Queen's Bath

Queen's Bath is a unique tide pool on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaii. The pool is a sinkhole surrounded by igneous rock. It is located on the north shore of Kauaʻi near the town of Princeville. The swimming area is accessible via a short trail. During the winter when wave activity is violent, it is considered dangerous. In small surf—usually in the summer—the water in the pool is calm. Small fish and tiny sea life also live in the tide pool, such as Hawaiʻian sea urchins, Angelfish and the small critter locals call "Ghost fish". The original "Queen's Bath" was located in Kalapana on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. It was formed after a lava tube collapsed and filled with fresh water supplied by natural springs. In ancient times only the Aliʻi (Royalty) were permitted entry to the sacred waters. In 1983 Kilauea Volcano erupted and in 1987 the original site was destroyed by lava flow. Only after the original site on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi was destroyed did the location on Kauai become better known as "Queen's Bath". This tide pool was used for what it sounds like; it was a royal bathing place. It was also used as a place of relaxation when an Aliʻi needed to "wash off the stress".