The Queen's Bath is one of the most popular attractions in Kauai (Hawaii), but also one of the most dangerous. Is it worth it? Find out here.
If you are planning your vacation in Kauai, you will have heard about this place: the Queen's Bath. And it is very likely that, if you are able to get there, you will decide to see it with your own eyes.
I'll tell you more. If you're taking a photographer, whether amateur or professional, this is a must-see destination on your Kauai route.
Before you dive in, let me give you several objective facts and, of course, a couple of subjective opinions 🙂
What is the Queen's bath
It is a natural pool formed between the rocks of the volcanic coast north of Kauai . Although it is the best known, near it you will find several equally beautiful prints.
With the sea calm, its waters are a haven of turquoise blue peace. It will be difficult to resist the temptation to swim in it, especially if the heat is hot.
When the ocean is agitated, waves violently hit its interior . In these circumstances, strong and dangerous currents are created.
Spoiler alert:
It is very dangerous to bathe in the Queen's bath.
But let's go step by step.
Directions
To access it, it is necessary to walk a short but steep dirt road and very slippery mud. The condition of this path gets much worse when it rains; which, by the way, in northern Kauai, is almost always.
You can see the beginning of the trail on the map at the bottom of this page. You will also see where the small parking area for visitors is located.
The access to the Queen's Bath is in a wealthy residential area, with beautiful private properties where parking is prohibited most of the way. So, if you want to avoid a fine, try to limit yourself to the permitted area.
When to go
It depends... Everything depends...
1. How is your mobility?
If you are with small children, people with walking difficulties, or someone physically weak ... I do not recommend you to go down to the Queen's bath. But if you still want to do it, choose a sunny day when it has been more than 24 hours since the last rains. This way, the ground will be a little less wet and slippery.
2. What do you want to photograph?
I know someone who would respond:
All possibilities!
If the ocean is calm and the sun is shining, you will capture idyllic images of a natural rock pool and a thousand shades of blue contrasting over it .
However, if it storms, rains, or the sea is rough, you will find a party of waves breaking over the Queen's bath and other corners of the rocky coastline .
So you choose... or luck will do it for you.
3. Do you want to swim in Queen's Bath?
Sorry, I can't help you here.
I would never advise you to bathe in the Queen's Bath.
Why, even when the surface is calm?
Let me explain...
Dangerous bath
The ocean off Kauai, and Hawaii in general, is unpredictable.
One moment, the water is calm, like a silent and unchanging lake, and the next minute, it rises in waves of several meters, without warning.
When you see them coming, it may be too late. Are you going to risk it?
Kauai is full of beautiful, easily accessible beaches. In addition, many of them have lifeguards posted to watch over your safety.
- And on the beach, isn't the sea altered in the same way, just like that, all of a sudden?
- Yes, of course it does. However, a few waves crashing against the sand, with a coastguard standing by to help you, doesn't sound as bad as slamming you underwater against volcanic rocks and no lifeguard nearby, does it?
Unfortunately, people have already died in this place for taking the risk of swimming in it. Do not follow in their footsteps.
Enjoy the views. And then, to relax, choose from Kauai's beautiful beaches.
What to bring
Above all, forget flip-flops, you're not going to the beach.
Go to a good pair of shoes for walking in the mud. If rain threatens, a raincoat or waterproof coat will keep your photographic equipment safe.
In any case, consider that almost everything you wear, including hiking boots, will end up in the washing machine after the ride... So pants, the shorter the better, I say this from experience! When the mud dries... it looks like cement!
Conclusion
Do you want to see the Queen's bath and feel up to walking the path leading to it?
Perfect!
- Put on some good hiking boots and enjoy!
- Watch out for slips.
- Take pictures, change the filters, set up your tripod, take as many selfies as you want, and...
- Return safe and sound.
- There is only one thing you should avoid: jumping into the water.
Do you know the Queen's Bath or are you planning to visit it? Let me know in the comments!
Useful Links
- Booking offers in Kauai.
- ESTA application.
- International flight deals to Hawaii: Trabber, eDreams, andMomondo.
- Get 5% off your IATI travel insurance.
And if you are on your way to the island of Kauai, don't miss these other entries:
- Driving through Waimea Canyon.
- The Napali coast in a luxury boat.
- Flying over Kauai by helicopter... and without doors!
- Kalalau Trail, Kauai's most challenging hike.
- Awaawapuhi Trail, the Napali Coast at your feet.
- The best beaches in Kauai, snorkeling, relaxing or surfing, what do you prefer?
- Mahaulepu Trail, hiking, temples, and pristine beaches on Kauai.
- A practical guide to organizing a trip to Kauai on your own.
- Our 9-day road map for the island of Kauai.
Do you want to know another island of Hawaii? Take a look at our experience in Maui:
- 7 day tour of Maui.
- Guide to organizing a trip to Maui on your own.
- The best snorkeling beaches in southern Maui.
- Sighting of humpback whales off the coast of Maui.
- Nightmare before dawn at Haleakala.
- The full description of our experience at O'hoe Gulch and Pipiway Trail.
- 3 days and 2 nights discovering the Road to Hana.