In ongoing comments you continue to ask about what became of the Coco Palms Hotel and will it ever be redeveloped. Here’s the latest on the forever pained Kauai Coco Palms Hotel, where amazingly little has changed in the many years since we first toured the grounds and starting writing about Kauai’s most iconic resort. This, the place where the rich and famous once stayed and where Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii was filmed. The property consists of 20 oceanfront (or actually now highway front) acres together with 15 acres of state-leased land.
In 2019, Utah based Stillwater Equity became the developer, after the prior group defaulted on financing valued at $22 million. At the time, Stillwater said it was going ahead with redevelopment plans and permits and was looking for a partner with hospitality experience who could contribute the funding needed to bring the project back to life.
Coco Palms’ Update from Beat of Hawaii:
1. On checking today, we find a range of permits with the County of Kauai that are still open. At the same time, we can find no reference to Stillwater on the permits, nor any reference to Coco Palms on the Stillwater website. There are no longer any websites we found that are associated with the Coco Palms Resort.
2. We also discovered that Colliers is showing a current listing to sell the property. It says “Since 2016, the new owners have obtained the entitlements and permits necessary for the redevelopment of the 350-room hotel along with restaurants, lounges, swimming pools, wedding venues and a spa. The concrete foundations and frames of the main hotel buildings remain allowing for expedited and less costly redevelopment.” We tried to reach the agent at Colliers, but weren’t successful.
3. To help control drug dealing and other illegal activity that was rampant at the property, security fencing was previously removed from the Kuhio Highway fronting property, and other safety measures have been implemented.
Connection to Koa Kea and Hyatt Hotels.
In 2019, Stillwater was rumored to be in discussions with Poipu’s Koa Kea Resort management company, the Meritage Collection, about running the Coco Palms. And before that, Coco Palms had been scheduled to reopen this year as a Hyatt managed property with 273 rooms, 77 suites, 3 restaurants, a cultural center, 12k square feet of retail and more. Living here, we just knew the 2014 Hyatt Unbound Collection plan would never come to fruition.
Zoning problems.
It is interesting to note that zoning at the Coco Palms is a major roadblock. Prior developers had received grandfathering of most aspects of the original property. Given that much of the permitting would seem to have been terminated, developers might need to meet current day standards (instead of 1992 standards), creating an unworkable situation.
Coco Palms Kauai Resort project is dead, so what’s next?
The project has completely disintegrated as multiple developers have been unable to acquire funding required. All to the chagrin of visitors, locals and to some in the Kauai government.
When driving by, you see a great deal of ugly, original concrete and steel, as in image below. The developers had planned to use these pre-existing steel and concrete structures as the base of the new resort. The iconic lagoon was also set to be restored as is shown in image depiction above.
For years we’ve heard talk about an alternative plan for Coco Palms, such as a county park. How that would happen, however, and where funds would come from to undertake such a process, is totally unclear. Various county officials have supported such a concept, at least in theory. Mayor Derek Kawakami was not supportive of the hotel project, although we do not know of alternatives he may promote.
Beat of Hawaii: Until something more happens, Coco Palms sits largely unchanged, destroyed through hurricane, fraud, neglect and to this day, ongoing controversy, for over a quarter century.
A multi-million dollar selective-demolition project was completed in 2016 as seen in photo above. This included drywall and asbestos removal, electrical and mechanical repairs, renovations at the Lotus Restaurant and bungalow building. It pretty much was stripped clean.
More big problems occurred at Coco Palms.
1. Following demolition, construction that was to have begin in 2017 never occurred. Dozens of building permits were issued and remained pending for years.
2. Also in 2017, a land dispute arose when a group of Native Hawaiians claiming to be descendants of Kauai’s King Kaumualii began living on the property. A judge refused to remove them from Coco Palms as more information was needed to determine the rightful owners. The developers have taken the position that “the county recognizes us as the owner of the property, and so we see it as criminal trespassing.” That position was affirmed by the court in 2018, when a summary judgment hearing ended the dispute.
3. Ongoing flood zone concerns. We’ve heard that Kauai County engineering is saying that the resort, if rebuilt, would need to comply with current flood abatement standards. Those did not exist at the time of the original resort. That could result in significant unanticipated costs and delays in order to flood-proof large areas of Coco Palms. We aren’t aware of any update on this issue.
