country that are dedicated to them. These days, it’s the final destination after a short but difficult hike.

There used to be a Queen's Bath at Big Island, but it was destroyed by lava flow after the Kilauea volcano erupted in 1987. When that happened, the new Queen’s Bath was designated at Kauai. Since then, it has become a popular tourist stop—one of the best and most popular attractions during summer.

A Hike And A Swim To Queen’s Bath

Tourists have to take a short hike to get to Queen’s Bath. The trail is steep and muddy; it can be dangerous especially during the winter season and rainy weather. Although the trail is not that long (might take 25-30 minutes), it is a challenging hike. It’s not recommended for those with knee problems.

Getting to Queen’s Bath is the reward for taking on that difficult trail. It is a beautiful natural site. When you’re done enjoying the view and taking photos, take a dip in the pool! There are times when visitors are prohibited from swimming in the pool because of bad weather and unfavorable surf forecasts. When the weather is good and the water is calm, take the golden opportunity and swim. Tourists are allowed to swim in the bath, so make sure to bring a towel and swimsuit!

Around North Shore

Kauai Island is blessed with naturally beautiful surroundings. Tourists will be able to pack their schedule with activities designed around enjoying nature and being away from busy city life. Aside from surfing and swimming, hiking is a popular activity on the island.

Here are some trails and sites near the Queen’s Bath:

Kilauea Point Lighthouse – This is a popular tourist spot where people can catch a view of the sunset, waves, and surf. It sits on top of a cliff, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the island. The entrance fee costs $5.
Kalalau Trail – The most popular trail on Kauai island. Visitors who have 30 minutes to spare can take this trail and enjoy the sweeping views of the island.

Hanakapiai Falls – This can be accessed through the Kalalau trail. Permits are no longer required to get to this part of the trail. Make sure to pack a swimsuit and towel before heading out!
Na Pali Coast Trail – Marvel at the spectacular views of the coats on this trail. Alternatively, tourists can sign up for a boat tour to get a view of the island from the water.
Okolehao Trail – A 2.5-mile hike that will take visitors up a mountain! It is moderately difficult, as hikers will climb an elevation of 1,250 feet.

Preparation

Tourists are advised to go early to beat the crowds and to have access to the best parking spots. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals for the hike, preferably ones that have a good grip to avoid any accidents. Visitors usually wear their swimsuits under their clothes. There are no changing rooms at the site itself. Leave your belongings in the car. Have your snack or meal before or after going to Queen’s Bath.

Look out for any signs and announcements before diving to the Queen's Bath or the surrounding pools. Locals know that these pools have strong currents despite looking calm.

Tourists flock to Queens Bath during the summertime because it is the safest time to hike and swim. Visitors are discouraged from going during the wintertime. If you insist on going and manage to make it past the rough and slippery trail, just enjoy the view.

Safety checks

Tourists should look up safety protocols and announcements before embarking on the hike going to the Queen’s Bath. Check weather updates, surf reports, and forecasts. The hike to Queen’s Bath is already risky on a good day, but things can get exponentially dangerous on rainy days or in the winter.

Locals recommend visiting with the surf forecast at 4ft or less. If the surf forecast goes beyond 4 ft, the behavior of the water becomes more unpredictable—one moment, the ocean might look calm, the next you’ll be facing big waves and a strong undercurrent. Unfortunately, many people have drowned, gotten injured, or have had to call for rescue. Do not dive into the pool because the Queen’s Bath is not that deep. Swimmers run the risk of getting injured if they attempt to jump in without caution.

Access

Kauai is served by the Lihue airport through which major airlines have regular flights coming in and going out of the island. It’s best to visit Queen’s Bath during the summer season. During this time of year, the water is calmer, there is less risk of rain and therefore less risk of walking on a slippery and accident-prone trail.