It’s been about a year since it was sold again. What’s up now at Coco Palms.
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488 thoughts on “Infamous Coco Palms Kauai | Why It Just Won’t End”
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It’s been about a year since it was sold again. What’s up now at Coco Palms.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
Honeymooned at Coco Palms in 1979.
Just beautiful and unforgettable!
It’s a shame that mother nature stepped in and closed everything down. But…..maybe there was a good reason…. The will of the Gods never rests. I also remember stories in regards to things going wrong with trying to build a certain road… 🙏
I came from Germany, but I’m from Spain and one on my places in my honeymoon was in a suit of this wonderful hotel. I was impressed of this wonderful place and island. This it was in 1990.
I will come back again, we have to keep the culture of the ancestors but both parts will could arrange.
I wish all the best for this place.
It was a pleasure to be at this hotel
Mahalo 🌺
I have traveled to Kauai at least 6 times over the past decade and always passed by the wreckage of the Coco Palms and heard all the fascinating stories. I found a shop in Kapaa selling a large book named “The Story of the Coco Palms Hotel” authored by David P. Penhallow, copyright 2007. It is filled with the entire history, photos, maps from inception to 2002. The book also states Published by Rice Street Press, P.O Box 148, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766 Obtain a copy if you can.
Aloha bro, there is a lot of things we want back but brother unfortunately we can’t get the past back I am like you I want Hawaii to be back like it was 60 years ago Mahalo my brother
My ancestors came over to Maui and Oahu in the late 1800s from Portugal. Portugal was a poor country with no jobs, and these brave people, along with many other immigrants from many Countries, such as the Philippines, Japan, China, and many others left their homes and families forever to come to the islands and begin again; to work, live, and raise families. My ancestors fell in love with their new home, but living and working and being beholding to the plantation owners (Pineapple and Sugar Cane) for very little money….money they would give back to the plantation by purchasing food and whatever else they needed at the plantation owned and operated store. Many lived in poverty, had large families, and could not afford to live anywhere else, as most never got their debts cleared by the plantation owners/investors. The work was backbreakingly hard, with long hours and corporal punishments dealt out by the foremens who worked for the plantation, but they loved the Islands and it’s people, as well as the idea of Aloha the islanders taught them. They intermarried with Hawaiians and other Nationalities who came there, most especially the Phillipinos and the Japanese. It became their home, as their children were born and raised there, as well as their children, and their children’s children, and so on down the line. It was certainly the only home most of their descendants had ever known. A couple to a few generations later, my parents were born in the islands (Maui), and myself and sisters and brothers were all born there as well.
Prior to their marriage, my father was drafted into the army after Pearl Harbor, and 3 years later, even though his former boss had promised him his job would be waiting for him when he came home, his boss gave the job to his own son instead.
My parents were married in the late 40s. After the war, jobs were scarce on Maui, and so my father and mother made the difficult and painful decision to move to the mainland and leave everything.
It’s a no win. Even if billionaires bought it to build cultural sanctuaries etc they’d have such a headache as they have seen others go thru. People would always find something to complain about.
I love this site, as I do the island of Kauai. I was married at the old Coco Palms Resort. Kauai is near and dear to my heart. However, the proposals as put forth in this article with all its theories, are silly, in my opinion. Who in their right mind is going to pay the new owner the $22 million plus? Particularly when the potential buyer already knows there is resistance to creating a hotel? Smart businessmen and women are wealthy because they properly invest or keep their money. On the other hand, since a lot of people, including present and past government leaders, want to make this a park, why not just initiate proceedings of eminent domain? The property is an eyesore, has no access to the beach, as you say and is now and has been for years, a nuisance. Just my thoughts….
Hi Bob.
Thanks for your input on Coco Palms.
Aloha.
Coco Palms was a magical place. I’ve been watching diligently since Iniki for news about renovation. As a resident of Wailua Homesteads, I had a kama’aina tennis membership in 1987. Management offered this at very reasonable rates because players on the courts encouraged the guests to join in. The strategy worked. We all had a great time and would love to do it again.
Stefan, mahalo for the beautiful memory and terrific suggestions.
My first visit to the Islands was in 2000, with my wife who was raised on Oahu but hadn’t returned since leaving in 1967. Kaua’i filled me with so much aloha that I teach my high school students forgotten Hawaiian language and appreciation for the beautiful culture.
