Celebrating Culture & Creating Community
The Restoration of Coco Palms
Our Mission
To perpetuate Coco Palms’ legacy of sharing the Hawaiian culture.
Nestled at the base of Wai‘ale‘ale, the piko of Kaua‘i , along the shores of Wailua. Steeped in rich natural resources, ancient and revered Hawaiian oral traditions, storied places and vibrant glimpses of days not so long ago. Coco Palms has shared Wailua with the world. A place where famous voyagers such as Mo‘ikeha, La‘amaikahiki, Hi‘iakaikopoliopele came ashore upon Kaua‘i nei. Where the deep sounding bell stones and beautiful rainbows would mark the birth of gods. Past, present, future; Wailua was home to high chiefs, Queen Deborah Kapule and King Kaumualii.
Coco Palms honors the great antiquity of Wailua by re-discovering, protecting, and celebrating this historic place through educating and reconnecting the global community to the legacy and spirit of this land.
COMMITMENT TO CULTURAL PRESERVATION
At Reef Capital Partners, we recognize the immense responsibility we have in restoring the historic Coco Palms resort. Having listened to the community, we are committed to a restoration process that respects the land and balances the needs and concerns of Kauaʻi’s residents. We are truly humbled to finally fulfill the promise of restoring Coco Palms after three decades of broken commitments by previous owners. Our dedication to this project reflects our respect for the cultural heritage and our commitment to creating lasting benefits for the local community.
Minimizing Ground Disturbance
Construction will mostly focus within the footprint of existing structures and paved areas to minimize subsurface activities.
Job Creation
During renovation and demolition, approximately 300 direct local jobs are expected to be generated. Once operational, Coco Palms is expected to employ more than 400 full-time local employees
Cultural Advisory Committee
Economic Benefits
Over $400 million in direct investments will be made by Reef Capital in construction and restoration alone. Once operational, the resort is expected to generate millions annually within the local economy.
Protective Measures, Cultural & Archeological Monitoring
Protective measures and cultural/archeological monitoring will be implemented throughout demolition and reconstruction of Coco Palms.
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.
Cultural Center
A vital component of the project will be a cultural center to honor the history of Coco Palms. Developed by Reef Capital but under guidance of the Coco Palms Cultural Advisory Committee as a community benefit for locals and visitors.
Community Contributions
Traffic Improvement Efforts
Coco Palms Connects with the Community
Learn more about our collaboration with the community and the steps we’re taking to reflect your voices and values.
The Enduring Legacy of Coco Palms Resort
Coco Palms Resort, a site steeped in Hawaiian history and resilience, has witnessed numerous transformations – from its early days celebrating and introducing the Hawaiian culture and people to the world, through its peak as a glamorous hotel frequented by celebrities, to its battle for revival after being devastated by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Now, under new ownership, it embarks on a hopeful path toward restoration.
Coco Palms Restoration Summary
Solar and Energy-Efficient Building Systems
Recycling of Overwhelming Majority of Demolished Material
40 Public Parking Spaces and Public-Use Comfort Station
Cultural Center
Restoration of Loʻi Kalo
latest news
When Reef Capital Partners closed $431 million in construction financing for Coco Palms in June, the announcement carried a line that is easy to read past. "Coco Palms...
Coco Palms secured $431 million in construction financing in June 2026, a milestone that puts real capital behind a restoration that has been announced and stalled...
For most of the past two years, the answer to when Coco Palms would reopen was 2026. That is no longer the answer, and it is worth explaining why. The current target is...
Most of the coverage of this project is about permits, timelines, and financing. Those are fair things to write about. They are also not what most people are curious...
The Kauai Planning Commission rejected a petition Tuesday from a group of residents who were asking the commission to revoke permits issued to the owners of the Coco...
“We want to restore this in the right way. Do it in a way that the community will be proud of,” stated Jon Day, Reef Capital Partners Chief Financial Officer.The newly...
From the tops of the protective dust screens installed around the perimeter of the former Coco Palms Resort, the only things that can be seen are the tops of excavators...
BlackSand Capital, a Honolulu-based real estate investment firm, officially completed the purchase of the Royal Lahaina Resort Dec. 9. Read more here.