Priced Out of Paradise

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 that delves into the exodus of Hawaii families to the continent and ongoing eff...

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 makin...