I, too, hop the fence at Coco Palms every visit to Kaua’i and did so again August 12. The historic lure of all the magical memories posted on this site are felt on this sacred and historic ground. I have no suggestions for you, Kaua’i, as to what you should do with this hallowed property..not my place to do so. Walking through the rooms in 2004 was as eerie an experience as I have ever had..reminding me of Iniki’s power as Pele’s fire on Hawaii Island. My wife and I love Kaua’i and hope only the best for whatever decision is made. Aloha!
Guess I’m puzzled by folks wanting Mark Zuckerberg to fix up land that is supposed to have great historic and cultural significance to Hawaiians. Want to call it Royal Facebook Park or Social Media Grove. Sure seems like a local group could be formed to make this happen with some real help (for a change) from the County government. Crowd funding from a local the thousands of Coco Palms fans could help too.
Sorry, Skip, but do you have any idea what a burden this would be to the taxpayers of Kauai? Everyone says “use eminent domain” but that means taking all costs and burdens onto the taxpayers. If someone like Zuckerberg (whom I don’t care for) would use his blessed bounties on a well-defined plan (Named Appropriately) IO thing everyone would benefit. Taxpayers, tourism, etc. The idea of “Coco Palms Memorial Elvis Pavilion” might work.
is there any possibility’s that the rental car inventory will be back to normal by February on Kauai? thanking you
Hi Gary.
Yes, they appear to be pretty much back to normal by then. The new starting price point however is going to be close to $100.
Aloha.
Try the app called TURO. So much better than renting from a big car rental company. Cheaper too.
Also check out Craigslist. I cannot testify to the legitimacy of the rentals on Craigslist, but they seem to be cheaper than any other avenue for vehicle rental. I would not pay ahead of time, and a backup plan is a good idea.
My fantasy addition to cultural park would be a movie studio! A place where local aspiring video/ filmographers could have access to top notch studio facilities. Such a place would be available to filmmakers who might want to use Kaua’i, as they have in the past, for location shooting but then could use this studio for interior shots and editing purposes.
That’s a fantastic idea (film office/studio), although I’m sure you would also have to incorporate the museum/cultural center idea with it to get the tax status you would need to get it out of the grip of the current owners who just want to recycle it for another bankrupt operation they can cash in on. So make it a county run film office/studio.
I became familiar with Coco Palms during my first visit to Kauai in 1986. We visited our friend Hunter in Wailua Homesteads to surf. at We surfed great waves at Hanalei Bay with Joey Cabell and Jimmy Lucas!
Although we saw the resort every day, I did not learn about it’s connection to Elvis Presley and Blue Hawaii until I met local Larry Rivera at the Kauai Museum in 2016. He sang and talked story. Larry knew Elvis because he was in the movie playing ukelele when Elvis sang the Hawaiian Wedding Song cruising in canal! I’ll always remember those experiences – aloha.
OMG! I was at the Coco Palms in 1986 as well. I walked the grounds and had (well shared my parents’ LOL) a drink with my parents in the Tiki lounge/bar. It was a real treat hearing about the history from my parents and the bar tender! Elvis was always a favorite of my mom’s. It would be wonderful to repurpose the property in some way just to preserve that old movie era!
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and property updates!
Yes, I too was hoping Zuckerberg would get involved with the property. But I guess it’s just overly clouded.
Aloha Guys
Zuckerberg only cares about Zuckerberg. Fantasy that he’d be altruistic.
On our honeymoon stay at Coco Palms in 1978, my wife declared that when she died she wants her ashes spread among the Royal Coco Pams. So, at her memorial service ( assuming she goes first), I’ll be wearing my favorite Aloha shirt with airline tickets in my pocket. It’s what she wants.
I was there in late 1950s We use to run around the palms and lagoon hoping coconuts would not hit us in the head.
Well maybe Mr Zuckerberg’s love of Kauai acreage could help out?
If he buys it and turns it over to the county maybe he can get a little tax credit or deduction for his Kindness to Kauai??
Mahalo!
If this neglected property was located in my state, they would have taken it by eminent domain and turned it into a park or allow it to go back to nature with a little help by planting native trees and perennials.
