Listen to audio sample:

There’s a lot more to the coconut fruit than you might guess! In fact, the coconut trees are known as the “Tree of Life,” because every part of the tree can be used. Each part played an important role in ancient Hawaiian life. 

Don’t believe me? Let me show you. First, the coconut tree leaves can be made into hats, mats, and baskets. The trunks? They are great for making furniture. The roots can be ground up for medicine. And the thick fiber from the husks can be woven into ropes. Of course, Hawaiians used the coconut shell as cups, ladles, and bowls for food and containers. But, no, no one ever wore a coconut as a bikini in ancient Hawaii as far as we know! And… we haven’t even talked about the inside of coconut itself: coconut water, coconut milk, and even coconut oil. High in nutrients, coconut products have become very popular in recent years.

Behind the bushes and trees stands, a once-famous hotel called Coco Palms Resort. Originally started as a coconut plantation, more than 2000 coconut trees were planted in the area. In 1952, a hotel was started - and in the next 20 years, it grew to a considerable size, having over 400 rooms. In 1970, it cost $400 per night to stay at this hotel. Now, if you do the math after inflation, that equals $2500 per night today! That’s an expensive hotel stay! 

In its heyday, Hollywood stars frequented the hotel. Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby were regulars, to name a few. However, as we mentioned earlier, in 1992, a category 4 Hurricane named Iniki hit Kauai and tore through many buildings. Sadly, Coco Palm Resort was one of them. In fact, director Steven Speilberg and the original Jurassic Park crew were on-island shooting when the hurricane hit - they huddled in the hotel’s basement for the entire hurricane! The resort had been left abandoned ever since. But it was recently purchased and put under renovation. Soon, we will be able to see the Coco Palm Resort in all its glory again!

Want to hear more?

We dive deeper on our Wailua Valley and Waterfall Tour!