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A New Chapter in Pohnpei
Buz Moffett and his wife, Liz, made the decision to move from Hawaii to Pohnpei in Micronesia in 2018. Their goal was to slow down their lives, work less, and escape the tourist crowds that had become a part of their previous lifestyle. Life on this remote island has brought them a unique set of challenges, but also a deep sense of fulfillment.
One of the biggest adjustments they’ve made is dealing with the limited availability of fresh produce and dairy. The supply ship arrives every two to three weeks, which means they often go without these items for extended periods. However, they have learned to adapt and make the most of what is available at the local markets.
The first time Buz visited Pohnpei was in 2006 when an Australian friend suggested he check out a surf camp there. He was immediately captivated by the island’s beauty, friendly people, and world-class waves. Over the next decade, he returned almost every other year, and eventually, his wife, Liz, began joining him on his trips.
In 2017, Liz suggested they consider living in Pohnpei permanently. At the time, Buz was in his mid-50s and ready for a change. He had grown up in Hawaii, where he worked in real estate and dreamed of retiring in a place with a slower pace of life, reminiscent of the Maui he remembered from the late ’60s and early ’70s. They had considered moving to Molokai, but Liz felt it was too close to Maui, and she knew Buz would likely return to work.
They ultimately chose Pohnpei, an eight-hour flight from Honolulu, as their new home. With the help of a friend who runs a surfing and diving company on the island, they found a perfect rental home. It was a two-bedroom, one-bathroom house right by the ocean, and they were thrilled with the arrangement. The rent is $1,500 a month, and their landlords treat them like family.
They have been living on Pohnpei ever since, with a brief hiatus during the pandemic.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Life on Pohnpei has brought a different kind of busyness. When you’re not working, finding activities to fill your time is essential. Buz feels like he’s busier now than he was when he was working, but it’s a healthier type of busy.
His day usually starts with coffee and a workout, followed by a few calls and emails. By 10 a.m., he heads to the harbor to prepare his boat for fishing. He spends four hours on the water, returning home in the mid-afternoon for a nap, dinner, and an early bedtime. The next day, he repeats the routine.
On days off from fishing, Buz enjoys smoking fish, which has become a hobby. He seals the fish and gives them away as small gifts to people he meets while cruising around town. Everyone knows him as the old man with the big beard who gives away smoked fish.
Building a Community
Pohnpei is a tight-knit community, and Buz and Liz have embraced that aspect of life. While the locals are initially shy, they quickly become some of the friendliest people once you get to know them. Buz is part of the fishing club, where they host tournaments and parties.
The island has two hospitals and a few private clinics, but for more serious medical issues, residents often travel to Guam or the Philippines. Occasionally, a vet from Guam visits twice a year with a team to set up a clinic at the local college. That’s when everyone schedules appointments for their pets.
Buz and Liz have adopted three rescue dogs and a tabby cat who keeps them all in line. They also enjoy traveling back to the U.S. two to three times a year to visit friends and family. However, they plan to stay in Pohnpei for at least the next decade, until they need easier access to advanced medical care.
For Buz and Liz, Pohnpei has become their little slice of paradise in the Western Pacific. They couldn’t be happier with their decision to start a new chapter on this beautiful island.
