The Hawaiian Islands are undoubtedly full of magnificent geological wonders, especially on the Garden Isle. One of these awe-inspiring wonders, found on the northern coast of Kauai, is an otherworldly cave that glows with a striking blue light. Waikapalae Cave, also known as the blue room, is quite simply the stuff of dreams.
A grotto at the back of the wet cave was once home to a surreal blue pool of water, and visiting the cave is, no doubt, a magical experience.
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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.
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
Unfortunately, as the cave’s water levels dropped, the glowing blue effect caused by the calcite reflections also diminished.
Kauai Visitors Bureau/Flickr
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.
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Legend 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.
What’s Happening On Kauai/Facebook
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.
Kanu Hawaii/Facebook (We recommend taking a few photographs and then making the trek to nearby Ke’e Beach.)
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.
Tony Hida/Flickr
Does the Blue Room look familiar to you? The grotto made a cameo in the 2011 film, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Check out the clip where Captain Jack Sparrow discovers the “fountain of youth.”
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Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
Kauai Visitors Bureau/Flickr
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What’s Happening On Kauai/Facebook
Kanu Hawaii/Facebook
(We recommend taking a few photographs and then making the trek to nearby Ke’e Beach.)
Tony Hida/Flickr
Have you ever experienced the beauty that is Waikapalae Cave? What other wonders would you like us to share? Sound off on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page!
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