Restoration

Our Commitment

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.

Guiding Principles

  • We will honor the sacredness of the ‘aina on which the property stands as well as the surrounding area.
  • We will preserve the history of the host culture as well as the culture of what made the Coco Palms the iconic destination of Kaua‘i.
  • We will perpetuate the host culture through integrating Hawaiian values and activities into all phases of operations so that associates understand the sense of place of their worksite and their kuleana as hosts.
  • We will offer authentic activities and programs so that guests will come away with truly unique Kaua‘i experiences.
  • We will provide a gathering place for Kaua‘i’s community to honor the ‘aina and perpetuate Kaua‘i’s sense of community.

Restoration Status & Timeline

Permits and Approvals

Demolition was substantially completed in 2024 and vertical construction will be completed in late 2026.

World-class Development Team

Our world-class development team brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Reef Capital Partners boasts extensive experience in large resort developments in Park City and Southern Utah. Grand Canyon and Cumming Group bring deep knowledge and proven success as owner’s representatives. Highgate, with over 30 years as a premier operating partner, has a distinguished history of managing top-tier hospitality assets. Complementing this, our team includes outstanding interior designers, structural and civil engineers, architects, landscape architects, and restaurant consultants, ensuring every aspect of our projects meets the highest standards of excellence.

Location Details

Coco Palms is ideally situated on the Royal Coconut Coast on Kauai’s east side, renowned for its sweeping palm-lined shores. Just 8 miles from LIH airport, the hotel offers easy access to prime local attractions. Its central location not only simplifies employee recruitment from the island’s main workforce but also provides convenient travel to both the scenic Nā Pali Coast and Hanalei Bay to the north, and Waimea Canyon and Poipu to the south.

Blending Heritage with Modernity

The restoration of Coco Palms Resort on Kauaʻi aims to honor its royal Hawaiian heritage while revitalizing its role as a community and cultural hub. This project rejuvenates the iconic landmark, maintaining a deep respect for its historical significance and integrating modern comforts. By transforming Coco Palms into a dynamic space for both Kaua’i Residents and visitors, the restoration ensures that the resort remains a beacon of culture and community engagement, bridging its storied past with a vibrant future.

General Overview of Regulations

National and State Historic Register

Since 2021, the entire project area (including private fee simple lands and State-owned lands) are protected under both National and State Historic Registers as the Coco Palms Resort Historic District. This requires the restoration of structures and features within this Historic District to be limited to resort uses.

State Lands

Several parcels of State lands have historically been assigned to the owners of the Coco Palms in an unbroken chain since before statehood. These State lands are administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Coco Palms must adhere to terms and conditions for the use of these lands.

County Permits

A County Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permit, Class IV Zoning Permit, Project Development Use Permit, and Variance Permit have all been approved to rebuild and restore Coco Palms with modifications to meet current building codes and standards along with additional community benefits such as a Cultural Center, public parking, and public comfort stations.

State Historic Preservation, HRS 6E

Coco Palms must follow State regulations regarding the protection, preservation, and reconstruction of historic, archeological, and cultural features at the site.

Iniki Ordinance

Allows property owners to rebuild structures damaged by Hurricane Iniki.