VIP Picks: Malika Dudley

(Credit: Nate’s Photography)

Photos:

Malika Dudley, who was named Miss Hawaii 2005, keeps herself busy, and we mean BUSY. Along with anchoring the weekend weather for KGMB9, she's a student, model, tandem surfer, stand up paddler, singer, national karate champion, French teacher and a former nightclub bouncer. Whew... But believe it or not, this Big Island gal still finds time to unwind. Here's where she goes to relax, eat and be seen.

You get off work when most people are heading to work, right? Where's your favorite breakfast spot?

That’s a tossup… We go between St. Louis Drive-Inn and Asahi Grill on Ward. I get the regular breakfast at St. Louis, just eggs over easy with toast and extra bacon. I LOVE bacon. Asahi has the same thing, but I also love their banana pancakes. Oh my gosh, I forgot my absolute favorite — Liliha Bakery! Their butter rolls are to die for.

What food do you love to see people bring to the station?

Anything! We’re all starving on the morning show. My favorite is anything that has bacon, and malasadas are a close second.

Where do you go when you absolutely want to indulge?

My favorite indulgence as far as food goes is Bubbies mochi ice cream. I get 12 and eat the whole container!

What's your top pick for comfort food, and where?

Well, of course my mom’s home cooking comes first. But she lives on the Big Island, so when I can’t get that, I go to Diamond Head Market & Grill on Monsarrat and get the chicken portobello sandwich with an extra side of sauce. I love it.

Your favorite local-style dishes?

Favorite local-style dishes would have to be Hawaiian food. I love Hanalei Poi and poke from Tamura’s, and kalua pig and cabbage. I usually get that at whatever luau I get invited to.

Are you a clubber? Current faves? 

My current favorite spot is Level 4 nightclub. I was there for opening night and recently helped my sister celebrate her birthday there.

As a former Miss Hawaii, do you have a workout routine?

My workout routine is simple.. I get in the water. Stand up paddle surfing is a new passion. It’s a great way to stay fit. I was introduced to the sport by Lanai Tabura from Lanai’s Morning Madness and legendary surfer Brian Keaulana. It’s perfect for me. I love the water, and I hate the gym. When you get hot, you can jump in the water. And you’re getting a tan at the same time! I train with Brian and Lanai a few times a week. We stand up paddle, hydrofoil, surf, run rocks underwater, tandem… basically anything you can think of doing in and on the water. I’ve never been more fit in my life.

Where are your favorite places for hanging out with friends?

I love surfing, so my perfect day would start with a surf session at Kaiser's, then breakfast at one of my two favorite spots. Maybe I'll grab lunch at Diamond Head Market & Grill and drive up to Diamond Head to picnic and watch the surf. Then maybe, I'll skate at Ala Moana Park and end the night dancing away at Level 4.

Besides weather-casting and stand up paddling, what's keeping you busy these days?

School. I’m getting my broadcast meteorology degree and the courses are pretty intense. But, I love the subject matter, so it makes it fun.

Any new projects coming up?

Hopefully, I’ll get to sing more and work on recording some. That’s my hope at least.

What's the most interesting/unusual thing about you that people don't know?

The thing people find most surprising is that I used to work as a bouncer at the W nightclub… Also, I was raised speaking French, and I’m not allowed to talk to my mom in English. And I have a huge fear of heights.

Malika Dudley's personal photo gallery