It was quite the “to do” at the Hau‘oli La Hanau (happy birthday) celebratory tribute to the late, former Coco Palms Manager Grace Guslander at Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua last Saturday. The event not only paid homage to Guslander,
It was quite the “to do” at the Hau‘oli La Hanau (happy birthday) celebratory tribute to the late, former Coco Palms Manager Grace Guslander at Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua last Saturday.
The event not only paid homage to Guslander, but benefited the Kaua‘i Historical Society as its annual fundraiser on what would have been her 100th birthday.
Guslander died in 2000 in Wailua, and was known for her adept ability for creating the type of ambiance and vacations visitors and locals alike revered.
The sold-out event at the grand garden setting featured none other than longtime Coco Palms musician and local songwriter Larry Rivera, as well as a torch-lighting ceremony, slack-key guitar and hula dancing.
Other highlighted artists included KanakAttack, Koko Kaneali‘i, Garret Santos, Darryl Gonzales, Pancho Graham and Kainani Kahaunaele.
Silent-auction items included wine, antiques, art, jewelry, island activities, dining and resort stays.
Giving honor to Guslander’s memory, a birthday cake was presented, as was a tribute by David Scott.
David and Eileen Canoles, of Canyon Park, Calif., who got married 37 years ago at Coco Palms, said they had heard about the event while visiting and were thrilled to find out about it. On hand as well were volunteers from the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i, overseeing the silent auction.
Hovey and Judy Corbin, of New Mexico, said they had been coming to Kaua‘i since 1976, and remember the Coco Palms torch-lighting ceremonies from back in the day.
Benton Bejach and wife Wan Lyn, who come to Kaua‘i three times a year, were loving the event, they said.
See http://www.kauaihistoricalsociety.org to learn more about the event or look into the Kaua‘i Historical Society.