I think it’s pretty funny anyone thinks Zuckerberg will donate anything. Some people are naturally generous, some acquire generosity because they recognize their own good fortune, some wish to leave a legacy, and some are inspired by competition (rocket ships anyone?). Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think Zuckerberg is a natural!
Have been steadily visiting the islands since 1976, even back when the main roads in many parts were made of dirt. Charo had a (attempted) restaurant on the north shore and life then was slow and easy. I was engaged on the Wailua River on a Smith Bros. Boat – don’t laugh, and the boat staff made us all do a “wiki wiki” hula dance in celebration! Breakfast with macadamia coconut pancakes at Coco Palms the following morning, my husband fed the koi fish at the pond adjacent to the restaurant and leftovers were pocketed and fed to the caged monkeys that beckoned us through the cages with outstretched arms. The smell of flowers, rotting earth, the sound of Lappert’s ice cream churning freshly made tropical ice cream and the sounds of island birds that nested in the palms and hibiscus were everywhere. With traditional Hawaiian music flowing on the tropical breeze, it was no wonder that place was magical to every person that that walked through this place of sanctuary. We all closed our eyes, put it in our most treasured memory banks only to remember a time when the world was allowed to stand still.
I understand the sentiment that is attached to this very sacred ground and like others, agree that it should be kept as a park and wetlands for local island wildlife. I also think a small walk in an area dedicated as a museum tribute with pictures, shell laced chandeliers and other artifacts will be appreciated by both visitors and residents alike. Each year, approximately 10,000 people are married on these islands, they take with them memories and storytelling for generations.
It is said that ancestral spirits are still among these great lands, the fishermen, families, warriors and leaders, all are a part of this special place. Let’s hope those with opportunity are touched by this history and can restore these grasslands and park at Coco Palms with integrity and honor.
Very well stated. Not sure what’s best for the Kauai residents or visitors for that matter, but would love to see the eyesore removed, renovated or made into a park. More parking for the beach, with access over to the beach would be great as well. For the good of all it would be nice to just do something. It’s been in this condition since the early 90’s and it’s time for Kauai goverment to get moving!
I stayed at the Coco Palms in 1974 on my first visit to Hawaii as a kid. It was amazing and a highlight of the trip. So sad to see it destroyed by the hurricane. Was hoping that it would be rebuilt, but sounds like it’s not in the cards. A cultural park seems like a great idea.
Thanks for the continuing reporting on Coco Palms.
Grace Guslander, long serving Manager of Coco Palms, worked to create a fantasy realization of what first time visitors both hoped and expected Kauai. She tried hard to honor the special history of the grounds and Royal culture while giving guests the memories that are so often recalled in comments here. Very few resorts in the world are able to claim the love and loyalty Grace instilled in the hearts of her guests. I’m sure she would be saddened and disappointed to see what has become of her beloved Coco Palms.
Hi Skip.
True that. We would have to think she would be very pleased to see it turned into a cultural park.
Aloha.
Aloha-
Even now, 25 years since last laying my eyes on Coco Palms,my heart swells with love if I think of it for more more than a brief moment. Memories from very early childhood in the early 70’s all the way through to its shuttering. My family spent a week twice a year on Kauai and I have countless memories of the resort. I can actually remember my father telling me and my sister we were going down to the restaurant to watch some kind of a show, an uninterested 5 or 6 year old suddenly gripped by a solitary clap of thunder from a drum, then completely mesmerized by a raging, lonely fireball dancing between the palms, the hushed reverence of everyone present, and the mysterious aura that saturated everything until giving way in the morning to the property’s unpretentious yet lush natural beauty. I remember when I stopped asking for those miniature bamboo fishing rods because the fish weren’t smart enough to quit biting hooks, overeating at morning buffets, exploring the grounds and learning the hard way which coconuts were easiest to husk, my first of hundreds of scoops of Lappert’s, playing pool late at night there above the shops, but mostly as Maya Angelou famously observed, I remember how the place made me feel. It loved me as I loved it. It was palpable. It’s why so many here are expressing such strong emotion. My last visit there was not long after the hurricane. Already it must have been commonly known that, as my mom put it, it was one devastation too many. It was shuttered and deeply distressing to behold. I was just out of college and still unafraid of consequences and late at night I hopped the fence to see for myself the damage. A light mist fell from a thin veil of clouds that covered the entire night sky. Rather than block out the moonlight, the clouds eerily glowed, bathing everything in cool pale light and as I made my way through, I myself started to feel devastated. I knew already it would never be rebuilt. (I need to finish in another comment)
