Coco Palms Resort, once a symbol of luxury and the embodiment of Hawaiian hospitality, stands today as a reminder of a bygone era. Located on the island of Kauai, this iconic resort played host to royalty, celebrities, and travelers from around the world. Its rich history, however, is now overshadowed by decades of abandonment, natural disasters, and unfulfilled restoration promises. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of Coco Palms Resort, from its glorious beginnings to its current state of disrepair, and what the future may hold for this legendary property.
The Birth of a Hawaiian Icon
The story of Coco Palms Resort begins in the early 1950s, a time when Hawaii was becoming a popular destination for tourists seeking the beauty and tranquility of the islands. The resort was the brainchild of Lyle Guslander, a visionary hotelier who saw the potential in a piece of land that was once home to Hawaiian royalty.
1. Lyle Guslander’s Vision
Lyle Guslander, who had experience managing hotels in Hawaii, saw an opportunity to create a unique resort that would offer visitors an authentic Hawaiian experience. He was drawn to a 16-acre coconut grove in Wailua, Kauai, which was once the site of the home of Kauai’s last reigning queen, Queen Deborah Kapule. The land, rich in history and natural beauty, was the perfect location for Guslander’s ambitious project.
Guslander envisioned a resort that would blend seamlessly with its surroundings, incorporating the natural beauty of the coconut grove and the nearby Wailua River. He wanted Coco Palms to be more than just a place to stay; he wanted it to be an immersive experience where guests could connect with the culture, traditions, and spirit of Hawaii.
2. Opening and Early Success
Coco Palms Resort officially opened its doors in 1953, with just 24 rooms. The resort’s architecture and design reflected Guslander’s vision, with traditional Polynesian-style thatched-roof bungalows, open-air lanais, and lush tropical landscaping. The resort quickly gained a reputation for its authentic Hawaiian atmosphere, exceptional service, and stunning location.
Word of Coco Palms spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before the resort became a favorite destination for celebrities, honeymooners, and travelers from around the world. Guests were captivated by the resort’s idyllic setting, where they could relax under swaying coconut palms, take part in traditional Hawaiian ceremonies, and enjoy the natural beauty of Kauai.
Coco Palms in Popular Culture
Coco Palms Resort wasn’t just a place for tourists; it also became a cultural icon, thanks in part to its appearances in movies and television shows. The resort’s picturesque setting made it a popular filming location, further cementing its status as a symbol of Hawaiian paradise.
1. Elvis Presley and Blue Hawaii
Perhaps the most famous moment in Coco Palms’ history came in 1961, when the resort was featured in the Elvis Presley movie Blue Hawaii. The film, which showcased the beauty of Hawaii and its culture, was a huge success and is still beloved by fans of Elvis and Hawaiian culture alike.
The wedding scene in Blue Hawaii, where Elvis’ character marries his sweetheart in the resort’s iconic lagoon, became one of the most memorable moments in the film. The scene was filmed at the resort’s lagoon, which was surrounded by swaying coconut palms and lush tropical foliage. This scene not only immortalized Coco Palms on the silver screen but also inspired countless couples to choose the resort as the location for their own weddings.
The association with Elvis Presley and Blue Hawaii became a major draw for tourists, who wanted to experience the same romantic and idyllic setting they had seen in the film. Coco Palms capitalized on this connection by offering wedding packages and even hosting an annual Elvis Presley Festival, attracting fans and tourists from around the world.
2. Hollywood’s Love Affair with Coco Palms
In addition to Blue Hawaii, Coco Palms was featured in several other films and television shows during the 1950s and 1960s. The resort’s unique blend of natural beauty and traditional Hawaiian architecture made it an ideal location for filmmakers looking to capture the essence of Hawaii.
Coco Palms appeared in movies such as South Pacific, Donovan’s Reef, and Pagan Love Song, among others. The resort’s popularity with Hollywood helped to further boost its reputation and attract a steady stream of visitors eager to experience the magic of Coco Palms for themselves.
The Golden Era of Coco Palms Resort
The 1960s and 1970s were the golden years for Coco Palms Resort. The property expanded to include more rooms, dining options, and amenities, catering to a growing number of guests who wanted to experience the allure of Hawaii in style.
