By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune (.pdf) and other outlets
November 26, 2024
Born and raised in Oahu, Hualālai Chung has a pivotal role in the new animated film, “Moana 2.” “Moni is everyone’s best friend [and] is the most fun-loving, whimsical, warm-hearted person you will ever meet,” the Hawaiian actor said. “He is completely infatuated with the stories and legends of the Pacific, always wanting to follow in Gramma Tala’s footsteps and be one of the village historians. Moni gets his shot when Moana asks him to be the oarsman of her new ship. Aside from his love for stories, he is obsessed with the legends of Maui [voiced by Dwayne Johnson] and is probably Maui’s biggest fan. Moni brings a lot of heart to the crew dynamic and it will be impossible not to fall in love with him!”
Now based out of Kaneohe, Chung updates fans on his adventures on Instagram, where his username is @mr.hualalai.
Q: How did growing up in Hawaii affect your views on what you could be when you were older?
A: I am super blessed to come from a family that is full of aspiration, support and love. They truly raised me to believe anything was possible and everything was achievable. I grew up believing in strong family values and knowing that the sky is the limit, regardless of being on a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific.
Q: You recently released your solo debut single “Love to Love.” What was your inspiration behind that song?
A: Coming from Hawaii where so many different cultures influence one another, I was exposed to many different styles of music and have since built a grand love for all types and genres. My hope is to release music that can appeal to the masses. I plan to do that by releasing a variety of sounds in my music, from soulful R&B, to powerful Pop/Rock and, of course, our island favorites with some island reggae. I hope there’s something in it that everyone will like!
Q: Have you traveled to French Polynesia?
A: I have! I had the opportunity to travel to Tahiti a few times for the Heiva, their Tahitian dance and cultural festival held annually in Faʻaʻā.
Q: Do you have any upcoming trips planned?
A: I hope to visit New Zealand in the upcoming 2025 year to experience the Te Matatini Kapa Haka competitions.
Q: Have you visited places for work that were so nice that you traveled back there later for a personal trip?
A: Yes! Japan was a place that stole my heart from my first time visiting. It is a very clean country with so much respect and richness in their culture. Aside from that, the food is amazing and I could eat Japanese food nonstop!
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I would have to say Disneyland! When the stresses and hardships of life get to me, I love to get away and just be in the happiest place on earth in the worlds of fantasy and beyond. I love Disney during Christmas – the lights, decorations, holiday cheer. It’s infectious! Any vacation is a good one when I am surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: I wouldn’t consider this destination untapped, but I will definitely say that Korea is an extremely fun place to visit. My experiences there were definitely some of the most memorable ones.
Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out?
A: [They] will always be Disneyland trips with my grandparents and Hawaii island trips with my dad. Both trips were very different in nature, but were filled with so much love and laughter that I will remember them for the rest of my life.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: To be considerate. We all come from different walks of life and it is nearly impossible to completely know what others have gone through. Being exposed to different cultures and different ways of life shows just that. It’s something I take with me every day.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: A food truck, because then I can go all over the island and [the food] can come with me! Plus, I am too goofy for fine dining.
Q: Do you pick up new languages easily?
A: I am in the process of learning my native tongue of ʻŌlelo Hawaii. It is my hope that I can continue learning more Polynesian languages.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Kaneohe, my hometown. My childhood playground, Waikiki. Waikoloa. Hilo. And Tokyo!
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I really want to visit Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tonga, Fiji…
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: I always must make sure I have my chargers and laptop. Aside from just standard communication and work obligations, my laptop serves greatly during my times of random inspiration to write songs and jot down song ideas. The song bug bites randomly and having my phone and laptop ready always helps document them.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: I love trying ice cream in different areas and regions.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I definitely check my budget and try to make things as cost-effective as possible, as well as check the weather and potential weather changes during my travel period.
Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A: Going to Japan with my hula dance group, spending time with my hula brothers and getting into all kinds of madness.
© 2024 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
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