Offbeat America Season 3 Episode 3 Hawaiian Hobbit House and More
- April 16, 2006
- 21 min
Offbeat America season 3 episode 3 titled "Hawaiian Hobbit House and More" takes us on an adventurous journey through some of the most unique and out of the box homes in Hawaii. Hosted by John Feffer, this episode showcases a blend of creativity, inspiration, and innovation in contemporary architecture.
The episode kicks off with a visit to Kim Skaflestad's Hobbit House, a quirky abode nestled on the slopes of Haleakala, Maui. As the name suggests, the house takes its design inspiration from Tolkien's Middle-Earth, complete with round doors, a curved roof, and natural stone walls. Kim talks about how she built the house with her own hands and used recycled materials to reduce her environmental footprint.
Next up is a stop at Kristie Wolfe's "Mahalo Tiny Home." Kristie designed and built this tiny home on the island of Hawaii for under $15,000. The home is compact but comes equipped with all the necessary amenities, including a full kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping loft. Kristie talks about her inspiration for tiny home living, her journey to building the home, and the challenges she faced along the way.
The show then takes us to the Puna District of Hawaii, where we visit the blue-domed "Starship House" designed by entrepreneur and engineer Gabriel Novak. The unique dome structure is powered entirely by solar power and features a rainwater catchment system. Gabriel gives John a tour of the house and explains how his vision for a sustainable off-grid living space came to life.
Moving on, the show heads to the lush green hills of Kauai to visit a unique dome-shaped treehouse called "The Nest." The home's owner, Moneik, tells the story of how she discovered this magical property, built the treehouse, and started hosting guests. The dome has a triangular layout and includes a kitchenette, bathroom, and outdoor shower. Moneik talks about how the house has become a popular destination for eco-tourists looking for an off-the-grid experience in nature.
Finally, the episode ends with a visit to a unique property called the "Mango Treehouse" in Haiku, Maui. The house is perched high in a mango tree and features an open-air living space with stunning views of the lush jungle landscape surrounding it. Owners Rebecca and David tell the story of how they transformed a simple treehouse into a luxurious living space with all the modern amenities without harming the tree. The couple also talks about the challenges of living in a treehouse, including keeping out insects and weathering the weather.
Overall, Offbeat America season 3 episode 3 takes us on a fascinating journey through Hawaii's most unique homes, showcasing the creativity, ingenuity, and sustainability of their owners. From Hobbit Houses to treehouses, the show highlights the beauty of living in harmony with nature and finding inspiration in unexpected places.