Hawaii's Dangerous Yet Breathtaking Tide Pool Offers Adventure With Risks

When it comes to pure natural beauty in the Hawaiian Islands, it's hard to top Kauai. At just 25 miles long and 33 miles wide, it's not one the bigger islands, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in jaw-dropping scenery. Visitors flock to Kauai to soak up its gorgeous surroundings, which include lush forests, colorful flowers, tropical plants, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of Waimea Canyon.

However, like anywhere in Hawaii, the real star of the show in Kauai is the coastline. The island boasts 111 miles of dramatic shoreline, half of which is beach– including this stunning stretch of sand known for its unmatched snorkeling. This means there's no shortage of spots to kick back on the sand and dive into the clear blue waters that Hawaii is famous for. There is also plenty of action for thrill-seekers, including the Queen's Bath. A plunge into this stunning natural tidal pool is seen by many as one of the best free things to do while in Kauai. While it remains a popular and very unique destination, the Queen's Bath can also be a dangerous place, given the capricious nature of the ocean that the island calls home.

Situated on Kauai's northern coast near the town of Princeville, the Queen's Bath was probably never an actual bathing place for Hawaii's royal family. That said, the truth of its name doesn't matter once you set your eyes on the site: The pool is carved naturally out of black volcanic rock, with clear turquoise-hued water that looks incredibly inviting. Its waters reach depths of about 9 feet in spots and are even home to tropical fish, making the pool a unique snorkeling experience.

Despite its placid and idyllic appearance, the Queen's Bath can also be a risky place to visit, especially during the winter, when the surf can grow violent. Large waves have been known to blast in and inundate the pool, sometimes sweeping bathers out to sea. While the exact numbers aren't totally clear, records indicate that 10 people drowned at Queen's Bath from 1999 to 2018, though a local sign at the site warning visitors of the danger claims that rogue waves have claimed 28 people.

Authorities have responded by officially closing the trail to the Queen's Bath in winter by placing large "No Trespassing" signs on the path's locked gate. This doesn't seem to be enforced however, which means many people ignore the warnings and make the trek to the pool anyway, which has resulted in an uptick of rescue missions by emergency authorities.

Another often-overlooked danger of visiting the Queen's Bath is the trek from the town to the site. The 15-minute hike heads down over an unmaintained path that can be quite treacherous in spots, especially when it rains. The rocks that you then need to scramble over to get there can also be extremely slippery and sharp, and people have been seriously injured in falls. A good way to protect yourself is to wear appropriate footwear — sneakers or hiking boots or any other shoes that cover your toes and offer a good grip. This will help prevent slipping and also protect your feet from jagged and sharp rocks.

As for the pool itself, try to only visit from June through September, when conditions are at their calmest, and if the trail is closed, do your best to be a respectful tourist in Hawaii and obey the "No Trespassing" signs. Also, make sure to check the surf report anytime you plan to swim in the Queen's Bath. If the waves are over 4 feet high, you should never visit, as those are potentially hazardous conditions. To learn more about Hawaiian history, head to this iconic state wilderness park.