What Are Yurts of Hawaii?

Yurts Are Climate Compatible

• Yurts are made of interlaced wooden beams so they move with the Hawaiian weather. They can withstand hurricane winds and earthquakes because they're flexible. The walls are made of mold-resistant cloth that can be replaced if damaged. Yurts are often built on wooden platforms and can be dismantled quickly. This is a desirable feature for anyone building in a potential lava zone.

Yurts Benefit Tourists and Homeowners

• Building space on the Hawaiian islands is limited. Yurts are a cost-effective alternative to building hotels and homes. They are also eco-friendly. Yurts attract eco-travelers or tourists looking for a cheaper alternative to hotels. Yurts provide housing for native Hawaiians and tourists alike when building permits are unavailable. The added benefit is that tourists staying in yurts have a better experience of Hawaii's natural beauty than those staying in hotels.

Yurts Are All-Purpose

• Yurts are all-purpose structures. They can be as simple as a room for a hot tub and as complicated as a finished house with plumbing and electricity. Yurts are built to your liking and many details are customizable including windows, doors, walls, rooms and beams. They can be used as a guesthouse or as a storage facility. Yurts can be taken down and transported if you ever decide to move. They can also be used as studios, vacation homes and rental units.

Yurts Are Inexpensive

• As of February 2011, a yurt can be built in Hawaii for $6,000-$20,000, depending on the size and features. The price is considerably less than buying a house and an attractive alternative to paying monthly rent. Yurts are a recognized form of housing by the Hawaiian government and permits are required for building.