Is there even a market for Coco Palms Resort?
If the resort could ever be rebuilt, how would it position itself in relation to other nearby Kauai hotels isn’t clear. Coco Palms is located on what has become a very noisy stretch of Kuhio Highway, with no beach access. The idea of a pedestrian bridge had been thrown around, but we aren’t aware of any specific plans. In addition, competitive hotels have been built in recent years that, while not Coco Palms, offer beachfront locations at prices that could well undermine any potential for profitability.
We welcome your thoughts.
Image courtesy of prior website cocopalmskauai.com.
Updated 4/16/20.
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dave g says
I have restored many older homes in my 40+ years and given the rich history of this hotel I hate to see it falling apart and I believe it should be restored with as many of the original features as soon as possible before they are lost and if that is done I believe millions of guest would rather stay there than any other fancy hotel just because of its history and as far as bringing it up to current zoning and codes ,you would not restore an antique car and put air bags in it, no you would restore it to original! although you could add some safety features that would not interfere with the original looks of the hotel. I hope something gets done soon to preserve this treasure !!! Thanks Dave
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Dave.
Thanks.
Aloha.
jeannie m says
Rethink….better to get developers’ money via this property and use it for homeless low cost housing in another site. Memories, traditions, beautiful palms, location near Smiths, all suggest a more appropriate use of this land, even if a park, rather than low cost housing. And money works in any location if you want to be altruistic and divert monies to those in need. Must just stick to the goal and manage finances without loss of said purpose.
Celeste S says
Beautiful property in the past; beautiful potention for the future. I appreciate the movie connection and the personal experiences and memories this place holds for many. However, I agree with a previous poster that with so much homelessness on the island(s), maybe it would be best for the state, county, and/or local governments to convert it into a multi-use affordable housing project. Apartments, community center, cultural center, recreational center, pools, park, so many possibilities for the locals. Maybe the multiple failed attempts and obscene amounts of developer money thrown at reviving this location as a tourist destination are signs that it really does belong to the native population.
Theresa says
I’ve been blessed to visit Kauai and the islands a few times and honestly,it breaks my heart to see the amount of homeless every time I go. There are enough tourist resorts and I think it’s time to use this land for affordable housing for the people that live and work on the islands.
richard says
we visited the site in 2016. lots of positive energy there. a beautiful place, and really neat to see where elvis was and think about the score of folks that flocked there afterwards. but it is all about the market. the highway outfront is terrible. the location sucks. folks that would have come because of the elvis connection have grown old and dont travel. i wouldnt invest in redevelopment. conserve the shell of the original building, restore the canal and palm gardens, make it a park.
Sandra D. says
It seems so sad to let one of Hawaii’s most famous resorts go to ruin
Tom M. says
Went there as a child, perhaps 12. Definitely had that ‘old Hawaii’ vibe. But even at the time, I was surprised and disappointed there was no beach access. That seems to me a critical flaw. Too bad. I think it’s over for the resort, but thanks for the memories.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tom.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Beverly G. says
Ever since I saw Elvis in “Blue Hawaii” as a child, I dreamed of visiting this tropical island some day. Well, that day would finally came many years later (in November of 2008) when I visited Oahu and Kauai. My friend and I enjoyed the movie tour, and of course, our guide took us to Coco Palms. Some tourists broke down in tears, recalling their honeymoon there or visiting years ago. Scenes from “Blue Hawaii” flashed into my mind as I walked the destroyed grounds of Coco Palms and stared at the lagoon, where the famous wedding scene took place at the end of film. I was so hopeful that this special place would be restored to its original splendor and was thrilled to see beautiful plans in photos. I was even envisioning spending time at the new Coco Palms resort for my milestone birthday in 2020. But every time I checked on the progress of renovations, I was saddened to read about one setback after another. But miracles happen, especially on this enchanting island. Since numerous blockbuster movies have been filmed on Kauai over the decades, perhaps affluent Hollywood actors, producers, directors could help with funding for a new Coco Palms. It’s worth a try!
Beverly G. says
Since so many blockbuster movies have been filed on Kauai over several decades, why not seek funds from wealthy Hollywood celebrities, producers, directors, etc.?
gladys k says
many years ago while on Kauai, i purchased a book…”the story of the coco palms hotel”…..very large “coffee table” book…..it was so great….i remember it cost about $30……..i take it out every so often to remind me of the Palms in it’s “glory” days…..there is also another smaller book, “The Kauai Movie Book” which talks about all the movies that were made on Kauai….another one full of memories….
