In 1972, Kaua‘i-born historian, author, and University of Hawai‘i professor Rubellite ‘Ruby’ Kawena Kinney Johnson (b. 1933) told “Honolulu Star-Bulletin” newspaper writer Lois Taylor the…
Posts published in “Island History”
Born and raised on Kaua‘i, Ah Sau Ahana (1907-2008) learned to play the banjo, ukulele and steel guitar while attending Kaua‘i High School. Later, during…
During 1993, I became friends with Keith Robinson (born 1941), the co-owner, with his brother, Bruce Robinson, of Ni‘ihau, and a descendant of Eliza Sinclair,…
In 1951, Lawrence “Larry” Rivera (1930-2023), was hired at the Coco Palms Lodge, which Alfred and Veda Hills had opened for business that same year…
In 1954, John Pakahea “Big John” Kauo (1933-2013) was hired as a waiter at Kaua‘i’s Coco Palms Hotel by his Aunty Moki Hanohano, the night…
Walter “Freckles” Smith Jr. (1934-2024), who passed away recently, was the president of Kaua‘i’s Smith’s Motor Boat Service Inc., the son of Walter J. Smith…
Originally from Kona, Sam Mia (1919-70), of 100 percent Hawaiian ancestry, was one of the original employees of Kaua‘i’s Coco Palms Hotel when it opened…
At the opening of Kaua‘i’s Coco Palms Hotel in 1953, one of the first people manager Grace Buscher (1910-2000) hired was Andrew Kane (1923-91). Andrew…
Kohala, Hawai‘i-born Harriet Kamala Kaaumoana Kaholokula (1924-2004) was one of the first employees hired by manager Grace Buscher after Lyle “Gus” Guslander opened the Coco…
In 1953, Lyle Guslander (1914-84) bought the Coco Palms Hotel, which was in operation until 1992, and hired Grace Buscher (1910-2000) as manager. Grace, who…