We are humbled to be restoring the historic Coco Palms.  As we do so, we’re focused on achieving four objectives:

  1. Honor this special land that was home of the Ail‘i (Hawaiian Royalty) for a thousand years and is rich with Hawaiian history, culture, and legend. 

  2. Honor the legacy of the Coco Palms, an iconic destination from its opening in 1953 to its destruction by Hurricane Iniki in 1992.

  3. Make the Coco Palms a hub once again for  the Kauaʻi community— a place for community gatherings, events, and connections.

  4. Give visitors an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience in a modern and comfortable setting.

“This area of Wailua is sacred to the Hawaiian people and it is held sacred by us. We have tried our utmost to show our appreciation and respect for this privilege.”

- Grace Guslander

Overview

COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBILITY

“Having listened to the community, we recognize the immense responsibility we have to restore this historic resort in a responsible and respectful manner.

As such, we have committed to ensuring the restoration of Coco Palms balances the needs and concerns of Kauaʻiʻs community.

We're truly humbled to have the opportunity to finally complete the restoration of Coco Palms after three decades of broken promises by owners who came before us.”

- Reef Capital Partners

Minimizing Ground Disturbance

Construction will mostly focus within the footprint of existing structures and paved areas to minimize subsurface activities.

Cultural Advisory Committee

The Coco Palms team has revived the Cultural Advisory Committee to help guide the development activities at the property. The Committee is comprised of respected Native Hawaiian leaders and kupuna from the area.

Protective Measures, Cultural and Archeological Monitoring

Protective measures as well as cultural and archeological monitoring will be implemented throughout the demolition and reconstruction of Coco Palms.

Cultural Center

A vital and important component of the project will be a cultural center and museum to honor the history of Kaua'i, this site, and Coco Palms. The center will be developed by Reef Capital under the guidance of the Coco Palms Cultural Advisory Committee as a community benefit for locals as well as visitors.

Job Creation

During renovation and demolition, approximately 300 direct local jobs are expected to be generated. Countless more indirect and induced jobs within the community are also expected thanks to spending from this workforce. Once operational, Coco Palms is expected to employ more than 400 full-time local employees and will provide 30 workforce housing units under a housing agreement with the County.

Economic Benefits

Over $400 million in direct investments will be made by Reef Capital in construction and restoration alone. Millions more are expected to be generated within the community thanks to workforce spending. Once operational, the resort is expected to generate millions annually within the local economy.

Community Benefits

Reef Capital has made contributions of $50,000, respectively, to assist the County in preserving the cultural and historic significance of Wailua/ Waipouli and to help with “placemaking” efforts, including moku and ahupuaʻa signage of the Wailua area. An additional $10,000 was paid to the County to aid in the construction of a new bus stop along Kuhio Highway in the Wailua area.

Site Map