Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced today its partnership with Kauai’s historic Coco Palms Resort, marking the first Hawaii location for IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Following a sensitive restoration, Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort, is set to reopen in 2026, offering an inspiring tropical retreat for travelers and the Kaua‘i community.
Located in the lush Wailua Valley along the stunning shoreline, Coco Palms is owned by Reef Capital Partners and operated by Highgate. The resort, once a premier Hollywood destination frequented by stars like Elvis Presley, Rita Hayworth, and Gene Autry, is undergoing a meticulous restoration guided by Native Hawaiian advisors to ensure an authentic, culturally rich guest experience.
The landmark will feature 350 thoughtfully designed accommodations across three low-rise hotel structures and cottages.
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The resort will offer a variety of amenities for relaxation and exploration. Guests will have access to the resort’s 15-acre coconut grove for activities like meditation, movie nights, and weddings. The onsite spa and three outdoor swimming pools provide further relaxation.
Dining options include a rooftop bar, pool bar, and a restored shoreline restaurant. Guests can also enjoy the evening torch-lighting ceremony, a celebrated Coco Palms tradition. As with all Kimptons, the resort will offer perks like morning coffee and tea service, evening social hours, a “Forgot It? We’ve Got It!” program, in-room yoga mats, and pet-friendly policies.
Leanne Harwood, SVP, Managing Director for Luxury & Lifestyle Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We are incredibly excited to establish our luxury and lifestyle presence in Hawaii with Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort.
Hawaii beckons travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery, and this wholly reimagined resort will welcome not only visitors but also the local community, with unique, culturally respectful experiences within an inspiring boutique luxury setting. We’re pleased to partner with Reef Capital Partners, who is committed to being responsible stewards of this historic landmark.”
Coco Palms, damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, has remained neglected until now. The resort’s restoration aims to preserve its historical and cultural integrity, featuring an onsite cultural center and museum honoring Kaua‘i. The center will host exhibits, lectures, and activities of cultural significance, educating visitors and residents about the native culture, rich history, and artistic community of the area.
Jon Day, Chief Financial Officer at Reef Capital Partners, emphasized the importance of preserving Coco Palms’ legacy, stating, “It’s a true privilege to bring the first Kimpton resort to Hawai‘i. IHG shares our belief that the history and culture of this site, especially the pre-contact history, is what distinguishes Coco Palms from other properties and makes it such a magical place. They’re just as committed as we are to preserving its legacy and sharing it with the world. I can think of no better brand to fulfill this vision.”
Kaua‘i, known as the “Garden Isle” for its expansive rainforests and deep valleys, offers numerous ways to explore its natural beauty. The nearby Wailua River, flowing past tropical forests and waterfalls, is perfect for kayaking. Visitors can also take boat trips to the Fern Grotto, a geological wonder with a natural lava rock cavern. Other activities include beach outings, hiking, helicopter sightseeing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, and fishing. The resort’s proximity to Lihue Airport, just five miles away, adds to its convenience.
When it opens, Coco Palms will serve as the west coast resort flagship for Kimpton in the Americas. It will join the brand’s global resort offerings, including Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman, Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa in Honduras’ Bay Islands, Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa and Kimpton Aluna Tulum in Mexico, Kimpton Aysla Mallorca in Spain, and Kimpton Kitalay Samui in Thailand.
For more information about Kimpton, visit IHG.com or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app.
