Your Stay at This Hawaiian Glamping Dome Will Feel Like Royalty Camping Under the Stars
I’ve lived on Oahu for 15 years, explored every island’s hidden corners, and slept in everything from beachside hammocks to five-star resorts. But nothing prepared me for Keola Retreat. Tucked in Naalehu – the southernmost town in the U.S. – this geodesic dome redefines “getting away from it all.”
After three nights there, I’m convinced it’s Hawaii’s best-kept glamping secret. Let me show you why—and how to experience it for yourself.
What Makes Keola Retreat Unlike Anywhere Else
Most glamping spots promise nature and luxury. Keola delivers both without the crowds or canned resort vibes. The dome sits on a quiet 5-acre property at 1,800 feet elevation, surrounded by native forest and family-owned farms. You’re off-grid but never uncomfortable: solar power fuels USB ports and lights, propane heats the outdoor shower, and the queen bed rivals hotel-quality mattresses.
The Big Win: That outdoor bathtub. Soaking under the stars with a glass of wine, listening to distant roosters and rustling leaves—it’s the kind of moment that sticks with you. One guest review put it perfectly: “I’ve stayed in $1,000/night resorts, but this? This is magic.”
A Closer Look at the Dome (And Why It Works)
Let’s break down what you’re paying for:
- Sleeps 2-4 (Dome Two has a loft with a second queen bed)
- Full bathroom with hot water (!)
- Outdoor kitchen with propane stove, mini-fridge, and basic cookware
- No WiFi, but strong cell service for Verizon/AT&T
- 10-minute drive to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Pro Tip: Pack layers. Nights dip into the 50s, and rain showers roll in fast. I regretted not bringing thicker socks.
My Raw Experience: The Good, The Chilly, The Unforgettable
Night 1: Arrived at sunset. The dome’s string lights glowed like fireflies. Host Ilya left a s’mores kit—classy touch. Bathtub soaker’s confession: I stayed in until the water turned cold.
Morning 2: Woke to roosters (bring earplugs). Made Kona coffee with the Aeropress. Drove 45 minutes to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park—worth every second.
Night 3: Rain hammered the dome. Felt like a kid in a treehouse. Played board games by lantern light.
The Catch: Tiny fridge. We overbought groceries and had to Tetris them in.
Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Book Keola
Perfect For:
- Couples wanting privacy + adventure
- Solo travelers recharging
- Photographers (golden hour here is unreal)
Skip If:
- You need AC, hair dryers, or room service
- Rain ruins your mood (it’s a rainforest, folks)
How to Book—And Alternatives If It’s Sold Out
Keola’s domes book fast. Check Hipcamp or Airbnb for availability.
Other Great Hawaii Glamping Spots on Booking Platforms:
- Camp Olowalu (Vrbo) – Beachfront tentalows on Maui
- Spacious Dome Tent – Oahu #3 (Booking.com) – 5-meter dome near Polynesian Cultural Center
- Kula Star Dome (Booking.com) – Maui stargazing hideout with loft net
Final Take: Is Keola Worth It?
If you want Disneyfied Hawaii? No. If you want to fall asleep to frogs, wake to misty mountains, and feel miles from anything? Absolutely. At $250/night (including taxes), it’s cheaper than most Waikiki hotels—and infinitely more memorable.
One Last Thing: Talk to Ilya. He knows every hidden beach and lava tube within an hour’s drive. That local intel? Priceless.
Your Turn: Ever tried glamping in Hawaii? Would you pick a dome over a resort? Hit reply—I read every email.
