Coco Palms Resort: The Abandoned Icon of Hawaii’s Golden Age
Urban explorers on the hunt for unforgettable destinations will find a true gem in the abandoned Coco Palms Resort in Kapaʻa, Hawaii. Once a glamorous retreat brimming with island flair, it now stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. Crumbling buildings and overgrown pathways paint a vivid picture of its storied past, revealing the lingering echoes of legendary guests and the resort’s former grandeur.
For a closer look at this intriguing site, the 360-degree panoramic images below invite you to virtually roam through its deserted corridors and hidden corners. Feel the eerie stillness that has settled over each fading room, and imagine the memories woven into every wall. This is more than just a snapshot of history—it’s a captivating testament to what remains when a place so full of life becomes lost to time.
Image by: Anthony Wagner
Image by: Anthony Wagner
Image by: Anthony Wagner
Image by: Ben Buettner
Coco Palms Resort: A Haunting Landmark of Hawaii’s History
The Coco Palms Resort in Kapaʻa, Hawaii, stands as one of the most hauntingly beautiful and historically significant abandoned places in the Aloha State. For urban explorers fascinated by decaying structures with storied pasts, this legendary property offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s mid-century tourism boom and the natural forces that led to its abandonment. This blog delves into the history of Coco Palms Resort, the reasons it fell into disrepair, and its enduring cultural significance.
The Birth of Coco Palms Resort
Constructed in 1953, Coco Palms Resort was one of Hawaii’s premier vacation destinations during the post-World War II tourism explosion. Developed by Gus and Grace Guslander, it quickly became synonymous with luxury and Hawaiian hospitality. Located on the east side of Kauaʻi in Kapaʻa, the resort was renowned for its coconut grove, home to over 2,000 palm trees.
Beyond its lush surroundings, the resort captured the imagination of visitors with its architecture and unique cultural experiences, including traditional Hawaiian ceremonies, hula performances, and torch-lighting rituals that celebrated Polynesian heritage. Coco Palms even found fame in Hollywood, serving as the backdrop for iconic films like “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis Presley.
At its height, Coco Palms embodied the allure of Hawaii’s tropical paradise, drawing celebrities, honeymooners, and adventurers alike.
The Fateful Decline
The downfall of Coco Palms Resort began on September 11, 1992, when Hurricane Iniki, one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever hit Hawaii, devastated the island of Kauaʻi. The storm destroyed much of the resort’s infrastructure, leaving it in ruins.
Efforts to rebuild faltered due to logistical challenges, local resistance, and financial setbacks. While various developers expressed interest in restoring the site, no plans ever came to fruition. Over time, nature began reclaiming the grounds, transforming the once-bustling property into an eerie, overgrown relic of a bygone era.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Coco Palms Resort is more than just an abandoned site; it holds deep cultural significance for Hawaii. The property is situated on land that was once a royal fishpond and a sacred site in ancient Hawaiian times. This connection to Kauaʻi’s history adds layers of meaning to its story.
The coconut grove, planted by William Lindeman in 1896, predates the resort itself and remains a striking feature of the site. Many locals view the grove as a symbol of endurance, standing tall despite the destruction surrounding it.
For urban explorers, the resort is a poignant reminder of Hawaii’s cultural and natural heritage, offering an opportunity to reflect on the intersection of development, history, and the environment.
Exploring the Abandoned Coco Palms Resort
While the site is private property and trespassing is prohibited, the allure of Coco Palms remains strong among urban exploring enthusiasts in Hawaii. The skeletal remains of the resort’s grand lobby, bungalows, and lagoon evoke a sense of nostalgia and curiosity.
Urban explorers interested in Hawaii’s abandoned places often find themselves drawn to Coco Palms because of its striking visuals and rich history. From moss-covered walls to shattered windows framing the towering coconut palms, the site captures the imagination and offers countless photo opportunities for those with permission to visit.
Why Urban Explorers Are Captivated by Coco Palms
For many urban explorers, the appeal of Coco Palms lies in its duality: it is both a monument to Hawaii’s golden age of tourism and a stark reminder of nature’s power. Unlike many abandoned sites in Hawaii that have faded into obscurity, Coco Palms retains its cultural resonance and iconic status.
The juxtaposition of opulence and decay at the resort tells a story of transformation—one shaped by human ambition and the untamable forces of the natural world. It’s this narrative that makes Coco Palms a must-know location for urban explorers in Hawaii.
The Future of Coco Palms Resort
Over the years, there have been numerous plans to restore Coco Palms to its former glory. However, none have materialized, leaving its future uncertain. As the property continues to deteriorate, debates about preservation versus redevelopment remain heated among locals and preservationists.
While the resort’s days as a luxury destination may be over, its cultural and historical value endures. Whether it is preserved as a historical landmark, transformed into a new development, or left to nature, Coco Palms remains a testament to Hawaii’s complex relationship with tourism, tradition, and environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
Coco Palms Resort is more than an abandoned property; it’s a piece of Hawaii’s soul. Its decaying structures and thriving coconut grove offer a stark, yet beautiful, reminder of the impermanence of human achievement in the face of nature’s might.
For urban explorers, the resort provides a fascinating window into Hawaii’s past, blending glamour, history, and decay into one unforgettable narrative. Whether you view it from afar or dream of what once was, Coco Palms remains a vital chapter in the story of abandoned places in Hawaii.
By respecting its historical significance and abiding by local laws, we can ensure that the spirit of Coco Palms endures for generations to come.
Quick Facts for Urban Explorers
- Year Built: 1953
- Notable Event: Hurricane Iniki (1992) devastated the property.
- Cultural Significance: Located on ancient Hawaiian sacred land and a historic royal fishpond.
- Famous Films: “Blue Hawaii” (1961), starring Elvis Presley.
- Current Status: Abandoned, but private property with ongoing debates about redevelopment.
If you liked this blog post, you might be interested in reading about the Kaneohe Bay Pillbox, the Royal Oak Resort and Golf Club, or the Sans Souci Palace in Haiti.
A 360-degree panoramic image captured at the abandoned and decaying Coco Palms Resort in Kapaʻa, Hawaii. Image by: Anthony Wagner
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Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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