"Even before the devastating August 2023 Lahaina wildfires, Maui County was steadily losing residents to other states. Many of my classmates and friends who left the island for college haven't returned, deterred by the higher cost of living and lack of job opportunities."
"Whereas on the mainland, you can live in a newly renovated apartment or home that prioritizes quality and amenities, for a fraction of the cost of living in Maui."
"Since the fires, those challenges have intensified. An already strained housing supply has tightened further, while Maui's economy has yet to fully recover, making it even harder for residents to stay or return."
Hawaii has experienced a population decline since the 2020 census, losing over 22,000 residents by 2025. Maui County's population fell significantly after the Lahaina wildfires, dropping from 164,022 in 2023 to 160,592 in 2025. This represents a 2.1% decrease, with more than 1,600 residents leaving between 2024 and 2025. The high cost of living and limited job opportunities have driven many residents to seek better conditions on the mainland, exacerbated by the housing crisis following the wildfires.
Read at SFGATE
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