TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Even in Hawaii palm trees do not always grow just where they are needed for filming purposes, which is why six artificial and portable coconut palms were imported from Hollywood for the production of “Blue Hawaii.”wenty feet high, made of hollow steel, plastic and rubber, the palms can be moved wherever needed. It was cheaper to make them at Paramount Studios and ship them over than to buy real ones and keep them looking fresh.
Despite the fact that the Hollywood imports fool even the birds who try to nest in them, the natives observing the importation of ‘coals to Newcastle,’ look at the malihinis (newcomers) and murmur to one another: “Popule!” which, roughly translated means “Are they crazy or something?”
Elvis Monthly, July 1961
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75T6kkXDqOA