Located in the town of Princeville is a unique tidepool known as Queens Bath in Kauai. A fascinating sinkhole surrounded by solidified igneous rock, this incredible geological formation in Hawaii is not only a vibrant turquoise pool set in the striking black lava shoreline, but it is also a dangerous lava bench exposed to deadly high surf.

Though dangerous high surf in the winter months is common, low surf in the summer months makes this pool a popular spot for swimming. But that’s not to say you should risk it – more than 25 people have drowned after being swept off the rocks by rouge waves.
Neeta Lind/Flickr
Brian and Jennifer Milner/Flickr
Once referred to as Keanalele, Queen’s Bath didn’t take on its current name until the 1980s, when the original “Queen’s Bath,” a lava tube that had collapsed and been filled with fresh water in Kalapana on Hawaii Island, was destroyed by the 1980 Kilauea lava flows.
Anne Petersen/Flickr
While the name may not have been adopted until 30-some years ago, it is quite fitting: the saltwater pool was used by royalty for bathing, and as a place of relaxation for ali’i who needed to wash away their stress.
John Hyun/Flickr

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The natural wonder was once known for a mound with the most concentrated complex of petroglyphs in Hawaii, but has since been popularized by a variety of guide books, which often fail to address the necessary safety concerns associated with hanging out in the bath.
3nglishN3rd/Flickr
The pool is home to a variety of tiny sea life – including Hawaiian sea urchins, angelfish and the so-called “ghost fish.”
Anne Petersen/Flickr
In addition to the potential for drowning, the short path leading to the pool and the rocky terrain makes sprained ankles, bruises, and cuts commonplace amongst pool-goers.
Imak24/Flickr
The bath was closed to the public briefly in 2002 after a lawsuit against the county, but was reopened with disclaimers and signs to remove any county liability – which, unfortunately, most people choose to ignore.
Christina C/Flickr
This particular sign was not installed by the county, but by a concerned citizen who wants to warn others that swimming in this picturesque pool can be deadly.
Adventurers who aren’t scared off by the dangers associated with accessing the Queen’s Bath should always check the surf report before you head out – if the tallest waves are predicted to be less than four feet tall, the bath will e relatively safe to swim in.
Anne Petersen/Flickr

As the temperatures in Hawaii rise, surf conditions get calmer, and summer vacationers arrive, we can’t tell you that hanging out at Queen’s Bath should be avoided, but we would like you to be aware of the potential risks, and remind you to always check the surf reports, heed caution, never play near the lava’s edge, and don’t turn your back on the ocean. Be careful out there, fellow Hawaii adventurers!

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Queen Bath Oahu

Tori Jane | June 13, 2022

Where is Queens Bath in Hawaii?  

Chilling on the island of Kauai is a little tidal pool named Queens Bath. It was formed when a sinkhole opened here and was at once surrounded by igneous (born of lava) rock, forming the gorgeous swimming hole in Hawaii we all know and love. As beautiful as it is, though, it harbors a dark secret: Queens Bath in Hawaii has claimed many a life when tides were high and unpredictable ocean water swept in to do as it pleased with unsuspecting swimmers caught in the fray. In the winter, the tide is its most unfriendly, and waves tend to be quite high (and extremely dangerous). Explore Queens Bath with the utmost caution.  

What is the most popular swimming hole in Hawaii?  

Hawaii is truly a beautiful little slice of paradise filled end to end with pristine places perfect for a hot, humid day. There are numerous popular swimming holes in Hawaii, like the above-mentioned Queens Bath, and other spots like the stunningly beautiful Pa’ako Cove (aka Secret Cove), which is a little spot so heavenly that it’s popular for weddings. Hanalei Bay is a white-sand paradise on Kauai’s northern shore, and Kealakekua Bay is one of the state’s most historic and beloved spots, with extensive reef growth and everything!  

Which Hawaii swimming holes belong on my bucket list?  

In a few words: all of them. If you only have a few days, though, and you want to cut to the brass tacks of the best Hawaii swimming holes, you’re in the right place. Notable swimming holes in Hawaii include all of the ones mentioned above, plus many others like the rocky and beautiful Halona Cove, Honolua Bay, Lumahai Beach, and many, many more. Hawaii is almost too good to be true when it comes to swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other ocean-based adventures, and each of these places is a great place to start!  

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Queen’s Bath, Kapiolani Loop, Princeville, HI 96722, USA