Coco Palms Resort

Stayed at Coco Palms just after Elvis made Blue Hawaii in the sixties. Magic place then and the daily highlight of the lighting of the torches was so special along the canal. So sad to see it after the cyclone. Up to the local Hawaiians now to decide how to redevelop the land. Such an Iconic spot.

We stayed at the CoCo Palms ages ago. But the memories are still strong and happy. We had such a great time on tour. We made life time friends while staying there. The Roasting Pork Roast which they started cooking early in the morning was one of the best smells ever, made you so hungry for dinner. The drinks were fun and colorful. The entertainment was great! They had a cute little zoo. Those shell sinks were beautiful and unique. So wish they would reopen it with the same retro look as it was originally.

I'm so very glad that the wonderful Coco Palms is being rebuilt and reopened ! I stayed at the original hotel several times before it was destroyed by the typhoon. Every time that I've been back to Kauai since then I've been saddened when driving by the ruins of that wonderful hotel. I can't wait for the reopening, and only hope that the new iteration isn't priced out the range of most folks. Congratulations, Coco Palms !

Never stayed at Coco Palms & too young to be a big Elvis fan, but I really enjoyed this tour. Those interested in Elvis, movies, & island history would like it. There’s much more than Elvis to this place. The guide is knowledgeable & laid back - answers any questions. Seems to tailor tours to the group. Nice tour! Thx. Couple notes: If you are looking for something fast-paced, it's not for you. Although children are probably welcome, it's more for adults.

Coco Palms is a HUGE childhood memory. I stayed there a few times with my father, as it was his favorite resort. The memory of the men running with fire on chains that they swung with perfect precision to light the torches of the walkways all around the resort was a sight to see. I remember a clear as day the leopard with ruby eyes as a table in our chalet, and the out side garden shower with flowers all around. And Eating above the lagoon with all the fish that just seemed to be begging for you to throw some food their way. And that church, what a perfect little chapel in the middle of the palm forest. I do hope the renovations keep true to its original glory. I have a lot of film footage from are stays there If Hyatt needs any archives of the feel of the original Coco Palm. Let me know I would be happy to share. I hope to see you in 2018 Coco Palms!!!!

Cocoa palms was beautiful and famous in the 1950s '60s and a bit longer. Seeing the shell that's left led me to research it's history and it is rich, both good and bad. I understand native Hawaiians would like the land back and I'm leaning towards supporting that more than redevelopment. Still it's a rich part of kawaii and is worth looking into.

We visited this restaurant for romantic dinner. Location is good with ocean view. They have inside and outside tables. We ordered wine and medium-well steak with mash potato and vegetables. When we've got our dishes - I didn't realize that steak was ABSOLUTELY raw meat. I saw that mash potato - it was just for 1 or maximum 2 tea spoons. When I cut steak and saw that they put meat on fire just for few min - it was enough - they screwed up all evening. And they push us to pay for that dinner, which we returned back. Even waitress - she gave us 20% off - because even she recognized - it is REALLY looks awful.

In 1979, my family and I and my best friend from high school traveled to Hawaii for 16 days for our high school graduation. One of our favorite stays was at the Coco Palms! Back then, the TV show, Fantasy Island was filmed there, and we got a chance to see many of the stars from the show, and the red island vehicles throughout the compound! I even met "Tatoo" in the gift shop/party store that was on the property. Like others, I fondly remember the nightly torch-lighting ceremonies, the palm grove with the long straight lines of trees, the outdoor showers and the big clam shell sinks in the bathrooms. I'm excited to hear that the property is being renovated!! I'm actually visiting O'ahu this week and hoping to come back to Hawaii again with my wife (who, by the way stayed at the Coco Palms as a kid, too... we just didn't know each other then) and stay once the renovations are complete!! Congratulations on this excellent project!!

This was so interesting! Bob is a walking encyclopedia of the entertainment industry's presence on the Garden Island. Four of us took the tour in late October 2018 and had a great time. Bob was so accommodating! We had a member of our group who could not remain standing, so Bob brought a portable stool and it made the tour accessible! The tour is worth the price. Be prepared for a sad tale of greed, neglect, and red tape.

