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Real Estate

Iconic Hawaii resort where Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra stayed to be demolished

By
Mary K. Jacob
Published June 29, 2021
Updated June 29, 2021, 5:33 p.m. ET

One of Hawaii’s most iconic resorts that once welcomed Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, among other stars, is set to be demolished after nearly 30 years of abandonment. 

Known as the Coco Palms Resort, it first opened in 1953 and shortly thereafter became very popular in the Hollywood community. Several movies were filmed at the resort, including the Presley musical rom-com “Blue Hawaii.” 

Located in Wailuā, the structure was built in the middle of a coconut grove that was planted in 1896 on an ancient site of Hawaiian royalty, according to Jam Press. Many locals consider the land of historical significance. 

In 1992, Coco Palms — which sat on nearly 20 acres — was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki, a Category 4 storm, and has since remained neglected. 

The Coco Palms Resort in the 1950s.
The Coco Palms Resort in the 1950s. Beat of Hawaii
Elvis and Priscilla at the Coco Palms Resort in the 1950s.
Elvis and Priscilla Presley at the Coco Palms Resort in the 1950s. Getty Images

Images show the once-thriving resort now in ruins, having fallen victim to harsh weather and fires caused by arson since the hurricane hit. 

Coco Palms Resort — an abandoned Hawaii destination where Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and more once stayed — will be demolished after 30 years.
Coco Palms Resort — an abandoned Hawaii destination where Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and more once stayed — will be demolished after 30 years. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Projects

Water has flooded the resort, while the natural surrounding elements have inhaled the property. 

Despite this, the original artistic mosaic work can still be seen, while some of the abandoned 24 rooms of the hotel give a hint of how it used to look in its former glory days.

A number of films were shot on location at Coco Palms, including Elvis Presley's film Blue Hawaii.
A number of films were shot on location at Coco Palms, including Elvis Presley’s film “Blue Hawaii.” Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
The former lobby.
The former lobby. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
The pool in a now deteriorated state.
The pool is in a now-deteriorated state. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
The staircase leading to the room.
The staircase leading to guest rooms. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
In 2016, Honolulu developers GreeneWaters LLC formed a partnership, Coco Palms Hui LLC, to restore the resort.
In 2016, Honolulu developers GreeneWaters LLC formed a partnership, Coco Palms Hui LLC, to restore the resort. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
A ruined bridge.
A ruined bridge. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje

The 1953 Oscar-nominated 3-D musical “Miss Sadie Thompson” — starring screen siren Rita Hayworth — was also filmed there. 

In 2016, Honolulu developers GreeneWaters LLC formed a partnership with Coco Palms Hui LLC to restore the resort, with the intent to reopen Coco Palms as part of the Hyatt franchise. But in 2019 the project collapsed due to financial reasons. The future of the land remains in limbo.

Elvis Presley and Jenny Maxwell in "Blue Hawaii."
Elvis Presley and Jenny Maxwell in “Blue Hawaii.” Paramount Studios
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The abandoned Coco Palms Resort.
The abandoned Coco Palms Resort.Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
The first level garage area.
The first level garage area. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
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The grounds remain isolated and uninhabited.
The grounds remain isolated and uninhabited. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
Artwork can still be seen on the grounds.
Artwork can still be seen on the grounds. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
An interior shot of the resort's condition today.
An interior shot of the resort’s condition today. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
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The land is ancient Hawaiian royal property that has been in dispute since 1866.
The land is ancient Hawaiian royal property that has been in dispute since 1866. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
The outdoor elements have gobbled up the property.
The outdoor elements have gobbled up the property. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
The now-defunct resort sits on nearly 20 acres of land.
The now-defunct resort sits on nearly 20 acres of land. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
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Coco Palms Resort was a resort hotel in Wailuā, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, that was noted for its Hollywood connections, Hawaiian-themed weddings and torch lightings.
Coco Palms Resort was a resort hotel in Wailuā, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, that was noted for its Hollywood connections, Hawaiian-themed weddings and torch lightings.Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
Coco Palms was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992.
Coco Palms was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Jam Press/Raise The Stakes Proje
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