Coco Palms Resort Hotel
Known Name(s)
Coco Palms Resort Hotel
Address
Lihue, HI
Establishment Type(s)
Hotel
Physical Status
Demolished
Description
The hotel was set in a coconut palm grove between the Pacific Ocean and Wailua River. In 1965, a new lobby was created using coral rock. The roof had a triangle form that appeared almost Gothic in shape. See, Postcard History Service, "Kauai" by Stormy Cozad Bradley (2011) The hotel was damaged in 1992 in Hurricane Iniki but in 2023 it was reported that a new hotel would be constructed on the site.
Detailed History
Elvis Presley filmed "Blue Hawaii" and used the hotel as part of the set in 1961. Hotel opened in 1953. Lyle Guslander was the hotel owner/operator and in 1966 Grace Buscher was the hotel manager. The hotel was famous for its "Fire Dance" which many tourist believe is a traditional Hawaiian dance, but in fact was simply an attraction used to summon the guests for dinner.