I crossed the lagoon and found myself back amongst the palm trees. Behind me sad, lonely sounds from the animals that were left in the zoo echoed the despair in my heart. Somehow they had survived the hurricane. There, in the middle of the palms, on a cold and wet night, under a sky that glowed cold and pale, and standing on what I already knew to be grounds sacred to those who were once one with the island, I had what I can only describe as a deeply spiritual experience. And it’s no wonder. The land was not designated sacred and then it became so. The people experienced it as such and then honored it. The nightly fire ceremony at the resort did not bring about the mysterious aura that lasted through the night. It emanated from the land itself. For that reason, the resort’s demise was inherent since it’s inception. It may have been the good heart and pure intentions of someone like Grace Guslander that was able to stave off the inevitable. I would not be surprised to find the property’s current state closely linked in time to her departure. Or the departure of someone else with equally good intentions who filled her role. Sadly, tragically, the resort’s time has passed, and like the world’s greatest miniature golf course that was just across Kuhio Hwy, it’s memory will fade. Nothing commercial should replace it. No corporation should profit from it. Not even the corporation of the County of Kauai. Build no community center that will devolve into a part-time event space. The Land should be returned to its original state, it should be honored, and it’s heritage should be handed down to those who have been separated from it for so long. Allow visitors to enjoy it’s natural beauty, but cordon off the sacred grounds. The area is small. Allow for a contemplative space where those who are descendants may reconnect. Kauai has always resisted commercialization, but eventually given in. Reclaim your birthright. And share it with us.
Aloha
Beautifully said. Mahalo for sharing your memories.
I had a Dream and want it back. The Magical Place, build of Wood, with bathroom sinks made with giant shells, I want it back that old Hawaii with its many Palms and the true loving spirit of Hawaii and not fake commercial imposters. I want to have back the vision of a Grace Guslander, Built it not for the tourists, but build it for us, the local people! Let’s make it our Shrine and make it possible through donations and collectionS,
Stefan,
You must be an Author, so well expressed.
Thank you for taking me there with your story of memories past.
Aloha, Marie…yes I too was so beautifully transported back there again-as I was as a child standing amongst the Palms and breathing the energy of life all around with my Mum and Dad, we had gone for a weekend trip from Kaneohe, ..I agree wholeheartedly with you…well written Stephan!!
you explained so many things…i wondered what happened to the animals during the storm….i loved to walk back there & “talk” to the gibbons….people looking at me like i was nuts…& the gibbons flying back & forth in the cage….reacting to my sounds…
I agree, Stefan.
We honemooned there in the early 1980’s and the riveting experience of the drums and the torch lightings at sundown will forever be in our hearts. Please let there be a place that captures the Aloha of those moments forever for locals and visitors of the future to enjoy.
Although beautifully written I could not disagree more. What has been allowed to transpire for almost 25 years is hateful/ugly. If you want to see the land crying out look at its current state. It’s a purposeful scar given by those in government who have robbed the owners of the land. Nature hates lies. There is zero reason this space cannot be both beautiful and honor forefathers as well as be a resort in the best meaning of that word and bring new generations together. And not or.
Stefan, I ((hope)) you set the left-behind, ‘zoo’ animals free from those enclosures?
This could be a win win win. Much like the SF Transit center in San Francisco, ala Facebook being right around the corner, this could be a similar build. Elevated hotel off the ground as to not disturb burial/uses for parking + hotel rooms at a restricted height with a roof top deck being pool/garden grounds.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Transbay_Transit_Center#/media/File:Salesforce_Park_and_bus_bridge,_seen_from_Salesforce_Tower.jpg
Can’t build higher than a palm tree on Kauai, which is probably 2 hotel floors and grounds on 1st, ground floor.
Does this mean that the local tweakers will have to clear out, or are they still good for a few more years?
