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?