Along the cliffs and rocky coastline of Kauai’s north shore in Princeville is the now famous Queen’s Bath. A 15-20 minute walk down the cliffs and left across the lava rock coast will bring you to a large tide pool chiseled into the lava shelf at the ocean’s edge. The trail is fairly well maintained, but can be slippery when wet. At the bottom of the cliffs there is a waterfall that tumbles directly into the ocean. Turn left here and make your way along the lava rock to Queen’s Bath. An inlet in the pool allows the fresh seawater to flow in to the pool and fish also manage to find their way in so bring your snorkel and waterproof camera. Swimming here is magical with the open ocean splashing on the rocks as you float in the glassy water of Queen’s Bath. Like many of the beaches on the north shore, the winter months can bring dangerous conditions to the pool with higher surf creating a strong current in and out of the inlet, so check ocean conditions before entering the pool. Most of the time Queen’s Bath is a relaxing place to swim and explore the interesting lava coast.

To get there take Hwy 56 in Princeville to Ka Haku Road. Turn right onto Punahele Road. On the right you will pass Kapiolani Road, which is a loop road. You can either take the loop or continue down Punahele until it intersects with Kapiolani again. Because of the growing popularity of Queen’s Bath, there is a parking lot here and signs point you to the trailhead.