WAILUA — Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants announced Wednesday that it is partnering with the Coco Palms Resort following a historically sensitive restoration of the iconic property in Wailua.
The partnership represents the establishment of the first location in Hawai‘i for IHG Hotels and Resorts’ fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio. The restored Coco Palms Resort, a Kimpton Resort, will become an inspiring tropical retreat for travelers and the Kaua‘i community to explore everything the destination has to offer.
“We are incredibly excited to establish our luxury and lifestyle presence in Hawai‘i with Coco Palms, a Kimpton Resort,” said Leanne Harwood, a senior vice president and managing director for Luxury & Lifestyle America at IHG Hotels & Resort.
“Hawai‘i beckons travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery, and this wholly reimagined resort will welcome not only visitors, but also the local community with unique, culturally respectful experiences all within an inspiring boutique luxury setting. We are pleased to partner with Reef Capital Partners, who is committed to being responsible stewards of this historic landmark.
The transformed resort is anticipated to open in 2026.
Coco Palms is owned by Reef Capital Partners and will be operated by Highgate. The Wailua resort was known as a premier destination during the Golden Era of Hollywood with renowned guests, such as Elvis Presley, Rita Haywood and Gene Autry.
The meticulous restoration is being guided by Native Hawaiian advisors within the local community to ensure guests are welcomed with an authentic, culturally rich experience. The restored landmark will include 350 thoughtfully designed accommodations spread across three, low-rise hotel structures and cottages.
“It is a true privilege to bring the first Kimpton resort to Hawai‘i,” said Jon Day, Chief Financial Officer at Reef Capital Partners.
“IHG shares our belief that the history and culture of this site, especially the pre-contact history, is what distinguishes Coco Palms from other properties, and makes it such a magical place. They are just as committed as we are to preserve its legacy and sharing it with the world. I can think of no better brand to fulfill this vision.”
Hurricane ‘Iniki, which struck Kaua‘i in 1992, caused significant damage to the globally known property that has remained untouched and in a state of neglect until now. Beyond preserving the historical and cultural integrity to the land, Coco Palms will feature an onsite cultural center and museum honoring Kaua‘i.
As hosts to exhibits, lectures and activities of cultural significance, these areas on the resort will serve to educate both visitors and residents of the surrounding area’s native culture, rich history, and flourishing artistic community.
When Coco Palms opens in 2026, the resort will represent the West Coast resort flagship for Kimpton in the Americas.
The Wailua resort will join the brand’s growing resort offering globally, including boutique oases, such as Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa in Grand Cayman, Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa in Honduras’ Bay Islands, Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa, Kimpton Aluna Tulum in Mexico, Kimpton Aysla Mallorca in Spain, and Kimpton Kitalay Samui in Thailand.
Are you kidding? Worst idea ever! Oh well, it’ll wash into the ocean eventually anyway…
We’ll see what actually happens. My guess is the completion of the resort won’t happen. Terrible idea to rebuild a resort in that location. Contrary to popular belief, the Coco Palms Resort was not doing well when Hurricane Iniki hit in 1992. Its’ popularity was from the 60’s through the 80’s. That ship has sailed and Elvis left that building long ago. It’s sad to think that that is what people hold onto.
Besides what everyone else has already said about the tremendous problems surrounding the rebuilding of Coco Palms, at best, it will be delayed significantly. At worst, it won’t be built at all. Why? We are at the threshold of a major economic crash. It is already occurring. 34 trillion dollars in U.S. debt and counting. And not just us, the rest of the world’s economy is in deep trouble too. Don’t be fooled. All of these lofty plans of building new hotels on Kauai will definitely be even more adversely affected than it already is. All of Hawaii is going to be hurting just like the rest of the world, soon. The data doesn’t lie.