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HONORING A LEGACY
REVIVING THE SPIRIT OF COCO PALMS
Nestled on the eastern shores of Kauai, the Coco Palms Resort was more than just a hotel; it was a living tapestry of Hawaiian culture and Hollywood glamour. Established in 1953 by Lyle Guslander, the resort blossomed under the visionary management of Grace Buscher, who infused it with authentic Hawaiian traditions and a unique sense of place.
Now, over 30 years after its closure, the opportunity to restore Coco Palms
is not just about rebuilding—it’s about reviving its soul, with the respect and authenticity it deserves. As such, the art will play a crucial part in this.
Longtime Hawaii resident, artist and director, Thomas Christian Wolfe, has spent decades immersed in Hawaii's culture, earning the trust of revered Kahunas, Kumu Hulas, and key leaders across the islands. Wolfe’s bespoke art and mural company, Decora International. is uniquely positioned to honor this sacred legacy—from the position of understanding Hawaii's heart and soul on the deepest level.
Through in-depth collaboration with local historians, artists, cultural leaders, and advisors, Wolfe and his expert team have the expertise to weave the essence of Kauai into every element they create. This restoration is more than a visual endeavor—it is a reverent tribute to history, a bridge between past and future, ensuring that the rebirth of Coco Palms remains a source of pride for Hawaiians for generations to come.
ABOVE: "Maui, the Hawaiian Demigod" by T. Christian Wolfe - circa 1988
Introducing Decora International Founder & Director:
Thomas Christian Wolfe
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ABOVE: Thomas Christian Wolfe's "Maui, the Hawaiian Demigod" - circa 1988
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Thomas Christian Wolfe, founder and director of Decora International, is a distinguished artist renowned for his deep cultural reverence and masterful storytelling through art. With over fifty years of experience, including three decades of residency in Hawaii, (specifically the island of Kauai), his work has earned the trust of respected cultural leaders, government officials, and institutions.
Wolfe’s artistic journey in the islands began with his acclaimed portrayal of Maui, the Hawaiian Demigod,—establishing him as one of the foremost portrayers of Polynesian mythology. His large-scale murals, bespoke commissions, and immersive art experiences—such as Mo‘olelo: The Journey that Became a Legend—reflect his dedication to preserving cultural narratives with historical accuracy and artistic excellence.
Beyond Hawaii, Wolfe’s expertise extends to international hospitality and private commissions, where his adaptability to diverse artistic styles has attracted elite clients, including Christie's for a Roman-inspired estate, as well as many prestigious museums. His foundation in classical technique and commercial artistry allows him to seamlessly merge historical authenticity with contemporary luxury. His epic-scale, culturally significant works are often described as classical, epic, visionary, and unforgettable.
The following is a DECORA INTERNATIONAL art vision presentation
KAUAI, HAWAII
Developers: Reef Capital Partners
Project Director: Jon Day
Architect: Agor Architect LLC
Interior Design: Philpotts Interiors
Christian Wolfe
Creative Director
Erin Kennedy
Senior Art Advisor
Honoring the Legacy of Coco Palms Through Art
Art will play a pivotal role in preserving the integrity and rich heritage of Coco Palms Resort, ensuring its revival stays true to its storied past. Each wing of the hotel—whether the Bird Wing, Frog Wing, or Lily Pad Pond Wing—was originally designed with a distinct thematic identity, a tradition that Decora will honor through bespoke artwork that reflects the spirit of each space. Central to this vision is the restoration and reimagining of key public murals, most notably The Queen’s Audience epic-scale mural, which embodies the cultural soul of the resort. Through meticulous artistry and historical reverence, Decora’s work will not only guaranteed to restore Coco Palms’ legendary essence back to life - but elevate it to an even greater level, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire for generations to come.
"Thomas Christian Wolfe's art has universal appeal."
Ron Yamakawa / The Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
The following are descriptions and samples of what Christian Wolfe and his team at Decora International propose for the various art needs of this auspicious project. The Queen's Audience mural is of key interest to us due to the intention needed in recreating this cultural treasure. These carefully curated examples of Decora’s artistic vision are designed to honor Coco Palms' heritage while elevating its visual storytelling to entirely new heights.
