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Couple Trades Rent for Resilience on Big Island
9 Nov
Summary
- Couple built an off-grid home on Hawaii's Big Island after leaving New York.
- They manage their own power, water, and face challenges of limited space.
- Despite hardships, the decision has provided independence and resilience.
In 2021, Ellie Rose Staub, 25, and her fiancé relocated to Hawaii's Big Island, embarking on an off-grid lifestyle. They purchased a forested property with a small shack for approximately $70,000, transforming it into their home. This venture marked a significant departure from their previous life in upstate New York, driven by a desire for independence and financial freedom.
The couple's home operates without city water or electricity, relying on solar panels and batteries for power, with a generator as backup. Rainwater is collected for household use, and drinking water is brought in separately. Cooking is primarily done on a propane stove.
Living remotely means their nearest town is a 45-minute drive, requiring weekly trips for groceries and regular excursions for fuel, water, and trash disposal. The small living space presents constant challenges with storage and cleanliness. They also lack modern amenities like air conditioning, insulation, or heating, requiring adjustments to Hawaii's climate.
Staub notes that prolonged dry spells necessitate water conservation, while heavy storms can impact solar power and internet connectivity. The absence of cell service on their property means losing internet access often requires driving elsewhere. Despite these hurdles, Staub views the experience as invaluable, fostering independence and resilience.
Sharing their off-grid life online has helped Staub overcome initial embarrassment and fear of judgment. She finds genuine interest from others has made her more comfortable with her unconventional home. Financially, the absence of rent and utility bills provides significant freedom, which she believes outweighs the negatives.
While the long-term commitment to off-grid living remains uncertain, especially if they start a family, Staub expressed deep satisfaction with their current life. She stated, "I would make the decision again 100 times over because of how much I have learned and because of the person it shaped me to be."
