Woman builds her incredible treehouse on a microbudget, and the result is truly impressive

A unique home builder who has created amazing tiny homes in various locations found a piece of land in Hawaii, where she built an incredible treehouse on a microbudget.

Kristie Wolfe has redefined what it means to build a home. Since 2014, she has been designing one-of-a-kind Airbnb rentals full-time, creating spaces as imaginative as they are inviting.

Among her standout projects are a hobbit hole in Washington, a remodeled fire lookout in Idaho, a six-ton potato-turned-hotel in Boise, and even a shipwreck-inspired house in Salmon, Idaho.

“My goal is to create spaces where people can disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves,” Kristie, the unique home builder, says.

Now, Kristie is showcasing her first-ever project: the Big Island Treehouse in Hawaii.

From idea to reality: The Big Island Treehouse

Kristie had always dreamed of building a treehouse. Despite never visiting the state before, she decided Hawaii would be the perfect location.

After finding a remote lot for $8,000 near Volcano National Park, she purchased it sight unseen.

“It was a risk,” she admits, “but one I was willing to take.”

The property, surrounded by lush rainforest, offers a serene escape far from the bustling tourist spots.

“It’s a perfect off-grid environment,” she said, explaining that the temperature stays around 80 degrees year-round, plenty of rain for water collection, and enough sun for solar power.

The incredible treehouse is a modest 230 square feet, featuring a wraparound lanai. While Kristie initially wanted the structure to appear as if it were floating, she had to adapt her design.

“I couldn’t find beams thick enough in Hawaii for what I envisioned, so I built sturdy corner supports instead,” the unique home builder recalls.

Crafting an off-grid escape

Kristie’s creativity shines in the details of her incredible treehouse.

The project cost $11,000 to build, with an additional $4,000 spent on travel and living expenses during construction. The land was paid off over three years.

Nestled at the end of a winding red cinder path, the treehouse stands out with its solar-powered lights, hanging plants, and a trampoline-turned-hanging bed.

She even added a pulley system for guests to hoist their luggage to the upper level.

Inside, the space is designed to feel open and inviting. The bedroom, surrounded by windows, offers stunning views of the rainforest.

“Most guests are honeymooners,” Kristie says. “The natural light creates a magical atmosphere, and the privacy is unbeatable.”

The kitchenette is simple yet functional, featuring a sink, a cooler, and a coffee setup. Wolfe repurposed materials to create a sliding door, adding branches for a unique touch.

Innovative bathroom design

The bathroom is a testament to Kristie’s ingenuity.

The toilet, equipped with a bamboo faucet, saves water using the sink runoff to refill the tank.

The shower features slatted windows that can be opened to let in the rain, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature.

The unique home builder used tundra cork bark to tile the shower to bring a tree-like element into the space.

Though not initially intended for wet areas, the material has held up well, requiring only minor repairs.

“The oversized showerhead makes you feel like you’re showering in the rain,” she adds.

A passion for sharing unique spaces

Kristie’s inspiration comes from her modest upbringing and a desire to share her creations.

“Owning a house in a faraway place that just sits empty doesn’t appeal to me,” she explains.

“I love that I can share these experiences with people from all over the world.”

While each of her builds is distinct, Kristie refuses to pick a favorite.

“Whichever one I’m at always feels like my favorite,” she says with a smile. “But they all have something special about them.”

Looking ahead, she plans to continue building for as long as it brings her joy.

“Right now, it’s incredibly fulfilling,” Kristie says. “As long as it stays fun, I’ll keep creating.”

With her boundless imagination and resourceful approach, Kristie Wolfe has carved out a niche in the world of unique vacation rentals, offering guests an unforgettable escape into creativity and nature.

Take a quick tour inside the Big Island Treehouse, built by unique home builder Kristie Wolfe:

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