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.

SteveHeap/Getty Images

In fact, the striking cave was featured in the 2011 film, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides as a “fountain of youth.”

BackyardProduction/Getty Images Before we continue, watch Captain Jack Sparrow discover this natural wonder:

While the Waikapalae Cave might not actually provide everlasting youth, it is a thing of legend.

SoCalOregonian/TripAdvisor 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.

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.

_e.t/Flickr 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.

Katadventure/TripAdvisor 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.

Wally Gobetz/Flickr 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?

SteveHeap/Getty Images 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

SteveHeap/Getty Images

BackyardProduction/Getty Images

Before we continue, watch Captain Jack Sparrow discover this natural wonder:

SoCalOregonian/TripAdvisor

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.

_e.t/Flickr

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?

Katadventure/TripAdvisor

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.

Wally Gobetz/Flickr

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.

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.

Have you visited the spectacular Waikapalae Cave for yourself? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

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