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- In our 50s, we moved to a remote Pacific island. We know we’ll need better healthcare someday, but for now, it’s paradise. (businessinsider.com)
Trading Maui for Micronesia: A Couple’s Pursuit of Paradise
Buz Moffett, 63, first experienced the magic of Pohnpei, Micronesia, during a 2006 surfing trip. Captivated by the island’s beauty, friendly locals, and world-class waves, he returned almost every other year, eventually introducing his wife, Liz, to his newfound haven. In 2017, Liz declared, “I could live here,” sparking a life-altering decision.
The Moffetts, seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of their lives in Hawaii, were ready for a change. Buz, a real estate professional, longed for the tranquility of Maui’s bygone era.
While Molokai was considered, Liz worried about its proximity to Maui and Buz’s tendency to stay connected to work. Pohnpei, an eight-hour flight from Honolulu, offered the perfect distance and a fresh start.
Through a friend’s connection, they secured a two-bedroom oceanfront home for $1,500 a month without even seeing a picture. The gamble paid off. Their landlords welcomed them like family, and aside from a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, Pohnpei has been their home ever since.
Life in Pohnpei is a fulfilling blend of relaxation and activity. Buz’s days are filled with fishing, his newfound passion, and smoking fish, a hobby that has earned him the moniker “the old man with the big beard who gives away smoked fish.” Liz, a talented cook, prepares meals with ingredients from the local markets, adapting to the bi-weekly supply ship schedule that sometimes limits access to fresh produce.
The Moffetts have embraced the island community, joining the local fishing club and forging friendships with the initially shy but ultimately warm residents. They’ve adapted to the unique challenges of island life, including limited access to specialized healthcare, relying on visiting vets from Guam for their three rescue dogs and a tabby cat. Serious medical needs require travel to Guam, the Philippines, or even Hawaii.
Despite these challenges, the couple is content. They cherish their quiet life, filled with simple pleasures and genuine connections. Regular trips back to the US maintain ties with family and friends, but Pohnpei, their “little slice of paradise,” remains their sanctuary, at least for the next decade, or until more readily available medical care becomes a necessity.