Comments on: Hawaii’s famous Coco Palms Resort abandoned http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/ Retard Zone Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:56:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Lynne & Bill Branson http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-7229 Lynne & Bill Branson Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:46:53 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-7229 We had the most magical stay of our lives at the Coco Palms in Sept.1987! For ten days we were at peace and surrounded by the most beautiful scenery one could hope to see, friendly staff filled with the true spirit of aloha, ethereal beauty and the feeling of being blessed to have had the privilege of "walking where Hawaii's Alii Walked" since time began. My heart is so sad that this integral part of Hawaii's history has been left to decay! My album is filled with photos and souvenirs, but the true "pictures" remain etched in my heart and memories. May someone, someday, have the vision to bring back to life, one of Hawaii's greatest treasures. "It waits for you"! We had the most magical stay of our lives at the Coco Palms in Sept.1987! For ten days we were at peace and surrounded by the most beautiful scenery one could hope to see, friendly staff filled with the true spirit of aloha, ethereal beauty and the feeling of being blessed to have had the privilege of “walking where Hawaii’s Alii Walked” since time began. My heart is so sad that this integral part of Hawaii’s history has been left to decay! My album is filled with photos and souvenirs, but the true “pictures” remain etched in my heart and memories. May someone, someday, have the vision to bring back to life, one of Hawaii’s greatest treasures. “It waits for you”!

]]> By: Sue Mahigian http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-7167 Sue Mahigian Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:13:58 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-7167 I visited Kauai in 1999 and knew I had found paradise. I had heard the tragic story of the Coco Palms, and when I saw it I was saddened. However, I've kept track of the comings and goings of deals and buyers,etc... ever since; hoping that someone would be able to restore such an idyllic location. I still hope to return to Kauai and stay at the restored Coco Palms. It's supposed to be a retirement gift to myself. So, somebody better start doing something with it pretty soon because I can't keep working forever! I visited Kauai in 1999 and knew I had found paradise. I had heard the tragic story of the Coco Palms, and when I saw it I was saddened. However, I’ve kept track of the comings and goings of deals and buyers,etc… ever since; hoping that someone would be able to restore such an idyllic location. I still hope to return to Kauai and stay at the restored Coco Palms. It’s supposed to be a retirement gift to myself. So, somebody better start doing something with it pretty soon because I can’t keep working forever!

]]> By: jleigh http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-7159 jleigh Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:08:21 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-7159 We drove past this lovely resort on our last trip to Kaua'i. You can't help but drive past it really... The beautiful building is still seen from the road, and it yanked at my heart-strings to see it in such shape. When I was young I remember my grandma listening to Elvis, and watching Blue Hawaii... and grandpa saying one day he would take her to the Coco Palms. He was stationed on Oahu before they got married, but hasn't been back to the islands since. (It's been 55 years now.) In its current state he will never get to see it... As a long term writing project I aim to tell the story of Coco Palms, so that its memory will live on. If anyone would like to contribute please email me. jleigh3606@gmail.com (Please indicate Coco Palms in the subject.) I am hoping to talk to not just former employees, but people who have stayed there/were married there... both before and after its abandonment. Even local businesses affected by its stagnation. Really, anyone with pictures, video, news articles or personal stories about this wonderful icon... There is too much history and too many memories there to just let it waste away. Too many people have been touched by this place, and sadly half as many know of its recently sad story. We drove past this lovely resort on our last trip to Kaua’i. You can’t help but drive past it really…
The beautiful building is still seen from the road, and it yanked at my heart-strings to see it in such shape. When I was young I remember my grandma listening to Elvis, and watching Blue Hawaii… and grandpa saying one day he would take her to the Coco Palms. He was stationed on Oahu before they got married, but hasn’t been back to the islands since. (It’s been 55 years now.)

In its current state he will never get to see it…

As a long term writing project I aim to tell the story of Coco Palms, so that its memory will live on. If anyone would like to contribute please email me. jleigh3606@gmail.com (Please indicate Coco Palms in the subject.)

I am hoping to talk to not just former employees, but people who have stayed there/were married there… both before and after its abandonment. Even local businesses affected by its stagnation. Really, anyone with pictures, video, news articles or personal stories about this wonderful icon…

There is too much history and too many memories there to just let it waste away. Too many people have been touched by this place, and sadly half as many know of its recently sad story.

]]> By: Ray http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-6515 Ray Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:02:26 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-6515 According to the Movie Tour guide (Uncle Ben - an old native), there is currently a $10M bond on the property. The developer has 2 more years to acquire the rest of the needed funds to get approval to develop the property. They already have approval to RENOVATE the Coco Palms to it's original footprint. Careful demolition/salvage has already begun on the buildings. This is as of 4/24/10 when we toured the property. According to the Movie Tour guide (Uncle Ben – an old native), there is currently a $10M bond on the property. The developer has 2 more years to acquire the rest of the needed funds to get approval to develop the property. They already have approval to RENOVATE the Coco Palms to it’s original footprint. Careful demolition/salvage has already begun on the buildings. This is as of 4/24/10 when we toured the property.

