Mahinui Tree House Weekend

A few years ago I happened to catch a snippet about an incredible tree house in Hawaii on MTV's Extreme Cribs. I was so enraptured that soon thereafter, I emailed the owner to find out more. Unfortunately, I learned that not only was it a bit out of our price range, but that Ryan was also a little too young to safely stay there (I think he was about 2-3 at the time). Since I wanted to wait until Ryan was old enough to come with us, I forced myself to try and forget about it for a few years. But it was hard- every so often reminders would pop up...like this article in Ke Ola magazine.

Earlier this year when Rich asked me where I wanted to travel to this year, I mentioned the tree house still being on the bucket list. And so last weekend, Rich indulged the family by booking two nights at the tree house for our 16th wedding anniversary...which coincidentally, happened to be a week or two after Ryan turned five (the recommended minimum age).

So last Saturday we excitedly spent three wet, misty days at the Volcano (after required stops in Punalu'u each way to get guava/passion fruit malasadas with lilikoi glaze) and this is the beauty that awaited us...

The entry way to the path that leads up to the tree house

The owners diligently planted bromeliads and orchids atop hapu'u ferns and 'ohia trees everywhere

At the end of the path, you ascend a pile of stacked lava rocks and these ladder-like stairs

The two-story tree house

The front deck and sunken cedar wood hot tub (which reminded me of an old Japanese o-furo tub)

The fully stocked kitchen thoughtfully included 100% Kona Coffee and a French press that we learned how to use while there. PS- I was in love with the front door's viewing window and now must have one...I've asked Rich to see if he and a friend can build one for our new house. PS- Found out I'm getting a great birthday present...we get to move into that new house on August 1st!

This ladder leads upstairs to the bedroom

Ryan learned how to play Chinese checkers while we were there!

I had visions of dining on fresh fruit for breakfast in the morning sitting out here while listening to the birds chirping (which never happened because of the constant rain, but it is a testament to the overwhelming solitude of the place that failing to be able to do this never bothered me).

I loved the custom stained glass showcasing the native flora of our island

The bedroom deck

I feel almost silly admitting this, because it's just a shower after all...but my first shower there was one of those incredibly moving and beautiful life experiences that I'll never forget. I could hear birds singing, raindrops falling...and saw only lush, gorgeous rain forest foliage in every direction. I'm officially in love with the concept of outdoor bathing now...I swear, the water pouring down on you amidst such beauty and solitude just melts the stresses of the day away.

Our first meal in our warm, cozy temporary little home

We took four good long soaks while we were there...every one of them in the rain.  :-)

Playing Candy Land by the fire

Perhaps what makes this place so fascinating is that it is completely off the grid. There's no tv, phone, county water/electric or plumbing. The water was all unfiltered rainwater (potable water was provided for drinking/cooking). We had solar-heated water, an initially very unnerving composting toilet (amazingly odor-free despite the only 'flushing' being a scoop of dirt after each use), a generator for lighting, and propane to stay warm, cook and soak in the hot tub. If Armageddon strikes tomorrow...that tree house is a pretty great place to be.

My friend Heidi and I half joke all the time about getting a piece of land, using catchment water, planting an abundant garden, getting a few farm animals and using solar/PV power to live totally off the grid. However, where my plan probably deviates from hers is that I would also be snoring on my porch hammock (in denim coveralls of course) with hens darting around under me while others did the actual farm work. Now THAT would be the dream. ;-)