Oahu has arboreta and parks that are home to rarer Hawaiian Flora and the habitat attracts Hawaiian birds. Something similar on Kauai with space to walk in peace and admire nature would be of great benefit on the East side where development has paid little attention to preserving the natural beauty of Kauai. We could even name it the Zuckerberg Arboretum if that helps secure the funding.
My wife and I spent our honeymoon their July 5, 1980, we were so enchanted with the resort we returned for our second honeymoon the year after. We loved the fire dances and were invited several times for cocktails. So many wonderful memories. My wife passed away last year but Coco Palms is always in my heart!
Wish I could return with my new lover!
Coco Palms was a dump long before Hurricane Iniki did everyone a favor of tearing it to shreds. The scandalous part of this story has been the refusal of the County to condemn the property, bulldoze it and use the land to widen one of the most problematic traffic areas on the island. Instead, gutless bureaucrats and pols just let the place remain an eyesore and rot to pieces for decades.
The good news is the property will never get rebuilt as a hotel. Way too many land use and permitting issues – the existing structures are structurally unsafe and will have to be demolished (think Surfrider condo x 100x). A tsunami would make it a death trap – logjammed traffic would make it all but impossible to evacuate.
But it won’t stop greedy fools from trying to make a buck and string out this ongoing travesty for decades to come.
In the mid-1980’s when I was with Island Telephone we were asked to survey Coco Palms and quote replacement of the badly aged communication wiring on the site. Even then, before Iniki the concrete on the cable vaults was in bad shape. Ironically we all wanted to be a part of the rebirth back then, but it was not to be.
So sad to look at the condition of the Coco Palms. My wife and I have married there 33 yrs ago July 10, 1988. We have so many wonderful memories of the Coco Palms Resort and our ti,mes in Kauai. I hope to see it restored someday.
i look at this with much sadness, my dream would have been to visit this paradise island and this amazing resort, but alas this is not going to happen, i pray that zuck will fund this and give this land to the local people and to nature, restore the beauty that was once in the minds of so many british fans who may be one day walk the paths of the blue lagoon, and dream of the lighting ceremony that used to be, aloha.
the structural issues seem to replicate the Surfside Florida tragedy. hopefully the Native Hawaiians are not really occupying the property….
The current attitude towards tourists and tourism makes the building of any hotel totally unnecessary.
The focus now is to reduce visitor traffic by charging special fees only to visitors to even park at certain areas.
Kauai was once my favorite place to visit. Beautiful scenery, and wonderful people.
I miss that, but probably won’t return.
It has been sad to see the continuing deterioration of Coco Palms over all these years and to hope for the restoration that will never come. Many of us have such fond memories of that place. I always enjoyed the torch-lighting ceremony and I loved those fabulous desserts!
A few years ago someone mentioned here that an overhead walkway might be a possibility for people to get to the beach as the traffic has gotten so bad along that stretch.
As for Mr. Zuckerberg, it would be kind of him to participate in this effort, whatever it turns out to be, but I don’t have much hope for that. He doesn’t appear to have even a tiny bit of the aloha that Bette Midler has.
The walkway over the freeway was considered years ago. Remodeling the restaurant was also considered. The county wants too much from developers, residents do not want anyone to own the property. Before Iniki, the hotel was on the way out. Even if zuckerberg were to purchase the property and gift it, the county would not be able to clean it up. Cost too high and complicated by ancient hawaiian folklore. That property will be a big sore on the island into the forseeable future.
Thank you for the most comprehensive article. Do you know if the auction has an upset price or minimum bid requirement?
Mahalo
Hi James.
Thanks. No, not that we have heard.
Aloha.
I drive by the Coco palms at least twice a day on average. The last thing that was needed at that site with the highway the way it was is a hotel. Give it back to the people-A park or a cultural center. If you watch Blue Hawaii that’s how I dream the lagoon and property could look. Who knows how long this much-needed highway work will last but please, no hotel. Our housing shortage is critical but lets do something pono, not profitable.
Such fond memories of being married in the Coco Palms Chapel Feb. 1 1985 & afterwards visiting with Uncle Charlie Perriera at the zoo. Some years later after Iniki we dropped by to see if we could visit the chapel. There was a gentleman chatting with the driver of the “Movie” tour van. After they left we asked him if we could go in. What a surprise–it was Uncle Charlie holding his severance check as he and another fellow had been the last two employees taking care of the grounds. Kind person that he was (Kauaians have much aloha} he said “Yes, follow me” and took us in to the chapel. I understand he is an Island Treasure & is gone now, but he & the Coco Palms will remain always in our hearts. R. I. P.
