The Coco Palms Resort was a popular destination in Kauai, Hawaii. It was first opened in 1953 and became famous after being featured in the Elvis Presley movie, “Blue Hawaii.”
The resort was known for its beautiful surroundings, tropical gardens, and the iconic waterfall pool. However, the resort has been closed since Hurricane Iniki hit in 1992.
The History of Coco Palms Resort
The Coco Palms Resort was built on an ancient Hawaiian fishing village and coconut grove. The land was leased from the Queen Liliuokalani Trust by Grace Guslander and her husband Elmer. The couple opened the resort with 24 guest rooms and it quickly became a popular destination for tourists.
In 1958, Grace sold the resort to Lyle Guslander who added more guest rooms and amenities such as a gift shop and a restaurant. The resort continued to grow over the years and by the 1960s it had become one of the most popular resorts in Hawaii.
The Iconic Features of Coco Palms Resort
One of the most iconic features of Coco Palms Resort was its waterfall pool. The pool had a beautiful waterfall that flowed into it and was surrounded by lush tropical plants. It was also home to several swans that would swim around in the pool.
Another famous feature of Coco Palms were its huts. These were small bungalows that were scattered throughout the resort’s gardens. They were made from natural materials such as bamboo and thatch and provided guests with a unique experience.
The Closure of Coco Palms Resort
In September 1992, Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai causing extensive damage to Coco Palms Resort. The storm destroyed many of the buildings on site including guest rooms, restaurants, and other facilities.
After Hurricane Iniki, there were plans to restore Coco Palms Resort but these plans never materialized. In 2014, the resort was sold to a group of investors who planned to restore it but once again, the project never got off the ground.
Today, Coco Palms Resort remains closed and in a state of disrepair. The iconic waterfall pool is still visible from the road but the buildings and huts have been left to deteriorate over time.
The Future of Coco Palms Resort
There are still plans to restore Coco Palms Resort but it remains unclear when or if this will happen. In 2021, a new development group announced that they would be taking on the restoration project with the goal of reopening the resort in 2023.
If successful, the restored Coco Palms Resort will feature 350 guest rooms, a spa, restaurants, and other amenities. The developers also plan to preserve many of the resort’s iconic features such as the waterfall pool and huts.
In conclusion, Coco Palms Resort was an iconic destination in Hawaii that captured the hearts of many tourists. While it has been closed for almost three decades now, there are still efforts underway to restore it to its former glory. With its unique history and beautiful surroundings, Coco Palms Resort is sure to remain a beloved landmark for years to come.