Priced Out of Paradise: Hawaii to Utah

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands head explains 2025 spike in housing awards

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands awarded approximately 2,600 homesteads in 2025, a dramatic increase from 84 awards in the previous year, despite maintaining a wait list of more than 29,000 beneficiaries. DHHL director Kali Watson explains why. This podcast is part of HNN’s Priced Out of Paradise series [https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/priced-out/] that delves into the exodus of Hawaii families to the continent and ongoing efforts to keep them in the islands.

Priced Out of Paradise: Hawaii to Utah

Thousands of Hawaii families have relocated to Utah, driven by the state’s high cost of living, but maintain strong cultural connections through businesses, religious networks and community organizations. Another draw to Utah is the Mormon church headquarters. About half of Utah’s population identifies as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Polynesians making up a significant portion of that membership. Back in Hawaii, efforts to address the housing crisis that drove families away are showing results. Could more locals now be priced back into paradise than out of it?