Once upon a time, a Hawaiian princess named Popoalaea fled from her cruel husband, the Chief Kakae.  She hid on a ledge just inside the underwater entrance to the cave at Waianapanapa.  A faithful serving maid sat across from her fanning the princess with a feather Kahili symbol of royalty.  Noticing the reflection of the kahili in the water, the chief Kakae discovered Popoalaea’s hiding place and killed her.  At certain times of the year, tiny red shrimp appear in the pool, turning the water red.  Some say it is a reminder of the blood of the slain princess.

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This description was pulled from a plaque at the park.  Photos taken by Natalie Brown.