The Coco Palms Hotel is one of those landmark locations on Kaua’i that evokes a host of memories for tens of thousands of residents and visitors alike! It holds a special place, in the memories of many, as a hallmark
The Coco Palms Hotel is one of those landmark locations on Kaua’i that evokes a host of memories for tens of thousands of residents and visitors alike!
It holds a special place, in the memories of many, as a hallmark of Kauai’s “good ol’ days”.
Even after its decimation in 1992 from Hurricane ‘Iniki which caused the hotel’s closure, the shell of the Coco Palms still touches and inspires people 25 years later.
Which leads us to this hot/new author, Rita D’Orazio! She has crafted a wonderful new novel that captures the heart of the Coco Palms’ history along with its current status today. It is a wonderful story filled with mystery, suspense, romance, and some of Kauai’s own mysterious spirits!
“Legend of the Coco Palms Resort” follows Abby Parker, a New York lawyer who has been hired to help in the purchase and redevelopment of the famous hotel. As she navigates the complexities of the municipal boards and departments to start the restoration process, Abby gets to know some of the residents, and is especially befriended (wink, wink) by Kanoa — although technically he is a a business rival! She begins to explore the remains of the Coco Palms, where strange things start to happen. The land on which the Coco Palms sat has a history of its own, and the spirit of it begins to come to life before her very eyes, which shows her there may be other reasons why the Coco Palms has been vacant for so long…oooOOOooo!!!
Rita D’Orazio’s writing style is immediately engaging. We found ourselves quickly absorbed in her story and the conversations between her characters. Abby Parker’s investigation takes us all over the Garden Island, making anybody who lives here or has visited Kauai feel like they are on their own Kauai adventure!
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Ed and Cynthia Justus are owners of The Bookstore.
