Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Coco Palms Hui LLC today announced a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Coco Palms Hui LLC for The Coco Palms Resort on Kauai.
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, according to Hyatt Hotels. 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 built in 1953 with about 20 guestrooms on grounds that were once home to Kauai’s last reining queen, Queen Deborah Kapule Kekaihaakulou. 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 guestrooms and set a standard for Hawaiian hospitality rich in storytelling and culture.
“Mahalo to the local and state government for their support of the redevelopment efforts of the historic Coco Palms Resort. Our endeavor to revitalize the grounds and rebuild, all the while preserving the soul of the iconic resort is an ambitious project. We are delighted to join forces with Hyatt, another Hawaiian icon of hospitality that has been delivering authentic hospitality to guests for over 30 years in Hawaii. Hyatt is the perfect leader to steer a thoughtful, honorable and rejuvenated guest experience at The Coco Palms Resort,” Tyler Greene, manager of Coco Palms Hui LLC, said in a prepared statement.
The resort’s redevelopment plan will preserve the original footprint of the property and signature lagoon, while rebuilding approximately 331 guestrooms and 32 bungalows, multiple restaurants, lounges and swimming pools, according to Hyatt Hotels. 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. 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.