Most People Don’t Know There’s A Fountain Of Youth Hiding Along The Coast Of Hawaii
By Megan Shute|Published July 15, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
From cascading waterfalls found within lush rainforests and pristine beaches in a variety of colors to incredible rock formations, magnificent caves, and the magical spot where flowing lava enters the ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible natural attractions. With nearly 11,000 acres of natural beauty to uncover, we could write about a thousand fantastic natural attractions found across the Hawaiian Islands, but this cave found along Kauai’s coast is said to be a fountain of youth, at least according to one of the most popular movies filmed in the Aloha State.
Found along Kauai’s northern coast is the otherworldly Waikapalae Cave, a stunning natural wonder that glows with a striking blue light. Also known as the Blue Room, this cave is, quite simply, the stuff fantasy worlds are made of.
Hawaiian myth states that the Maniniholo Dry Cave and the Waikapalae and Wakanaloa Wet Caves were created by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire for her lover, but abandoned them when they filled with water.
The grotto’s blue hue can be explained simply as the sun reflecting off calcite, though there are those who choose to believe in a slightly different — perhaps otherworldly — explanation. Could this be an actual fountain of youth?
Unfortunately, as the cave’s water levels dropped, the glowing blue effect caused by the calcite reflections also diminished.
Rumor has it that the blue hue that made the grotto famous is still visible under perfect conditions — namely when the tide is high and the sun appears just north of Ha’ena State Park.
Officially, swimming in the cave is discouraged, though people seem to disobey these rules on a fairly regular basis.
As with most tropical freshwater pools, there is a risk of leptospirosis, so don’t drink the water, and refrain from swimming if you have any open wounds.
If you haven't experienced this unique natural wonder for yourself, what are you waiting for?
To visit this striking cave, hop on Highway 560 west from Ha’ena. A short trail on the left side of the road past Ha’ena Beach Park leads uphill towards the series of caves. The Blue Room is the last of three caves found on the trail.
Address: Kuhio Highway, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Have you visited the spectacular Waikapalae Cave for yourself? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
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