Yurt Living in Hawaii

Hotels, tent camping, timeshare resorts. Once the destination is decided, one of the first things on the list when planning any honeymoon or vacation is finding the right housing and transportation. The two of us have stayed in all of the above, but for our honeymoon we wanted something different and special.

Now, like most couples, we each had our list of important factors. Jay likes to avoid the typical tourist locations and stay somewhere rustic...like the ground. I (Nannette) require a kitchen, bed and bathroom for a long-term stay. Plus it's our honeymoon...so...I win! Thankfully, there are options our there that allow us to compromise easily and stay somewhere fun, unique, and cost-effective.

Typically, we book our place last-minute and take what we can get. This time, we planned ahead (applause!) and were rewarded for our forethought with the best of all worlds, and what I still refer to as "our yurt". 

 Yurts are portable/semi-permanent structures that originated in Central Asia at least 3000 years ago. These tent-like structures are circular and typically made of expandable wood frames covered in felt, skins, or bent natural materials. Western countries have adopted and adapted the yurt idea in the last 40 years or so and have become extremely popular in the moderate, tropical climate of Hawaii.

Most of the yurts in Hawaii are built on platforms or decks They can be as bare bones as a tent or as complete as a fully functioning house. Jay had stayed in one of the more rustic versions and I have always wanted to stay in a yurt. But my list called for electricity and plumbing...not easy to find on our budget! God of course took care of us and led us to one of the nicest and most unexpected blessings.



Mike and Laura Kelley live on a beautiful piece of property in south Captain Cook, Hawaii overlooking the ocean. The original owners lived out of the yurt as they built the main house. Much to our enjoyment, by the time we stayed in the Kelley's yurt, it was complete with a kitchenette, full bath, lights, a king bed and even a hot tub, making it the perfect start to our honeymoon! The Kelley's were a blessing as well, letting us pick the fruit growing on the property, having dinner with us, and even taking Jay diving. They really were the perfect hosts and we are so thankful for that leg of our adventure!

*Yurt history information was gathered from Wikipedia. If you are interested in renting this yurt, get in touch with us and we will point you in the right direction.