Developing story. Larry Rivera, the Kauai legend synonymous with the Coco Palms Resort, has died at age 92. His death was just reported by Beat of Hawaii and Larry Rivera friend Ron Wiley. The unstoppable Rivera was seen performing at Cafe Portofino here on Kauai not long ago and playing in October at Gaylord’s Plantation House.
Rivera was the iconic Kauai performer with a lifetime passion for entertaining visitors. Many considered him to be the most famous of Kauai performers. His musical spanned seven decades and included playing with the likes of Elvis Presley, Patti Page, and Don Ho, among others. He was a lounge performer and guitarist at Coco Palms for a half-century and performed countless Coco Palm weddings.
Not only was Rivera the house musician at the Coco Palms Hotel on Kauai island, but he was also the 2013 Winner of a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award under the auspices of the hawaiʻi academy of recording arts.
“Uncle Larry” or “Mr. Coco Palms” was born and raised on Kauai. He and his wife Gloria had six children, 17 great-grandchildren, and even more great-grandchildren in which he took great pride. He always half-jokingly said he was still on his honeymoon with Gloria.
His performances were a combination of music comprised of singing, guitar, ukulele, humor, and talking story.
Some of his best-known hits were Aloha Begins With Me, Where Is My Love, Beautiful Coco Palms, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and Kamalani. You can listen to his recordings on Spotify.
He performed at Grace Guslander’s Coco Palms Resort until it was shuttered following Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Larry began at Coco Palms in 1951, where per served as a dishwasher, busboy, bellhop, waiter, bartender, and at the front desk.
“When you leave Kauai, carry Aloha with you and share it wherever you go. — Larry Rivera.
One of Larry’s dreams was to see his beloved 16.4 acre Coco Palms Resort renovated. He said, “I hope to live long enough to see this place in full swing and then I will just walk away and wave to it and be very happy. After fighting for 21 years, we finally got the OK and in three more years you can come back and hopefully I will be there on stage.” He also said, “Coco Palms is not about me, it is about love and aloha… This is the heart of Kauai, and what a gift Coco Palms would be once again if it were brought to life.”
A Hui Hou to the legend of Kauai, Larry Rivera.
Lead Photo of young Larry Rivera at Coco Palms Resort Kauai.
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Jamie D says
What a beautiful soul, you were, Larry! I remember dancing “hooky Lau” and “Pearly shells” with you in Hawaii when I was 16! Thank you for all the love and care that you share to so many. May you rest in peace and do the hula with the Angels.
Robert C says
A True Kauai Legend. His commitment to visitors and locals alike so they had a glimpse of his love for Kauai. Based from his love for Coco Palms and his music that was heard across the world. Standing beside him was the love of his life…Gloria. Inspired the “Kauai Waltz”. No one person drew visitors to Kauai….for those of us that new Larry….seeing him perform was a Life Memory. God bless you Larry. To his family…his love continues.
J. G. says
Heaven gained one amazing God fearing person in Larry. My wife and I met Larry, Gloria, and some of their family many decades ago. Larry would play to the audience, while Charlie would make throw nets. Now they are together again. Mahalo for sharing your aloha with us over the years.
Jim F says
My heart is aching on the passing of a legend. I first met Larry in 1985 while on my honeymoon and staying at the Coco Palms Resort. My wife and I can still recount the torch lighting in the field with Larry’s story of lore being said. It was all so magical. Five years ago our kids set up a tour of the Coco Palms ruins for me and my wife and at the end of the tour there was Larry, ukulele in hand. He sang a little, told stories and was genuinely delighted to know we had been there and met him 33 years earlier. We bought several of his cd’s and he kindly autographed them for us. He was truly filled with all it means when one says, ‘Aloha Spirit.’ Rest in peace! Mahalo for all the happy memories.
Katie M says
Rest in love, legend!
Carol C. says
Larry Rivera was truly a treasure! Love his music as his lyrics painted beautiful pictures.
Loved his laughter. He made everyone feel special. Loving husband and father. Gloria was the love of his life.
Uncle Larry will be sorely missed.
Trudy C says
Uncle Larry was true aloha, kindness and humility. We met him on our first trip to Kauai in 1992. Again had a chance encounter with uncle Larry at Hilo Hatties as he shared his aloha and a quick hula lesson. Oh my the vision of us doing the hula is burned in my mind. Them memory of that encounter makes me smile to this day. Saw him the last time in 2019 as he performed at the Kauai
Museum to a small audience with his dear wife and good friend there as well. He was Kauai… rip uncle Larry will always remember you.
Robert C says
A Kauai Legend that spent his life loving people, singing about an island that he loved second to his precious wife Gloria. His music is so special because he created pictures in listeners minds of what a world could be. When I had lost my health he allowed my wife and I to stay in his home until we could make necessary arrangements. Could be Heavens angel.
REBECCA N. says
A heartfelt farewell to a true legend. Enjoyed many beautiful shows at the Coco Palms with the Tahitian dancers and the coconut shell costumed hula dancers. His love of Kauai was infectious. I feel so blessed to have seen him every time I’ve visited Kauai. My condolences to his family and untold number of friends and fans. 🎶
Jennifer Malianani M says
Heartbroken hear in the mainland. I got to see him after my father Yau Yau George Mique passed away. He surprised us on the Coco Palms Tour. He talked about dad and did a send off for him and I danced the hula for him. Please tell my daddy hello and the rest of the Nalu Alii Surfer Uncles. Thank you for singing Jennifer when I would be around even though the song wasn’t about me. A Hui Hou Uncle Larry.
Pauline H says
We will miss you Uncle Larry. We always loved you when we saw you on our many trips to Kauai. You always acted like you were seeing old friends. So much love and Aloha.
Larry R says
We will miss you Larry. My wife Gloria an I always made a point of attending your performances whenever we were in Kauai and always requested our favorite Song “Kauai the Last Paradise”. Larry and Gloria II.
Ron E. says
I’m thankful I met Larry in 2016 at the Kauai Museum in Lihue when he came with his wife to perform and talk story for a small group. I remember he said he was “rescued in a shoe box as a new born infant from a dumpster.” He also said he met Elvis Presley at the Coco Palms during the filming of Blue Hawaii in 1961. Larry called him his friend who was the nicest man. Larry said he was in the movie as an extra when Elvis performed the Hawaiian Wedding song while floating down the canal. I told him my wife and I had attended several performances of Leilani Rivers’s hula school at the Hyatt Hotel. I asked him if he’s related to her – he said, “She’s my daughter!” God bless Larry and the Rivera clan!
GLADYS K says
how sad, enjoyed him when we stayed at the Coco Palms….may he rest in peace
PAMM says
Aloha Uncle Larry. Mahalo Beat of Hawaii for letting us know that an incredible man, husband, father and immensely talented performer has left our world to take his residency in Heaven.
Uncle will be missed and loved by millions. He was one of the most humble and kind people I’ve ever met.
Until we meet again.
Joanb says
He Was Kauai. They should make every Jan 31 st Uncle Larry day. I’ll never forget him singing Hawaiian Wedding Song to me on my honeymoon 42 years ago. Thanks Uncle Larry for keeping Hawaiian voices singing on Kauai.
Eldo R says
May he rest in peace. He was a legend in his own time. His legacy of Aloha will certainly live on.
BARBARA M says
Aloha and Rest in Peace, Uncle. You were and will always be beloved.
Kauidoug says
Very, very sad to hear of this living treasure here in Kaua’i.
Bonnie G says
Very sad with his passing. Sending healing prayers to family.