It’s such an interesting phenomena that these stories are EVERYWHERE. I think it’s the energy- the magic of this place…. Yes, it was in Blue Lagoon , but there have been many places featured in movies- this place was so different- it truly was magical! I was here as a young child – my aunts wedding, my grandpa flew our whole family of 40 something plus over there and to this day- we still talk about it. I am one of hundreds of thousands w similar stories- I’ve been to so many places over the years, NO place has captured my heart like this. If only each of us could donate 1000 dollars to this place- but it collectively and give it back to the island. A park – forever and ever owned by the people? I’m traveling there on the 10 th and would love to walk it’s path… Aloha- xo
Zuckerberg has to date proven himself to be a ‘user and a taker’ of the island of Kauai and its community. Super rich users and takers should be treated with contempt and suspicion. No aloha and no kindness. Zuck should make a hefty and charitable donation to the community and expect nothing in return but stewardship from a foundation set up in his name to improve the quality of the island for the people.
It will never happen because the younger generation has already been completely brainwashed by Mark Zuckerberg and his “Facebook” social media website. Why do you think you see so many keiki staring at a “smartphone” every waking moment?
They are posting on Facebook, or Instagram, which is Also owned by “Meta,” Zuckerberg’s parent company of Facebook. Mark’s power over your keiki is so strong, even kanaka maoli activists use Zuckerberg’s Facebook or Instagram to hui their halau or protest group.
So you see, Zuckerberg will continue his arrogance because kanaka maoli youth have been indoctrinated into the “virtual world” he created.
Married my beautiful bride Becki at the Fern Grotto in 1984. We stayed at the Coco Palms and enjoyed all that it offered. Spent much time with Larry Rivera at the pool. Larry sang Love and Aloha to us at poolside on our departure. Truly Paradise.
As they sing in “Frozen”… “Let it go! Let it go!”
“Da plane, boss, da plane”, Farewell Coco Palms, I was actually in Oahu during Iniki in 1992, took a call from a good friend that morning asking what was I going to do, where was I going, maybe 0630, when he told me a Hurricane was coming and they were evacuating for higher ground from the Kahala area. Going downstairs, there was panic in the lobby as Guests were trying to get the last flights out @ 10:30 AM before the Airport closed, Kalakaua was all boarded up already and having only arrived Sunday on business, I opted to stay, as the Sea crossed Kalakaua, it also became apparent the storm was passing us, but headed for Kauai and Poipu and Lihui were devastated, the “Tunnell of Trees” taken off as if by a scythe. A year later, made a run to Kauai, still devastated and Coco Palms, as well as The Stouffer Waohai in Poipu totally devastated, truthfully, Coco Palms was already going through “Hard Times” it’s glory days already behind it, having decided on the Waohai instead of a run-down Coco Palms probably in ’90!
Thanks for the update on Coco Palms. Worked for Island Holidays in the 1970s and 80s and was privileged to stay at Coco Palms many times. I think the idea that the property can’t succeed as a resort be a use it isn’t on the beach is mistaken. It was the most popular hotel we had and beach access doesn’t matter if something special is created. I’m guessing that the property will continue to be neglected for many more years before the county does anything. Maybe they’ll make it a a large parkingot where they can charge a fee for beach parking as they do in other Kauai locations.
Hi Skip.
Thanks for your many comments. One of us may try to attend the auction just to see what’s next.
Aloha.
We stayed in a bungalow in 1985. The clam shell sink, netting around the bed, the lava rock shower and bath, the lagoon, wedding chapel, Blue Hawaiians around the pool, the coconut grove out back, and especially the gibbons out back, with their “Whoop whoop” calls. Anyone remember the coconut pancakes at the open air restaurant? And Larry Riveria. BOH, does he still sing every Friday night in Koloa?
Hi Rob.
No word on Larry performing in Koloa. Maybe someone else knows. Thanks for your nearly 100 comments to date!
Aloha.
Just turn it into the Lori Daybell memorial park. That’s what Kauai is famous for now. Her an5th hubby Chad had that old time religion,