Check out our interview with influencer, martial artist and stunt worker Hawaii McLaughlin.
Follow Hawaii @hawaii.mcl
Hi Hawaii, please tell us a little about you?
I am 16 years old, I was born in Florida and have lived in Colorado for the last two years, and I love icecream. I was also a competitive cheerleader for 9 years but I’m currently practicing martial arts. I started modeling and influencing when I was 9 years old and recently have been perusing acting.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
If I could best describe myself in three words I would say energetic, sassy, and determined.
How did you get started into modeling and acting?
I’ve been modeling since I was young and since my mom is a photographer I’ve always had a camera in my face. I recently just started working on my acting career and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
How has this changed your life?
Being an influencer and pursuing acting has changed my life a lot. I’ve moved out to Los Angeles to peruse the industry and I’ve also met a lot of amazing people. I met some of my best friends through the industry and I don’t know what I would do without them.
What is the best and worst part of being a model and actress?
The best part is meeting all of the interesting people and traveling to so many cool places as well as the priceless memories that comes along. I wouldn’t be able to experience all of that without being in the industry.
The worst part is definitely everything behind the scenes which includes a lot of hard work with only a couple hours of sleep sometimes and knowing that everything isn’t always fun and amazing as seen on social media.
Now that you are into the acting business. Tell us about any news of projects or why did you decided to pursue this career?
I currently have four projects I’m working on and they are all different. I can’t talk about them right now because they are in development. I’ve always wanted to be an actress and have always been drawn to the film industry.
Tell us about your work and martial arts training with the legendary Phil Tan (stunt director, producer, director, and has done 200+ movies)
Phil is family to me but when we’re training it becomes a very serious space. Phil has done martial arts forever and training with him is such a privilege that I am so grateful for. It’s definitely a challenge whenever I am training with Phil though, there is no 50% it is always 100% every time all the time.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I would love to play a hero who saves the day like something from Marvel or StarWars. I grew up watching these movies and to be in one would be a dream come true. Plus I would love to represent a part of the Asian community and give them a hero that I didn’t have growing up.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Meeting all of the different people. Throughout all of this I have met so many talented people whose creativity knows no bounds. It’s really a privilege to be able to talk to and meet so many amazing people.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is how important it is to be true to yourself and authentic to who you are. Relationships and respect are also the most valuable thing that you can have in this business.
How would your best friend describe you?
I thought about how to answer this and what’s better then having your best friend of 5+ years answer! So here is what she said “I’ve known Hawaii for 6 years and in those years i have learned that she is a humorous, hardworking, and caring individual. Even though we are thousands of miles away she goes out of her way to make sure I’m well and I’m having a good day. If things aren’t going quite right she always knows how to put a smile on my face. I am blessed to have Hawaii as a friend” – my best friend, Rory Steinmetz.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
The Everyday Life of an Action Waisan: by Hawaii McLaughlin
Firstly, I am half White half Asian which is where the Waisan comes from. Second my life is definitely action packed on the daily basis so I feel like this title is perfect if I were a book.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell her to have less fear. I would tell her to be more brave and that it’s ok to fall if you get back up and try again.
What’s next for Hawaii McLaughlin in 2022?
The big screen.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’m not a big health nut or anything I usually just eat whatever looks good to me. But I love a good vegan meal, it always has me feeling good about myself and it is better for the environment.
And your favorite cheat food?
In and Out cheese burger with no onion is my absolute favorite.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness would be the level of self love where you can love yourself endlessly no matter what.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Zendaya, I absolutely love Zendaya, I think that she is so inspiring and beautiful. I’ve grown up watching her on Disney and now I follow her career as I’m getting older.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Bora Bora with all of my family so that I can be with the people I love most at the place I love most.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
My style is flexible from my sweatpants to my red carpet gowns. I love raiding my mom’s closet for vintage clothes as well. But I couldn’t live without my shoes and purses in my closet.
Best advice ever given?
Always be true to yourself and never compromise who you are as a person for anyone or anything.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I picture myself on the big screen like Scarlett Johansson being a kick butt hero and representing the Asian community.
Favorite song? Why?
Taylor Swift- You Belong with Me, this song has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve been listening to it since I was young and it has always just stuck with me.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social Media is a platform that can be used for good or bad but I want to use my platform to spread positivity and share the things I am passionate about.
Where we can follow you?
@hawaii.mcl is my Instagram and my TikTok!
Book: Harry Potter Series
Quote: “if you never failed, you never tried”
Movie: Black Panther
Tv Series: Stranger Things
Favorite Food: ice cream
Travel Destination: Bora Bora, Europe
Sports Team: I don’t watch sports (since I don’t watch sports I’ll tell you that I collect cool socks!)
