2020 US Census: FSM Migrants in Hawaii

According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau, Hawaiʻi had nearly 40,000 Micronesian migrants (39,608 total). “Micronesian” referred to people from five independent nations and two U.S. territories in the western Pacific region. Within that population, the 2020 data recorded approximately 5,700 Chuukese, 900 Kosraeans, 1,200 Pohnpeians, and 400 Yapese. Many had moved to Hawaiʻi under the rights granted by the Compact of Free Association (COFA), seeking better educational opportunities, stable employment, reliable healthcare, and other avenues for improving their quality of life.

Migration trends were also influenced by population shifts in the islands themselves. The Republic of the Marshall Islands’ most recent census showed an almost 15% population decrease, largely attributed to out-migration. While the Federated States of Micronesia had not yet released its most recent census results, early indicators suggested that its population decline could exceed 10%. Together, these patterns highlighted the ongoing movement of families from the islands to places like Hawaiʻi in search of broader opportunities and essential services.

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