]]> By: Mary Ann http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-6466 Mary Ann Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:12:36 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-6466 I saw the results of the 1992 hurricane in April 2002 when I went to Kauai for the second time. My first visit was in the spring of 1974 for just a day to visit Veda Hills Lazenby who lived on the island for many years and I believe was involved in the ownership at sometime of the Coco Palms Resort. If you have any information on her and/or her husband Alfred Hills I would very much appreciate being contacted. I have seen a photo of her on horse back by the lagoon with thatched roofed, sand floor gazebo. Thank you in advance for any information you send to me. I saw the results of the 1992 hurricane in April 2002 when I went to Kauai for the second time. My first visit was in the spring of 1974 for just a day to visit Veda Hills Lazenby who lived on the island for many years and I believe was involved in the ownership at sometime of the Coco Palms Resort. If you have any information on her and/or her husband Alfred Hills I would very much appreciate being contacted. I have seen a photo of her on horse back by the lagoon with thatched roofed, sand floor gazebo. Thank you in advance for any information you send to me.

]]> By: Regina http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-6449 Regina Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:30:19 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-6449 My husband and I just visited Kaui for the second time. Although I never stayed at the Coco Palms just seeing the ruins from the highway saddened me. From the highway I can only amazing what the resort must have looked like. I told my husband I wish could of had a tour eventhough it was in ruins. We visit Hawaii every two years, I sure hope to learn on our next visit of plans to restore the Coco Palms. Thanks for posting the pictures it sure answered a lot of questions I had. Regina from San Antonio Florida My husband and I just visited Kaui for the second time. Although I never stayed at the Coco Palms just seeing the ruins from the highway saddened me. From the highway I can only amazing what the resort must have looked like. I told my husband I wish could of had a tour eventhough it was in ruins. We visit Hawaii every two years, I sure hope to learn on our next visit of plans to restore the Coco Palms. Thanks for posting the pictures it sure answered a lot of questions I had.
Regina from San Antonio Florida

]]> By: peggy sitton http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-6312 peggy sitton Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:50:39 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-6312 Stayed at the Coco Palms in the Elvis party and fell in love with it and the people of Kaui..Would love to see it restored to its original site....so would so many others... Stayed at the Coco Palms in the Elvis party and fell in love with it and the people of Kaui..Would love to see it restored to its original site….so would so many others…

]]> By: Annette Wilson http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-6309 Annette Wilson Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:14:40 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-6309 I saw the Coco Palms 6 years ago and was also saddened by the ruins. I love Kaui, it is the most beautiful place on earth! I am a fan of "Blue Hawaii" not just because of Elvis, but because it symbolizes a simpler time. How awesome it would be to at least have the bungalows restored. I live near Memphis and I think that the Elvis Estate should consider buying it and making it a Museum/Day Resort with just the bungalows for couples. They could use the movie to inspire activities. Thanks so much for the pictures! I saw the Coco Palms 6 years ago and was also saddened by the ruins. I love Kaui, it is the most beautiful place on earth! I am a fan of “Blue Hawaii” not just because of Elvis, but because it symbolizes a simpler time. How awesome it would be to at least have the bungalows restored. I live near Memphis and I think that the Elvis Estate should consider buying it and making it a Museum/Day Resort with just the bungalows for couples. They could use the movie to inspire activities. Thanks so much for the pictures!

]]> By: Lana Feltman http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-6163 Lana Feltman Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:27:33 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-6163 Thank-you for posting the pictures but it brings me to tears. My parents had their 25th Anniversay there and my family spent many vacations there. Please reopen so I can return Thank-you for posting the pictures but it brings me to tears. My parents had their 25th Anniversay there and my family spent many vacations there. Please reopen so I can return

]]> By: Diana Koontz http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/comment-page-1/#comment-6159 Diana Koontz Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:56:00 +0000 http://retardzone.com/2008/01/08/hawaiis-famous-coco-palms-resort-abandoned/#comment-6159 I visited the Cocoa Palms in 1975 with my then husband on our tenth anniversary. Thirty five years ago, and it is still crystal clear in my mind all of the sights, sounds, and smells of the resort. We stayed in the Kings suite,overlooking a pool. It was so unique,but everything was unique about the place. The first night there experiencing the call to dinner, and the lighting of the torches inthe palms, and crossing the famous foot bridge over the water and going into the dinning room with music and singers beconing. It was a very magical place, what I dreamed Hawaii to be like. It would be a shame if others are robbed of the priviledge I was blessed to experience. I didn't really need a camera, since the pictures remain with me, but I am glad I have pictures to share after seeing the devistation. I visited the Cocoa Palms in 1975 with my then husband on our tenth anniversary. Thirty five years ago, and it is still crystal clear in my mind all of the sights, sounds, and smells of the resort. We stayed in the Kings suite,overlooking a pool. It was so unique,but everything was unique about the place. The first night there experiencing the call to dinner, and the lighting of the torches inthe palms, and crossing the famous foot bridge over the water and going into the dinning room with music and singers beconing. It was a very magical place, what I dreamed Hawaii to be like. It would be a shame if others are robbed of the priviledge I was blessed to experience. I didn’t really need a camera, since the pictures remain with me, but I am glad I have pictures to share after seeing the devistation.

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