In the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii, there was once a majestic resort that captured the hearts of many tourists – The Coco Palms Resort. Unfortunately, this iconic hotel experienced a tragic fate that led to its closure. This article will delve into the history and reasons why Coco Palms Resort closed.
History of Coco Palms Resort
The Coco Palms Resort was built-in 1953 by two businessmen, Lyle Guslander and Grace Guslander. The resort was located on 30 acres of land in Wailua Bay in Kauai and had 24 bungalows for guests to stay in. It quickly became famous for its stunning surroundings, Polynesian-themed architecture, and warm hospitality.
The resort’s fame skyrocketed when it was used as a filming location for the famous movie “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis Presley. After that, many Hollywood celebrities visited the resort, including Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth.
The Tragic Fate of Coco Palms Resort
In 1992, Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai with full force, leaving destruction in its wake. The Coco Palms Resort sustained severe damage from the hurricane and had to close its doors to guests temporarily. However, the owners did not have enough money to repair all the damages done by Hurricane Iniki.
To make matters worse, in 2014, a fire broke out at the resort that destroyed most of what was left standing after Hurricane Iniki. Investigators determined that it was an arson attack.
After these two devastating events, there were plans to rebuild the resort and restore it back to its former glory. However, due to legal disputes between the previous owners’ family members and developers interested in buying the property, no significant progress has been made.
The Future of Coco Palms Resort
As of today, there are still legal battles over the property, and the future of Coco Palms Resort remains uncertain. However, many people have not given up hope in rebuilding this iconic resort and making it a popular tourist destination once again.
Conclusion
The Coco Palms Resort was a significant part of Kauai’s history and culture. Sadly, it suffered two catastrophic events that led to its closure, and legal disputes have halted any plans for rebuilding it. We can only hope that one day, this beautiful resort will be restored to its former glory and bring joy to new generations of travelers.