Paradise in Peril: Faith Bonds Offer Support in Utah

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The Journey of the Kanae Family: From Hawaii to Utah and Back

Hawaii has long been a place of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. However, for some families, life in the Aloha State can be challenging—especially when it comes to financial stability, healthcare access, or personal aspirations. For the Kanae family, their journey from Hawaii to Utah was driven by a mix of faith, family, and necessity. Yet, their story is far more complex than a simple relocation.

A Move Rooted in Faith and Family

Quinton and Robyn Kanae, originally from Waialua on Oahu’s North Shore, made the decision to move to Utah six years ago. Their initial reason was to prepare their son for his Mormon mission. “We didn’t find a place yet. No job was established or anything like that. We just got impression that we should just come out here,” Robyn said. This move was not planned extensively, but it was guided by a deep sense of purpose and belief.

The family eventually made Utah their permanent home, partly because their daughter, who was living independently, needed support. “It was easier for her to live without financial struggles,” Quinton explained. However, this decision came with its own set of challenges, especially for Quinton, who felt a growing longing for the ocean and the lifestyle he had known since childhood.

Longing for Home

“I missed the ocean,” Quinton said. “I just felt like I didn’t want to disconnect from what I grew up doing.” He and Robyn had planned to return to Hawaii earlier this year, hoping to reconnect with their roots and the environment they loved. But fate had other plans.

In January 2025, both Robyn and Quinton received cancer diagnoses within a week of each other. Robyn was diagnosed with breast cancer, while Quinton faced stage 3 oral cancer. These diagnoses changed everything for the family. They quickly realized that Utah offered better access to medical care, making it easier to manage their treatment and appointments. As a result, their plans to return to Hawaii were put on hold.

Navigating Medical Challenges

Today, Robyn continues with her treatment, showing resilience and strength. Meanwhile, Quinton has chosen a different path, focusing on quality of life through homeopathy. Despite the difficult road ahead, the couple remains hopeful. “We have faith in a miracle,” Robyn said.

Their journey highlights the importance of community, faith, and adaptability. While the Kanaes are currently staying in Utah for medical reasons, they are also working to raise funds through a GoFundMe campaign. The goal is to return to Hawaii, where they can “decompress” near the ocean with their family and regain a sense of normalcy.

The Role of Community and Connection

Utah has a significant population of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and Polynesians make up a notable portion of that community. This connection has helped many transplants, especially those with ties to Brigham Young University in Provo or BYU Hawaii in Laie. Puni Sanchez, another transplant from the Big Island, shared how being part of an LDS community in Utah has provided a strong social foundation.

For the Kanaes, their experience reflects the broader trend of people moving for religious, familial, or economic reasons. However, their story also underscores the emotional and physical toll that such decisions can take, especially when unexpected health challenges arise.

Looking Ahead

As the Kanaes continue their fight against cancer, they remain committed to their dream of returning to Hawaii. Their journey is a testament to the power of hope, the importance of community, and the enduring bond between family and home. Whether they ultimately make it back to the islands or not, their story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that define so many lives.