KAUAI, Hawaii
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 guest rooms 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 guest rooms and set a standard for Hawaiian hospitality rich in storytelling and culture.
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 guest rooms 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 history on Hawaii spans over three decades, and bears a strong, thirty-plus year ongoing commitment to both associates and visitors of Hawaii.
In addition to Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Hyatt's presence in Hawaii includes the recently opened Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach. Through job opportunities and each hotel's participation in cultural events and charitable involvement, Hyatt hotels are active members of the communities that they serve.
