Queen’s Bath, also known as “Salt Bed,” is located behind Princeville residential condos and vacation rentals on the famous Punahele bluff. It’s a perfect short summer hiking adventure for your friends and family. Why not bathe like Hawaiian Alii (royalty) while watching Honu (Hawaiian name for turtles) swim on by. The volcanic swimming pool allows you to soak up the salty sea breeze and jump off the volcanic cliffs into the sinkhole. Here it is on the left as we fly over in the video:
If you go during the winter, be careful: waves might be rough due to the high tide swells. Don’t jump in if you are not comfortable. Queen’s Bath is pretty much located near the very right edge of this picture, but you have to hike down.
Here are directions and a map:
From Kuhio Hwy, or HI-56 to Princeville, take a right turn into Ka Haku Road. Drive down until you reach Punahele Road. Turn right on Punahele Road. Take another right on Kapiolani and park at the end of Kapiolani Road. From there, you will see the Queen’s Bath Trail sign. Head down the trail for about 10 minutes, or less than a mile. Make sure you are wearing some comfortable shoes, and pack some slippers. You will pass a small waterfall as you head further down the trail.
Once you get there, don’t be surprised to see some locals daring to jump from high on top of the volcanic-like cliffs into the tidal pool. They do it faithfully, as a traditional challenge. But please stick to observing if you haven’t done it before.
The open ocean’s rich blue colors will capture your heart as large turtles and fish swim by. This is also a great spot to whale-watch and check for spinner dolphins. It is a great escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. It will have you leaving with salt crystals all over your skin. Did you know that’s how Hawaiian salt is made here in Hawaii? Look around the Queen’s Bath, and you will find little salt beds in the craters of the rocks collected from leftover seawater that was dried up in the Hawaiian sun.
