In this paper, the characteristics and potential removal of direct yellow ARLE (DYA) dye by using coconut palm shell-based activated carbon (CPS-AC) were assessed. Both kinetic and equilibrium experimental data were obtained from a series of DYA dye sorption experiments. All the sorption experiments were performed in closed batch system under constant temperature and stirring speed, at the predetermined pH of initial solution. The kinetic mathematical models of pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich and intra-particle diffusion model were used in order to better interpret the adsorption kinetics phenomenon. Equilibrium data were described by applying the isotherm models of Langmuir, Freundlich, Tóth, Sips and Khan. The best description of DYA sorption equilibrium data was achieved for the Langmuir isotherm model, reaching a maximum adsorption capacity of 100 mg·g^-1. Finally, the DYA dye adsorption functional groups characterizations were successfully accomplished and the results elucidated the most important groups linked with CPS-AC surface where molecular interactions could occur. Hence, the quantitative evaluation of equilibrium and kinetic experiments of adsorption process have demonstrated that the CPS-AC adsorbent was a promising high effective adsorbent and its potential can be successfully used for DYA dye removal.