Kaua‘i has enjoyed a long history with Hollywood since the 1950s and one of the great memories comes from the filming of Elvis Presley’s movie Blue Hawai‘i at the Coco Palms Hotel. Many residents on Kaua‘i can tell you a
Kaua‘i has enjoyed a long history with Hollywood since the 1950s and one of the great memories comes from the filming of Elvis Presley’s movie Blue Hawai‘i at the Coco Palms Hotel. Many residents on Kaua‘i can tell you a story about being in the movie or about a relative that was part of the movie. Mary Daubert was a flower girl in Blue Hawai‘i. Each week I find a new story about the connection of Blue Hawai‘i to Kaua‘i’s residents.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death and the 50th anniversary of the debut of Blue Hawai‘i on Kaua‘i. There have been many celebrations honoring Elvis Presley throughout the world, with Aug. 10-18 being one of the largest with Elvis Week in Memphis, Tenn. (www.elvis.com). The number of Elvis impersonators is overwhelming, and there are contests each year to determine some of the best. It is truly amazing to see how many people are such devoted fans to Elvis, 35 years after his passing.
The Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau will be holding an event on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort at Kalapaki Beach, called “Kaua‘i Remembers Blue Hawai‘i,” and will take an evening to honor a time that remains a highlight for Kaua‘i to this day. Reflections from David Penhallow Scott, author of the book “The Story of the Coco Palms Hotel,” a song from Larry Rivera, a moment to honor Grace Guslander, Tom Moffatt will share a short interview he had with Elvis many moons ago, and we will have an Elvis Presley Tribute Artist perform a few songs and finish the night with a showing of the movie Blue Hawai‘i.
Doors open for the event at 5 p.m., and there will be pupus and drinks available for purchase inside.
Tickets are $5, and are available at the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau office, 4334 Rice Street, Suite 101, Lihu‘e. Call 245-3971 or email kauai@hvcb.org for more information.
Tickets are also available at the Kaua‘i Museum in Lihu‘e.
Seating is limited, so get your tickets early.
• Sue Kanoho is the executive director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau. She can be reached at kauai@hvcb.org or 245-3971.
