The Coco Palms Mission

To steward and extend the enduring cultural heritage of Coco Palms by honoring the history, traditions, and spirit of Hawaii.

Situated along the shores of Wailua at the base of Waiʻaleʻale—the spiritual heart of Kauai—Coco Palms stands upon land rich in natural abundance, sacred history, and generations of Hawaiian storytelling. This is a place shaped by ancestral knowledge, storied landscapes, and living memories that connect the past to the present.

Wailua has long been a point of arrival and significance—welcoming legendary voyagers, bearing witness to the birth of gods, and serving as the seat of aliʻi and revered leaders. Its bells, rains, and rainbows speak to a lineage of meaning that transcends time. Coco Palms has shared this extraordinary place with the world, offering a gateway to Hawaii’s cultural soul.
                            
Our mission is to honor the profound legacy of Wailua by preserving its history, safeguarding its sacred character, and celebrating its living culture. Through thoughtful restoration, education, and global engagement, Coco Palms seeks to reconnect people everywhere to the spirit of this land—past, present, and future.

The Coco Palms Resort is 500,000 square feet and located on approximately 48 acres, 20 of which consists of the largest coconut grove in the Hawaiian Islands. It is one of the most iconic hotels in the State.

Coconut Grove outline.
Original resort.

Originally opened in 1953 with only 24 rooms, it was featured in several Hollywood films and gained international recognition from its fame and exposure in films like Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley. By the mid-1970s, the hotel had grown to over 400 rooms.

In 1992, Hurricane Iniki, a Category 4 hurricane, damaged the hotel and forced its closure. For decades, the site slept, awaiting its return. Now, the restoration begins.

hurricane destruction.
rebuild site.

The Coco Palms Resort, located in Wailua on the eastern side of Kauai, Hawaii, has a rich history intertwined with Hawaiian culture. The resort was built on land significant to Native Hawaiians, believed to be an ancient site of royal hospitality.