Mary M says
I got married there in September 1988. Our guests and wedding party planned their whole vacation around our wedding. We copied the Elvis Blue Hawaii wedding. It was a fabulous and memorable week. I wish I could post a couple of pictures here. What a beautiful place… Old Hawaii… And we did utilize the beach across the street. I’m sure it’s become much more crowded around that highway since then. Thank you for the article bringing us all up-to-date
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Mary.
Thanks. You can send image attachments here and perhaps we can include them in our next update. https://beatofhawaii.com/image-upload/.
Aloha.
LB says
So sad! Was hoping to return for our 30th wedding anniversary. We spent our honeymoon there in August of 1991. It was a beautiful, nostalgic place. We enjoyed our stay there and our nightly walks along the grounds. Beautiful gardens and scenery. Sad that it was destroyed.
Tobey P says
I was lucky enough to grow up in Hawaii and was able to visit the Coco Palms resort on a few occasions. My fondest memories are of the torch lighting ceremonies that would happen every night at sundown. The precision that the “warriors” had was remarkable. I also remember standing on one of the bridges on the property, fishing in the canals. (The resort provided the cane poles, just had to throw the fish back.) Just the prestige of staying at THAT resort, gave you bragging rights on the playground. Lol. I haven’t been back to Kauai since well before the destruction from the hurricane, but the memories that stay in my mind will live with me forever. I miss the days of the “old” Hawaii, when things were simple, and tapa cloth was used to decorate EVERY thing. The customs, traditions, and legends that are being lost on our youth of today need to be taught to our kids, grandkids, and all keike’s around. Don’t let the traditions be lost. I may not get the accents and commas in the right place,….but:
Ua, mau, ke, ea, O, ka ‘aina, I ka Pono. I miss my home.
Ron z. says
It’s time to say goodbye Elvis has left the building .itstime for a new idea .a park Senior center , hospital .n in need of affordable housing. Don’t let west coast influence take over the mater we don’t need another Safeway or a jackin thebox. Use the land properly. At worst make it a park for all.
Ralph K says
I loved the place and went there many times as a youth with my parents. I don’t remember ever going to the beach across the street and forgot there even was anything there. I mostly swam in the pools there that had waterfalls. Was all really nice and fun to walk around the grounds. We went to big hotel near the airport that had dukes restaurant in it. Was that a Marriott? They had a similar flavor to cocoa palms in many ways. It may be past the point where remaking that hotel would add any value. We think we may stay at the hotel
Mentors above or at a place at Poipu. Which if a beautiful beach.
RIch says
Watched Blue Hawaii over the weekend. So sad if this history is lost. Being stuck overseas it feels even worse. I really feel one of our politicians needs to take up the responsibility of making it a cultural center. This site is not suitable for Hotel or Housing given traffic on road without considerable expense building a new road system. The restaurant could be reopened too by building a pedestrian underpass under Kuhio Hwy. Once it is gone it can never be replaced. We do not need more Malahiinifcation on Kauai.
Martina G says
In 1984, I stayed at Coco Palms for my honeymoon. We had dinner in the open air lagoon restaurant. There was a show of natives going down the lagoon in canoes. It was a wonderful private place beautiful stay. In 2012 I returned and was heartbroken at what I saw. Thank you for providing the info you do on this incredible piece of history.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Martina.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Steven says
Having grown up on those 50’s and 60’s movie depictions of Hawaii and having never been there are there any other developments such as this one? Thank you.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Steven.
A few that come to mind are Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, and Mauna Kea.
Aloha.
Beau M. says
Having been a guest at the Coco Palms, on the morning of the day that hurricane EWA hit
(fortunately, we were scheduled to go to HNL that afternoon, rode out the storm in Waikiki) and having visited the C-P several times, we are very sad that it will not be restored to some semblance of its former glory. Fortunately, before it died, we found out (from the Purchasing Agent) their source of the giant clam shell sinks … and we managed to buy one, complete with a drain hole already drilled! It is a feature of many comments, in our rec. room’s powder room. And we have our great pix, too, to remind us of better times on Kauai. I hope Ono’s Burgers (GREAT burgers) are still in business.