HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - HUALĀLAI CHUNG
Hualālai Chung
Actor
Kanaka Maoli
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Hawaiian actor Hualālai Chung is the voice of Moni, a character that joins Moana on her journey in the franchise's sequel, 'Moana 2.' Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, he carries with him the rich cultural heritage of his Polynesian roots, inspired by his upbringing in a family of performers and entertainers.
Hualālai shares his passion for storytelling, especially through film and music, and his desire to represent Pasifika cultures and share their stories with the world.
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. My parents were both performers and avid entertainers in our local industry here, so I grew up throughout Waikīkī, running around all the different showrooms and entertainment venues. It was when I was a child that I knew I wanted to be a performer, specifically a Sāmoan fire knife dancer.
Fire knife dancing has been an immense passion of mine, eventually expanding my horizons into acting and music as I got older. As I was raised, my dad always taught us to think of ourselves as Polynesians of Native Hawaiian descent, identifying that all of us of Polynesia and the grander Pacific are related. This mentality has always inspired me to explore Pasifika cultures as a whole and carry that with me in all I do.
Where does your passion for film and acting come from?
My dad is an actor and has had the honor of being part of many large film and acting productions to come through Hawaiʻi. Growing up and seeing him pursue an acting career has inspired me to do the same. I think more so because the opportunity to represent our Pasifika people in any way I can is the true motivator and passion builder in my pursuits of film and acting.
I love the chance to “play” on screen and, even more so, to show who we are as a people through storytelling. I always say that storytelling is in our blood and fiber as Polynesians, so being able to do it in this medium is something that feels so natural, and I hope to make our people proud in doing so.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Aside from my parents, I have a few different inspirations. A few of my all-time favorite acting inspirations would have to be Heath Ledger and Johnny Depp. The way they pour their heart and soul into their roles is inspiring. I love how they take on their characters while also mending themselves to the roles.
I would say another big-time inspiration for me would be Dwayne Johnson. He has shown the world what it is like to be a go-getter and to be unapologetically proud to be who you are, to cheehoo as loud as you can (with aloha) without worrying about what people will think.
Moana 2 recently premiered. How have fans received you since the announcement that you were part of the project?
I am really blessed to have been given so much support in the coming time of our cast announcements. I am a newcomer to this world, so to be received well in this time has been huge and extremely heartwarming. My true goals are to make our people proud and represent Pasifika well, and it is my honor to see the support and faith from that very community.
Your character, Moni, joins Moana’s crew alongside Kele and Loto, played by Rose Matafeo and David Fane. What was it like working with them?
Although we never actually worked on the project together in terms of physical proximity, it has been amazing growing a family and community with my fellow cast members. I think the beauty of having a strong cultural story and cast is that we fall into our natural Polynesian ways of love, aloha, and acceptance, much of which may seem out of the ordinary for this industry.
I am told time and time again that this film is special, and this is one of the ways I have experienced that special-ness. I am blessed to have built relationships with these amazing cast members and to be welcomed into the industry and family by some of our Pasifika actor icons.
And lastly, what’s up next for Hualālai Chung?
I leave that up to Ke Akua Mana Loa, Heavenly Father. He has blessed me with far more than I have ever asked for or deserved and I look forward to the path ahead. I hope to continue on with my acting and music career in ways that shine more light on our Pasifika people and community of islands in the ocean.
Stay tuned for new solo music and all thing happening by following me on Instagram, @mr.hualalai!
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Cover photo by Adam Jung