PEOPLE & HISTORY

Why is Mikayla Matthews from Mormon Wives relocating to Hawaii?

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Mikayla Matthews is relocating to Hawaii to manage symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition brought on by prolonged exposure to toxins like mold.

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DiagnosisChronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Root causeProlonged exposure to toxins, including mold
Reason for Hawaii moveHer symptoms improved when away from Utah; she experienced fewer flare-ups in Costa Rica and California
Children traveling with herTwo of her four children; she has kids ages 9 months, 4, 6, and 8
Announcement dateApril 29, 2026
Duration in HawaiiNot specified in the articles

CIRS Diagnosis and Symptoms

Mikayla Matthews was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition brought on by prolonged exposure to toxins such as mold. She publicly revealed her diagnosis in March 2026, stating she had been barely surviving with the illness for the last couple of years. The condition has caused severe skin flare-ups and affected her ability to function as a mother. She reported experiencing a period where she couldn't make eye contact with people due to skin issues.

Environmental Triggers and Utah Connection

Matthews noticed significant differences in her health based on location. After spending about a month away from Utah in places like Costa Rica and California, her flare-ups were minimal. However, within two days of returning to Utah, her hands and neck flared up severely. She described herself as merely surviving with chronic illness in Utah while living with it in other locations, prompting her decision to relocate.

Hawaii Relocation

Matthews announced on April 29 via Instagram video that she was moving to Hawaii to aid her healing journey. She traveled to the island with two of her four children despite experiencing skin flare-ups during the flight. She expressed excitement about her new chapter and posted from The Westin Maui resort. The articles do not specify how long she plans to stay in Hawaii.

Broader Healing Journey

Beyond the Hawaii move, Matthews is planning a detox retreat in Europe for June 2026, likely in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria. She is nominating one person from her community with chronic illness to join her, covering their flight and treatment costs. She emphasized her gratitude for being in a financial position to pursue treatment while acknowledging the burden this condition places on those without similar resources.

Sources

  1. Mormon Wives' Mikayla Matthews Shares She’s Relocating to Hawaii Due to CIRS Diagnosis (eonline.com)
  2. ‘Mormon Wives’ Star Mikayla Matthews Reveals Next Step In Her Healing Journey (theblast.com)