I moved home to Hawaii after 10 years in Oregon. It's paradise, but I'd rather go back to Oregon, where the cost of living is much lower.

Danielle-Ann Kealohilani Rugg.

Courtesy of Danielle-Ann Kealohilani Rugg

• Danielle-Ann Kealohilani Rugg moved back to Hawaii to care for her family during the pandemic.
• She balances event work, a tax business, and family life amid Hawaii's high living costs.
• Despite the challenges, she finds beauty in Hawaii but would return to Oregon for lower living costs.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Danielle-Ann Kealohilani Rugg, a 39-year-old entrepreneur...