The Queen's Audience Mural
Queen Deborah Kapule envisioned a Hawaii that welcomes all cultures with open arms—a message that must be preserved in the renewed mural. When crafted with intention, murals become powerful storytellers, offering a vivid portal into the depth and beauty of ancient Hawaiian culture.
Christian Wolfe is committed to deeply researching Hawaii’s authentic past, ensuring an accurate and rich portrayal. His approach—executing the mural in the tradition of classical European masterworks—will elevate it beyond a hotel centerpiece, transforming it into a lasting cultural treasure for all of Hawaii.
To ensure the highest level of accuracy and cultural integrity, Wolfe is working under the direct guidance of Hawaii's most revered historians, Kahunas, and Kumu hulas. Every details will be informed by their wisdom, ensuring a work that is both historically precise and spiritually resonant. Models will be carefully selected to embody the authentic Hawaiian look, ensuring that every figure, along with the artifacts and attire, reflects the true essence of the era. At the heart of the composition, Queen Kapule will stand as the central figure, offering her blessing to the people—a timeless symbol of Aloha, unity, and the enduring spirit of Hawaii.
"Thomas Christian Wolfe's work is impeccable."
Chris Hemmeter / Hyatt Regency Maui
BELOW: The original mural in the Queen's Audience Hall, pre-Hurricane Iniki, circa 1992.
click on images to
enlarge or reduce
From the artist and director ...
Mural-making has been one of my greatest passions, which evolved to curating and directing. In 1982 I founded an international mural company, The MASTERWORKS: Atelier des Beaux Arts, whereby I spent over three decades refining techniques that achieve European museum-level mastery in mural-making, while also meeting the rigorous timelines of museums and large-scale public projects.
My 30 years in Hawaii deepen my commitment to restoring the Queen’s Audience Hall mural. With the guidance of Hawaii’s foremost authorities, my goal is not just to revive this historic artwork but to elevate it into a true cultural treasure—one that offers a vivid portal into ancient Hawaiian life. This mural should do more than depict history; it should immerse viewers in the rich emotions, attire, and artifacts of the era, ensuring it resonates with all of Hawaii.
Kauaʻi’s ʻāina is breathtaking, and its people just as profound. This work must honor their legacy—not merely as a hotel feature but as a tribute to the culture and soul of Hawaii itself.
Click on images to enlarge.
RIGHT: A sketch of a design concept for the mid-background Kauai scene.
BELOW: An in-progress sketch of one foreground figure of a trio of "Lei-Makers" sitting on the beach.
The myriad figures featured in this epic-scale scene will serve as a vivid portal into ancient Hawaii. Using authentic Hawaiian models is essential, but just as crucial is directing them to fully embody the depth of emotion in their actions.
Once the design is approved, the execution must align seamlessly with the mural’s subject and message. I propose
a style reminiscent of Lord Leighton’s Captive Andromache—highly realistic and richly detailed, yet imbued with an ethnic painterly stylization that enhances its authenticity and depth. (see below)
As seen in the example below—placed within an actual room of a similar size—the mural’s life-sized figures will not
only decoratively enhance the Queen’s Audience Hall but also create the illusion of the space opening into a living, breathing scene. This transformation elevates the mural beyond mere decoration, making it an immersive extension
of the world beyond the hotel walls. This work can become a destination in itself, drawing visitors to the hotel just to experience it.
BELOW: A suggested style of execution to apply to the finished designs of the Queen's Audience Hall mural.
The Queen’s Audience Mural: A Legacy Reimagined
The original large-scale mural of Queen Deborah Kapule in the Queen’s Audience Hall was more than just a work of art—it was the soul of Coco Palms, embodying its role as not just a destination, but as a gathering place. Restoring and reimagining this masterpiece is central to preserving that legacy. Through Decora’s expertise, the new mural would not only honor its historic significance but elevate its storytelling and execution to an even greater level. With deeper narrative elements and masterful artistry, this mural could once again serve as a cultural treasure—drawing people from around the world to experience its power and presence firsthand.
"Decora delivers a whole new level of hotel art."
Top Hotel Projects
A Celebration of Nature:
Art for the Hotel’s Themed Wings
Beyond the Queen’s Audience Hall mural, the hotel’s individual wings will each be adorned with art that reflects their distinct themes—whether the elegance of tropical flowers, the serenity of lily pads, the playful spirit of frogs, or the vibrant life of native birds. Each piece will be thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with its setting, enhancing the ambiance while paying homage to Hawaii’s rich natural beauty.