I text messaged Bob a few weeks ago, and we did a tour of the Coco Palms today. We loved our tour. We walked through the oldest coconut groves in Hawaii, where a couple of scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. (On Stranger Tides) Went to the remains of the bungalow that Elvis always stayed in, and the lagoon area where they filmed the final scenes of Blue Hawaii. Bob only does private tours now, so it was just me, my wife and Bob. He tells stories of the famous people who visited, and he has pictures on his I-phone of how the resort once looked.

Best kept secret on Kauai- definitely the best tour in my life over 50 years - mahalo

BOB IS THE BEST!!! My wife and I took his tour on our last day and it ranks as one of the coolest experiences we've had in our five trips to this incredible island. We've always wanted to see this iconic space and I can't imagine a better person as our guide. Bob is an encyclopedia. He knows everything about the history of the land, the glorious architecture and interior design, as well as all of its Hollywood connections. (And he himself is a Legend!) It can not be stressed enough that you will get a truly special tour with Bob. He will show you more than you could imagine were possible, and then pair it with photos from how it all used to look. The tour starts at the famed lagoon with the boat from the wedding in Blue Hawaii and then moves on to the bungalows, Elvis' room, the sprawling coconut grove, Pirates of the Caribbean 4 locations, a chapel from the 1950s that's survived three hurricanes, as well as restaurants, banquet rooms, the honeymoon suite, and the space that was once the glorious lobby. There's so much more, and he has the coolest stories! I'm putting Bob's tour on my list of "MUST DOs" whenever someone asks me for recommendations while visiting Kauai. Thank you, Bob. You are so awesome and you gave us a memorable experience we will never forget.

NO TOURS OFFERED! Apparantly they stopped offering them a month ago. :( They are currently doing construction and it's incredibly cool inside the gates but I was told I had to leave by the construction workers. :(

The website will allow you to book a tour seven days a week. Do NOT book tours through the website. We booked for a Friday morning, and received automated confirmation emails with instructions to be at the "airstream on site" at 10:00am. There is no airstream on site. Nobody showed up. We called the phone number in the email and were greeted with an automated message saying that tours had been cancelled for that day, and they would only be conducted on Fridays, starting the following week. The website says Sunday to Saturday, signs on the property say Monday through Friday, but in reality, tours only occur on Fridays. Additionally, all attempts to contact the tour coordinator for a refund have been ignored. I'm sure the tour is great. I'd have loved to see the property. Unfortunately, the tours are being horribly mismanaged.

We LOVED this tour, if you're an Elvis fans it's a MUST SEE! We just accidentally found out about it, when we were trying to figure out what the abandoned hotel was. Bob Jasper is a gem & quite an historian. Thank you for the great tour Bob!! Chuck & Kristie Doyel Vacaville, CA

Can I give no stars? I booked online for two people, got a confirmation and when we showed up, no one was there. When I called the phone number, the message said they weren't starting tours until the following Monday, post holidays. Nowhere on their website was this mentioned and if so we never should have been allowed to book. I left a voicemail and sent an email requesting a refund and have not yet heard back. Given that we flew over to Kauai that day just to take this tour, we were obviously very disappointed and not happy at all with the customer experience.

Terrible business! Waited 2 days until after 10:00 (tour time) and he was a no show! He says to get there at 9:45. Not a good way to run a business! I was very disappointed! The sign for the phone number doesn't have an area code, so difficult for out of towners to call!