1. Expansion and Development
As demand for accommodations at Coco Palms grew, the resort underwent several expansions. By the 1960s, the property had grown to include over 400 rooms, multiple dining venues, and a range of recreational facilities. The expansion included the addition of the Coco Palms Lagoon, a man-made lagoon surrounded by coconut palms, which became one of the resort’s most iconic features.
The resort’s development also included the construction of a chapel, known as the Chapel by the Lagoon, where guests could hold weddings and vow renewals. The chapel, with its picturesque setting and traditional Hawaiian design, became a popular choice for couples looking to tie the knot in paradise.
2. Hawaiian Hospitality and Cultural Programs
One of the defining features of Coco Palms Resort was its commitment to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture. The resort offered a range of cultural programs and activities that allowed guests to immerse themselves in the traditions and customs of Hawaii.
Guests at Coco Palms could participate in hula lessons, lei-making workshops, and traditional Hawaiian ceremonies. The resort’s staff, many of whom were native Hawaiians, played a key role in these programs, sharing their knowledge and skills with visitors.
One of the most popular cultural programs at Coco Palms was the nightly torch-lighting ceremony, which was held at sunset. The ceremony, which included traditional chanting, music, and dancing, was a celebration of Hawaiian culture and a way to honor the land and its history.
The resort also offered boat tours along the Wailua River, where guests could learn about the area’s history and cultural significance. The Wailua River, which was considered sacred by ancient Hawaiians, was the lifeblood of the region, and the tours provided a deeper understanding of the island’s heritage.
The Decline and Abandonment of Coco Palms
Despite its success and popularity, Coco Palms Resort was not immune to the challenges of time and nature. The resort’s fortunes began to decline in the 1980s, and it faced a series of setbacks that would ultimately lead to its closure.
1. Challenges of the 1980s
The 1980s brought a series of challenges for Coco Palms Resort. The tourism industry in Hawaii was evolving, with newer, more modern resorts being built on other islands. These new developments offered luxurious accommodations and amenities that were difficult for older resorts like Coco Palms to compete with.
At the same time, the cost of maintaining and operating the aging resort was becoming increasingly burdensome. The traditional thatched-roof bungalows and other structures required constant upkeep, and the resort was struggling to keep up with the demands of modern travelers.
The resort’s financial difficulties were compounded by the changing tastes of tourists, who were increasingly seeking more luxurious and contemporary accommodations. As a result, Coco Palms began to lose its appeal to a new generation of visitors.
2. Hurricane Iniki: The Final Blow
The final blow to Coco Palms Resort came on September 11, 1992, when Hurricane Iniki, one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever hit Hawaii, struck the island of Kauai. The hurricane caused widespread devastation across the island, and Coco Palms Resort was not spared.
The resort suffered extensive damage, with many of its buildings destroyed or severely damaged. The coconut grove, which had been the heart and soul of the resort, was also heavily impacted, with many of the iconic coconut palms uprooted or damaged beyond repair.
The destruction caused by Hurricane Iniki forced the closure of Coco Palms Resort, and the property was abandoned. Despite efforts to rebuild and reopen the resort in the years following the hurricane, financial difficulties, legal challenges, and the enormity of the task meant that Coco Palms would remain closed for decades.
The Ongoing Battle for Restoration
Since its closure in 1992, Coco Palms Resort has been the subject of numerous attempts to restore and reopen the property. However, despite several high-profile plans and proposals, the resort remains in a state of disrepair, with its future uncertain.
1. Restoration Attempts and Challenges
In the years following Hurricane Iniki, several developers and investors expressed interest in restoring Coco Palms Resort to its former glory. However, the challenges of restoring the aging and damaged property, combined with the complexities of modern building codes and regulations, proved to be significant obstacles.
One of the first serious attempts to restore the resort came in the late 1990s, when a group of investors announced plans to rebuild Coco Palms. However, the project faced numerous delays and setbacks, including legal disputes over ownership and land use. As a result, the restoration efforts stalled, and the property remained abandoned.
In the early 2000s, new developers took on the challenge of restoring Coco Palms, announcing plans to create a luxury resort that would honor the history and legacy of the original property. However, these plans also faced significant hurdles, including financing difficulties and opposition from some members of the local community who were concerned