Below are a few samples of how we can align the art to a specific theme while complementing the overall ambience and spirit of this classic, richly detailed Hawaiiana hotel. The artistic direction is limitless—ranging from vintage photography to ethnic-inspired styles—each offering a unique way to bring the hotel’s vision to life.
Click on images to enlarge.
RIGHT: "Gardenias" ~
From Decora's "Eufloria" series
(high-realism floral paintings).
BELOW: "Leapin' Lilies" ~
A vintage style for the Frog Wing.
A variety of artistic styles can be explored to complement this island-inspired hotel—from vintage photography and Kauaian nature imagery to Polynesian woodblock Tiki designs. Our passion is to collaborate closely with the designers to craft the perfect aesthetic, evoking the nostalgia of one of Hollywood’s most iconic destination hotels during its Golden Age.
With every brushstroke and carefully curated piece, this art will do more than decorate—it will tell the story of Hawaii’s deep cultural roots, its breathtaking natural beauty, and the spirit of Aloha that makes this place so special. Whether through the grandeur of the Queen’s Audience Hall mural or the thoughtful artwork enriching each themed wing of the hotel, every detail will contribute to an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Thank you for your invaluable time to view this presentation ... and please know we are here to help in any manner needed to assist in your designing of this iconic hotel.
~ T. Christian Wolfe / Director of Decora International
Authentic "Lauhala" Elegance
A Modern Approach to Tradition
~ Ceiling Decor Solution ~
To honor the rich cultural heritage of Coco Palms while meeting modern safety and durability standards, our design team will craft a stunning, photorealistic Lauhala mat pattern, digitally recreated and printed on fire-resistant fabric. This high-fidelity reproduction will capture the intricate weave, organic textures, and warmth of traditional Lauhala, offering the authentic look of handwoven craftsmanship without the practical limitations. Scaled to perfection for optimal visual impact from any vantage point, the design can be customized in both pattern and tone to seamlessly align with the aesthetic vision of the space.
Click on inset samples below to enlarge.
Thank you for taking the time to explore our vision for this extraordinary and culturally significant project. What you’ve seen here represents just a glimpse of the creative possibilities—we have an abundance of ideas ready to be tailored with care and reverence for this legendary destination.
We would be honored to contribute to the rebirth of Coco Palms and look
forward to the opportunity to discuss this vision further with you.
Mahalo nui loa!
ENDORSEMENTS
Puna Kalama Dawson
Internationally honored elder and record keeper of Hawaiian culture and history.
Ron Yamakawa
Manager of the Art in Public Places and former assistant art curator of The SFCA.
Jim Edmonds
Founder and principle broker of Emerald Isle Properties and founder of PAL, Kauai.
Serge Kahili King Ph.D.
Doctorate in psychology and authority on Hawaiian culture, Huna, and ancient Hawaii.
Lorilani Keohokalol-Torio
Honored Hawaiian culture elder and record keeper of the family of Queen Kapule.
Felicia Cowden
Kaua'i County Councilmember, dedicated to putting the Kaua'i people first.
Frank Hewett
Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett is the kumu hula
of Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuolani Pa Olapa Kahiko
Federica Stelli
Top Hotel Projects', Luxury Hotel Construction Data and Leads Manager.
Avery Chumbley
Former Hawaii Senator and Maui State Representative
Marianne Kusaka
Former Kauai Mayor and currently president
of the board of directors of the Kauai Museum.
John David Waihe'e III
American politician who served as the fourth governor of Hawaii.
Hermina Morita
Advisor for Hawaii State and Former member of Hawaii House of Representatives.
And Many More
BELOW: Wolfe's oil on canvas "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" circa 1990. Honolulu Museum of Art.
"Wolfe is a modern-day master for modern-day Medicis."
Jim Edmonds, Principal Broker, Emerald Isle Properties, Kauai
BELOW: Wolfe's watercolor sketch for the ancient Kauai "Valley of the Gods" series.
"Thomas Christian Wolfe's presentation is outstanding."
Chris Hemmeter, Hyatt Destination Resorts Pioneer
BELOW: Wolfe's creation of the in-home theater of the Christie's estate ~ (interior design and murals).
