Hotel made famous in the Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii is set to be re-opened by Hyatt.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Coco Palms Hui LLC have announced a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Coco Palms Hui LLC for The Coco Palms Resort on Kauai, Hawaii.
Devastated by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, the revitalization of the 363-room historic hotel is scheduled to begin in early 2015 and following a two-year reconstruction period, it is scheduled to re-open in early 2017.
The Coco Palms Resort redevelopment is being spearheaded by the owner and developer, Coco Palms Hui LLC, and it will continue to operate as The Coco Palms Resort under the umbrella of Hyatt.
The Coco Palms Resort was originally built in 1953 with just over 20 guestrooms on grounds that were once home to Kauai’s last reining queen, Queen Deborah Kapule Kekaiha`akulou.
Nestled in one of the largest coconut groves in the state, the character and charm of the resort quickly elevated it as one of the most sought after destination resorts in Hawaii.
In 1961, the on-property filming of Blue Hawaii made it world famous.
Screen legends from Hollywood’s Golden Age flocked to the resort and contributed in setting the tone for the resort’s storied past.
Under the direction of Grace and Gus Guslander, The Coco Palms Resort expanded to over 400 guestrooms and set a standard for Hawaiian hospitality rich in storytelling and culture.
“Mahalo to the local and state government for their support of the redevelopment efforts of the historic Coco Palms Resort,” said Coco Palms Hui LLC Manager, Tyler Greene.
“Our endeavor to revitalize the grounds and rebuild, all the while preserving the soul of the iconic resort is an ambitious project.
“We are delighted to join forces with Hyatt, another Hawaiian icon of hospitality that has been delivering authentic hospitality to guests for over 30 years in Hawaii.
“Hyatt is the perfect leader to steer a thoughtful, honorable and rejuvenated guest experience at The Coco Palms Resort.”
The Coco Palms Resort is located in the Wailua area of southeastern Kauai. It is approximately five minutes from the town of Kapaa, which was recognized as one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by Forbes Magazine in 2013 and is a short drive from Lihue International Airport.
The resort’s redevelopment plan will preserve the original footprint of the property and signature lagoon, while rebuilding approximately 331 guestrooms and 32 bungalows, multiple restaurants, lounges and swimming pools.
The guest experience will be enhanced by the adjacent Wailua Beach and River, one of the largest coconut groves on the Hawaiian Islands and sweeping views of the Nounou Mountain, locally known as the Sleeping Giant.
Currently plans are in progress for the catalogue and potential restoration and reuse of historic and unique elements of the hotel.
A community center highlighting the cultural significance of the site will be located on property which will serve to educate residents and visitors about the area’s native culture, history and arts.
Hyatt’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Jordan Meisner, said: “In Kauai, our brand presence is underscored by the excellent reputation and memorable experiences that Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa associates have created for guests for the past 23 years.
“From stories of wonderful vacation adventures to loving wedding and honeymoon memories, Hyatt has been a welcoming host.
“We look forward to welcoming a new generation of visitors to The Coco Palms Resort along with our owners Coco Palms Hui LLC, all the while recognizing and honoring the spirit and history of the resort.”