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Kimpton is taking over a historic resort in Hawaii

June 14, 2024
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2 min read
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Kimpton is taking over a historic resort in Hawaii
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Coco Palms Resort on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is finally getting a new life as a Kimpton resort participating in IHG One Rewards.

Since 1992, the famed resort has sat untouched and in disrepair after being significantly damaged during Hurricane Iniki. Before that, the hotel was a hot spot for celebrities back in its heyday, hosting the likes of Elvis Presley, Gene Autry and Rita Hayworth.

Now, the property will transform into Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort, the first property in IHG's luxury and lifestyle collection in Hawaii. It is set to open in 2026.

Reef Capital Partners owns the dilapidated resort, which has remained essentially untouched for over 30 years, according to Hawaii's KHON-TV. The owners reportedly plan to spend $400 million to repair it.

Once opened, the fresh resort will feature 350 rooms in three different low-rise buildings and a redesign "guided by Native Hawaiian advisors within the local community," according to a statement from IHG. This will ensure that "guests are welcomed with an authentic, culturally rich experience."

Once restored and renovated, Coco Palms will offer three swimming pools and various restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar and a pool bar. The original hotel's evening torch-lighting ceremony will also return after three decades.

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Additionally, the resort will have an on-site cultural center and museum that celebrates the island of Kauai and its history and traditions through special exhibits, lectures, activations and other educational experiences.

"Hawaii beckons travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery," Leanne Harwood, IHG's senior vice president and managing director for luxury and lifestyle in the Americas, said in the statement. "This wholly reimagined resort will welcome not only visitors but also the local community, with unique, culturally respectful experiences all within an inspiring boutique luxury setting."

Once open, Coco Palms will serve as the "west coast resort flagship" and join a series of Kimpton-branded resorts around the world, including properties in Thailand, Spain and the Caribbean.

Related reading:

Featured image by IHG
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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