**** UPDATE ***** July 2016 No More Tours !!!! They are finally starting construction on this place. Who knows how long it will be under construction but it's in the process of being demolished. For an urban explorer photographer this place is phenomenal. I cant believe how big it is. Every year I hear how some hotel chain is going to tear it down and start over. The location has so much history with tons of movie stars staying here. Coco Palms Resort was a resort hotel in Wailuā, Kauai, Hawaii. The resort was visited by numerous movie stars and was also the scene of Elvis Presley's film Blue Hawaii. The resort has been closed since being hit by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. It is scheduled to be restored and reopened as a Hyatt resort in 2017. (we will see) When I first visited in 2013 they were saying that was the year it was going to start renovations, still nothing. On January 25, 1953, the resort opened with only twenty-four rooms. However, the resort would expand greatly in the 1970s to around 400 rooms. This made Coco Palms the premier resort hotel on Kauai. The secluded island of Kauai and its ripeness in film making brought famous people like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, royalty of Japan, and countless other celebrated personalities to the resort.

It is now destroyed 28 years ago due to a hurricane. The tour guide showed me of the things that was used to be including the Elvis Presley movie called Blue Hawaii. Also, there was the musician named Mr.Coco Palms.

Bob Kaua'i Jasper is a wealth of knowledge about the Historic Cocoa Palms Resort! I had read the history of this hotel prior to the tour and had to see it. One can envision the lagoon and Elvis in the wedding scene of Blue Hawaii! Bob is an amazing storyteller and his love for the Cocoa Palms back in the day is evident. I hope this property can be restored and Bob is hired on as the legendary concierge. Do not miss this tour if you are a historian or have any connection to the resort!

I LOVE this tour and Bob Jasper is an incredible host! I have been on the tour twice with different friends and we all loved it. Bob's knowledge of the history of the place is immense and I have yet to ask him a question he doesn't know the answer to. There is so much history on Kauai and Bob does such a good job of making it come alive. I felt like I was going to turn around and see Elvis at any minute. Take this tour! You will not be disappointed!

I did a tour of the Coco Palms on Kauai on 12/10/2014. It was part of a Hollywood in Hawaii Tour. It was my 1st time there. Interesting place. Sorry that I did not see it in it's glory days.

This was a great tour. Those interested in Elvis, movies, & island history would like it. Need not be just a fan of Elvis, there's much more to this place. The guide is knowledgeable & laid back - answers any questions. Seems to tailor tours to the group. Couple notes: If you are looking for something fast-paced, it's not for you. Although children are probably welcome, it's more for adults.

Coco Palms has always been a dream of mine. To visit, to stay, to enjoy. So when we visited in May 2013, we had to take a tour of the infamous hotel to get a taste of what it was like in its glory days. It is absolutely beautiful! The grounds are what you'd imagine from a tropical local, lush flora and fauna. The tour with Bob Jasper was wonderful. Tons of information on the history of the hotel, on its famous guests, and owners. You are taken throughout the grounds to visit Elvis' bungalow and various filming spots. And if your lucky, you may get to see those clam shell sinks. The price is just right for this tour done by a man the whole heartedly loves the place. Go. Enjoy. And imagine the glory days.

Great fun to see the inside of this "ruins" and look forward to the renovation. Visited in the 70's and loved the Coco Palms, so very disappointed when it was let go after Iniki. Bob Jasper has great stories and history to share, plus seeing/hearing Larry was such a plus. Should change the info to reflect there is no airstream, just wait by the sign and gate.

Best tour in Hawaii! Bob Jasper was wonderful Learned so much about the history of the hotel and had a ball Can't wait to return!

2 hour tour that explores the ruins of the legendary Coco Palms Resort. A real treat if you are an Elvis Presley fan as most of the anecdotes are about his filming "Blue Hawaii" on the premises. Our guide, Bob Jasper, has a long history on the island and was up to date on all the latest developments working to restore the resort to it's former glory. A bargain at $20.00 per adult (kids free). It would be nice to have the garbage (plastic water bottles and glass containers) picked up and to have film clips on an electronic tablet to show the group rather than having Bob act out the scenes himself.. Benches in several areas would have made it more comfortable for those of us tired of standing for a 2 hour stretch.

