488 thoughts on “Infamous Coco Palms Kauai | Why It Just Won’t End”
Joni H.
The Coco Palms was a magical place, especially to a very young girl whose halau performed there in the early 1960s. I can still picture the torch-lighting ceremony and sounds of the conch shell announcing the runner’s approach. It was so beautiful. Hurts my heart to think of how it was affected by Hurricane Iniki and then allowed to further disintegrate.
A Hawaiian cultural center would be amazing there, where anyone could learn about the history, language, and dance of Hawaii. Also where some of the land could be designated for the cultivation of taro, both dry and wet; or some type of collaboration with the botanical gardens.
Sure. That’s just what Hawaii needs… another “cultural center”. 🙂
Which, to non-Hawaiians just means “visitor center” or “tourist attraction”.
But, yeah, sure, the locals would certainly love another beach park of some kind here… because that would just be another multi-million dollar project that they wouldn’t have to pay for… since virtually everything on the islands is paid for by the tourists and the tax and sales revenue they bring.
And that’s the big question: If they county and the state will NOT allow this private property to be repaired, restored, or re-developed… who then PAYS to buy the land from the private owners… and who then PAYS to remove the existing / rotting improvements–and then pays to design and build whatever PUBLIC improvements replaces them?
Because the state has no money–only debts. Massive debts. So this would either have to be a private / for profit project… or it will rot as a derelict ruin for decades–which no one will be able to use or enjoy… or the county / state will have to borrow MORE millions to complete the project.
Thank you for the update. It makes me sad, but I understand. My parents stayed there in 1978. My hubby & I stopped there in 1998 while on the Movie Tour, and dreamed of returning to stay at the Coco Palms when the restoration was complete. Sadly, that will never happen, but I can still look through my parents’ amazing photos taken during their stay at this icon,is resort, Aloha! ❤
So sad. Had my honeymoon there in the early 70’s. Ate in the three eating areas. Watched a local teach how to shuck a coconut. Listened to Larry Rivera sing at night in the lounge, where “the drinks are on you!!” (still have the record Larry was selling then) Viewed where Elvis filmed the wedding scene for “Blue Hawaii”. So sad, but memories are wonderful.
Please remember, It was Elvis Presley who made the Hawaiian Islands what they are today,Vacationing and having fun,Please remember that , thanks for listening,Tim….
We stayed right across the street from this iconic run down dilapidated mess years ago and it was sad to see it then. It must be so much worse. I was hoping it could become somewhat what it was years ago even if it doesn’t have beach access. Until Hawaii addresses the homeless and drug issues that are out of control, why build another park? It’s shocking to see it still standing and that they care so little about the diseases, pests, asbestos, homeless & drugs and they still haven’t torn it down? This was in the end a very sad read.
I am a frequent visitor to Kauai. Perhaps the descendents who you say are recognized as the owners, have some responsibiliy for developing the area for the homeless, or at least as affordable housing. Thank you for clarifying the current situation.
Michele
It is very saddening to witness the make (death) of Coco Palms. I stayed in an oceanfront room the year before Elvis and troop arrived to film Blue Hawaii. I enjoyed walking around the royal palms every sunset before the lighting of the waterside torches and the blowing of the conch. I’ll miss walking through the massive carved doors.
The Coco Palms was a magical place, especially to a very young girl whose halau performed there in the early 1960s. I can still picture the torch-lighting ceremony and sounds of the conch shell announcing the runner’s approach. It was so beautiful. Hurts my heart to think of how it was affected by Hurricane Iniki and then allowed to further disintegrate.
A Hawaiian cultural center would be amazing there, where anyone could learn about the history, language, and dance of Hawaii. Also where some of the land could be designated for the cultivation of taro, both dry and wet; or some type of collaboration with the botanical gardens.
Sure. That’s just what Hawaii needs… another “cultural center”. 🙂
Which, to non-Hawaiians just means “visitor center” or “tourist attraction”.
But, yeah, sure, the locals would certainly love another beach park of some kind here… because that would just be another multi-million dollar project that they wouldn’t have to pay for… since virtually everything on the islands is paid for by the tourists and the tax and sales revenue they bring.
And that’s the big question: If they county and the state will NOT allow this private property to be repaired, restored, or re-developed… who then PAYS to buy the land from the private owners… and who then PAYS to remove the existing / rotting improvements–and then pays to design and build whatever PUBLIC improvements replaces them?
Because the state has no money–only debts. Massive debts. So this would either have to be a private / for profit project… or it will rot as a derelict ruin for decades–which no one will be able to use or enjoy… or the county / state will have to borrow MORE millions to complete the project.
Which one do you think is more likely to happen?
Thank you for the updates. So many memories will live on at least for awhile.
Hi Lena.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Thank you for the update. It makes me sad, but I understand. My parents stayed there in 1978. My hubby & I stopped there in 1998 while on the Movie Tour, and dreamed of returning to stay at the Coco Palms when the restoration was complete. Sadly, that will never happen, but I can still look through my parents’ amazing photos taken during their stay at this icon,is resort, Aloha! ❤
Hi Donna.
Thanks for sharing that.
Aloha.
I think it could be a beautiful Kauai Cultural Center!
I agree! Great idea.
So sad. Had my honeymoon there in the early 70’s. Ate in the three eating areas. Watched a local teach how to shuck a coconut. Listened to Larry Rivera sing at night in the lounge, where “the drinks are on you!!” (still have the record Larry was selling then) Viewed where Elvis filmed the wedding scene for “Blue Hawaii”. So sad, but memories are wonderful.
Couldn’t developers find another piece of land and build a new Coco Palms Hotel on that?
Please remember, It was Elvis Presley who made the Hawaiian Islands what they are today,Vacationing and having fun,Please remember that , thanks for listening,Tim….
Hi Tim.
Thanks.
Aloha.
We stayed right across the street from this iconic run down dilapidated mess years ago and it was sad to see it then. It must be so much worse. I was hoping it could become somewhat what it was years ago even if it doesn’t have beach access. Until Hawaii addresses the homeless and drug issues that are out of control, why build another park? It’s shocking to see it still standing and that they care so little about the diseases, pests, asbestos, homeless & drugs and they still haven’t torn it down? This was in the end a very sad read.
I am a frequent visitor to Kauai. Perhaps the descendents who you say are recognized as the owners, have some responsibiliy for developing the area for the homeless, or at least as affordable housing. Thank you for clarifying the current situation.
Michele
Hi Michele.
Thanks.
Aloha.
This is so sad. My husband and I spent 2 wonderful weeks at coco palms in the late 70s. It remains my most favorite trip to Hawaii!
It is very saddening to witness the make (death) of Coco Palms. I stayed in an oceanfront room the year before Elvis and troop arrived to film Blue Hawaii. I enjoyed walking around the royal palms every sunset before the lighting of the waterside torches and the blowing of the conch. I’ll miss walking through the massive carved doors.