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MCKENNA MADULI
>> Age: 34
>> Residence: Kalihi Valley
>> Occupation: Weekend TV weather anchor
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Television personality McKenna Maduli’s highlight reel is a who’s who of Hollywood. Alicia Keys, Bradley Cooper, Leonardo DiCaprio and Oprah Winfrey are just a few of the celebrities she has interviewed for television. Born and raised in Kalihi Valley, Maduli recently joined KHON2 as the TV station’s weekend weather anchor after living 17 years on the mainland. She studied broadcast journalism through a University of California, Los Angeles, extension program and worked in L.A. for “Access Hollywood,” MTV and others.
Outside the TV studio, Maduli launched a new passion project to help bring back Aloha Friday fashion and traditions in Hawaii. The event, Hawaii City Lights, takes place Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. at Makers & Tasters in Kakaako. Attendees are encouraged to get dressed up in their best alohawear and enjoy the ono Hawaiian food, Hawaiian music and hula that Hawaii City Lights has to offer.
Maduli checked in via email to fill us in on her fashion must-haves for television and events.
>> On set: “The news is always the main attraction, so I’ve found some super-simple, classic attire. I love bright colors and prints, but for my new position as KHON2 weekend weather anchor, solid and professional is the look I daily aim for.”
>> Daily go-tos: “A cardigan, 88 Tees hoodie (my local comfy fave!) or jacket. Due to the amount of heat from all the lights, equipment and servers in the newsroom, they keep it very cold. I layer while I’m in studio.”
“You know I’m a local girl, and I easily transition to slippers and shorts to enjoy the beautiful weather I’ve missed while living away for the last 17 years.”
>> Hair and makeup hacks: “Matrix hair spray and Bed Head hair stick glue. I am the spokesperson for fly-aways and this little silver container of goodness offers me major help right before we go on air. Daily, I’ve been using the same makeup as I did back at Roosevelt High School when I was 16. Cover Girl SPF 15 BB in medium to dark, MAC bronzer and tinted moisturizing lip gloss are always in my purse.”
>> Sentimental favorite: “I have never taken off my Hawaiian bracelet, it’s so important to me. I found a wax trick to keep it on my arm while on air so it doesn’t make noise when it hits the glass anchor desk. We made it work so I could keep it on!”
>> Dressing local: “I’ve been loving Kini Zamora. Just wore him to the (Na Hoku Hanohano music awards in May) and I love the way his clothes fit me. I love Manaola and I have my fashion eye on this young, beautiful, 14-year-old designer named Maluhia Ma‘a. She’s kind of stolen my heart. She’s inspired by our home, Hawaii, and just started hand sewing these great bathing suit pieces called Batches. She’s a gem and definitely what I came back to Hawaii to shine a light on: Support local!”
>> Fashion philosophy: “I’ve never been able to keep up with trends or always afford the nicest things, but my mom, who was a model back in the day, taught me it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it. Fashion is never a competition. I was told very early in my career, and I hold true to this: ‘It’s not what she wore to the party, it’s what she said at the party.’”
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By Erin Smith, special to the Star- Advertiser. Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@star-advertiser.com.
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