Took the tour Wednesday, February 11, 2015. I'm fascinated by abandoned properties (and Elvis!) so it was automatically a win-win for me. But it was our guide, Bob Jasper, who revealed the full fascinating history of this place and helped us capture its spirit. In fact, I've been thinking of the Coco Palms and Grace Buscher Guslander ever since! The current property owners are working on approvals for rebuild/restoration and if they ever need to win over the board or whoever the "deciders" are, they should send them on Bob's tour! For goodness sakes, I never even heard of the place before last week, yet since taking the two-hour tour with Bob, I'm ready to join the "Save the Coco Palms" push. If you're interested in retro resort architecture, resort culture, abandoned buildings, Hawaiian history, Hawaiian royalty, Elvis, Hollywood, faded glory, spirits, Aloha, life/death, and a story of making something out of nothing...you'll most likely love this tour!

I did this tour on Elvis' birthday, which was pretty special for me! But Bob, the tour guide, made this one of my favorite vacation tours ever. His true love of the place was more than evident, and I loved hearing the tales of its past glory and what is hopefully in store in the future. I can't wait for the place to be restored, but in the meantime, Bob has so much knowledge not only of the hotel, but of the land you are standing on and the history of Hawaii, as this place is much more than just a ruined hotel waiting for its second life, but also hallowed ground of Kauai. And yes, bring bug spray!

The BEST tour on any of the islands. Bob Jasper is such a wonderful guide, historian, and all around great person to spend 2+ hours with. Bob makes the entire resort come back to life. You can almost see and hear Elvis and Priscilla. I wish this tour would have been available when we stayed at the Coco Palms back in the late 70's and early 80's. While the 4th of July fire has altered the tour somewhat, if you love Kauai and want some real history, this is a must do.

My wife and I took this tour Summer 2014 (post fire). Bob was the greatest tour guide and we do a lot of historic building tours when we travel. Thanks for keeping the Coco Palms story alive. Also the most affordable thing on the island.

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Bob Kauai Jasper today. It is as if time has stood still since Iniki struck. $20 and 2 hours later we'd been treated to personal stories from Bob, movie trivia and more. We look forward to seeing how the new owners following through with their vision to bring the property back to its original state, and hope to visit some day. I would come prepared to do some standing as Bob tells his stories, bring water too! There are no facilities so sip sparingly. The premises are in a sad state of disrepair, but there is a lot of history here.

My husband and I loved this tour! Bob is an amazing storyteller and really brings the stories of this historic location to life. We took the tour prior to the fire, however having been there while the loss of the main building is sad and makes me cherish my photos of it even more, the rest of the grounds were just as breathtaking and memorable. Definitely wear bug spray, the mosquitoes there are fierce. And definitely don't forget your camera, if you love photographing nature and/or urban decay, you'll end up with some absolute gems. If we are ever in the area again, we definitely plan to take the tour a second time.

Amazing tour! Because other commenters noted this as well, I definitely recommend bug spray, and Bob carries some as well. There are bugs out there, but what do you expect? You are touring an overgrown hotel property. Bob is incredibly knowledgable about the hotel and the island, and there wasn't a single question he wasn't able to answer. He really made the history of the place come alive. It was amazing to see the hotel with someone who is clearly so passionate about the hotel and the grounds. We can't wait to see the hotel once it reopens, and we hope Bob will still be working there!!

The tour of Coco Palms allows you to step into the history of Wailua. Bob has to be the best tour guide a person can ask for, and his knowledge of the Coco Palms ground is exceptional. Thank you, Bob, for your dedication to this piece of living history.

Bob Jasper is a great guide, he is a historian for the Coco Palms Resort, he is so knowledgable about the history of this great resort. He is passionate about this place and cares deeply about its future. A great 2 hours, thank you Bob.

What a wonderful tour, Bob thank you for showing us all the extras, like the hand prints and designs that have just now been uncovered, you are so knowledgeable and don't mind all our questions. I have told numerous people, this is a must tour, when they visit Kauai. Thank you Bob.

First, after our tour my hubby remarked several times how this was money well spent. Now, for him to say that is big deal! Second, Bob Jasper has a faublous way to make the past come alive with his telling of fun stories of the landmark. The closet with secre door to next room for the star who secretly brought his girlfriend. The cottage that Elvis stayed in when he visited. The wedding chapel, and the history of the graves of warriors still on the property. The tour went by fast, too fast. The group that went on our tour, we were alll strangers and left as friends. And yes, mosquito repellant is needed. Very kind of Bob to have a bottle with some for those of us who did not have any. We highly recommend this tour. Thanks Bob.

After years of visiting Kauai and driving by this ghost-town like hotel which apparently was "THE" resort on Kauai in it's heyday (50's-70's), I finally got to venture beyond the locked gates. Tours of the grounds and many of the buildings are now being given. I feel fortunate that I got to take an up close peak into history and enjoyed 2 hours of wonderful stories not only about what the resort was like at it's peak, but about the many movies filmed there. The guide, Bob Jasper is a fount of knowledge on this beautiful old resort and shares his experiences of being a guest at the resort as well as lots of history and trivia about the place. The property (which is amazingly large) felt as if 20 years ago, someone put up a fence and walked away. There are blackboards with menus still written on them, wooden chairs scattered in the wedding chapel, postings at the main entrance of "today's activities". It is looking likely that within the year, the resort will begin renovations which means that tours will cease. If, like me you have been curious about this old place, I highly recommend that you don't put off taking the tour. I'm glad I got to do it before it's too late.

I wish I could give this tour a good review but it was the worst 40 bucks we spent on the island. I will say Bob had a bottle of mosquito repellent which saved the whole group from severe blood loss. The grounds are basically an overgrown jungle and the lagoon is a dirty pond full of debris from the burned out building. Some of the things Bob said: "Look at those twisted up pieces of fiberglass in the pond, those used to be part of a conch shell on the wall of the building." " Over there in the jungle used to be this and used to be that.". "Elvis got tossed in a pool that used to be over there, but there is not even a hole there now.". Anyway, bring your imagination you will need it. To top it off the gate is locked behind you after you go in so you are a captive audience. Fortunately for us some of the workers clearing out the burned out buildings were leaving so we got out before the end of the tour. Before the fire and while they were still clearing the jungle it was a good tour. Now I think it better to skip it and buy yourself some suds! Lastly, watch out for the asbestos hanging down from the ceilings. On Oahu you would never be able to get a permit to take tourists into such a hazard. And yes, you do have to sign a release of liability when you pay your cash which goes straight into the pocket.

Best $20 ever spent. If you love history or buildings then check this 2 hour tour out. It was on a whim, so glad we met BOB and learned so many facts. Thanks for the time and education. Hope everything works and it's restored/rebuilt!!!! Fyi. Bring bug spray and wear long pants and sleeves. We did get eaten alive from mosquitos.

This was a last minute event for us before we caught our flight out to return home from our vacation. So glad we did this -- get there a little before two to sign the waiver and pay your 20.00 (cash only) for the tour. As others have said, bring your bug spray (although our guide did bring some with him and people were desperate for it as we ventured further onto the property). So informative, lots of great historical information about the island itself as well as the resort. Loved every minute of the two-hour tour!

I enjoyed listening to Bob's history on the Coco Palms, but when we went into the back area with bungalows we were overwhelmed by mosquitoes. Bob seem immune to their bite and was oblivious to everybody's jumping around and swatting them selves. Finally my wife and I couldn't take it any more. We fled the tour. We found a hole in the fence and used it to made our way back to the car. If you go on the tour be sure to bring bug spray, wear long selves shirts, long pants, regular shoes, and hat. Also get some "neembalm" for the bites you are still going to get.

This is a wonderful find. Bob Jasper is a wonderful guide. You can tell his genuine love of the Coco Palms. There are many people who went to the Coco Palms when it was the only game on the island. Yes, Elvis was there and he loved Coco Palms too. It was a lovely lovely spot and I went there before the Hurricane and watched it decay as the years past. I know what the delay has been and always wanted so see what it looked like now compared to then. You can only appreciate it with someone who is connected to it as Bob is. Compared to so many over priced excursions I felt the $20 was well worth.