Hawaii Food Vlogs Aren’t What You Think (with Authentically Charles)

I sat down and talked story with Charles from the YouTube channel, @AuthenticallyCharles . He makes videos about local places to eat and the occasional life vlog. In this video, we talk about what it's like to make videos, the Hawaii food review game, and life in general. A big mahalo to Charles for coming out to talk story.

Introduction - 0:00
How Charles got started in YouTube - 0:51
What was Charles’ goal at the start and a big shoutout - 3:03
How Charles decides where to eat for his videos - 5:15
A bad experience with a local restaurant - 8:54
How Charles decides where to eat continued - 11:05
When people recognize you in Hawaii - 13:07
When local YouTubers hang out with other local YouTubers - 18:11
YouTube subscribe counts don’t matter as much. It’s community. - 20:56
Subscribing shoutout and helping each other out - 21:57
How to deal with negative and toxic comments - 23:10
Sometimes videos get a lot of views a lot later - 28:19
The comments that get to me the most - 30:50
Thoughts on making a Zippy's food video - 33:39
Local subscribers - 35:05
Why people watch Hawaii food videos - 35:26
Getting paid to make videos - 37:06
Getting burned out making videos - 38:40
Speeding up my workflow process - 39:42
Focusing on sustainability rather than high quality videos - 41:24
How to balance family life with making videos - 42:40
The challenges of making videos - 45:20
Is YouTube a long-term pursuit? - 46:09
How sustainable is a Hawaii food channel? - 49:02
Getting free stuff for video reviews - 51:22
Are there any critical Hawaii food videos? - 53:14
Are reviewers afraid of posting bad reviews? - 55:14
My experience with Hawaiian Sun juice - 56:26
Criticizing bigger franchises - 58:01
When businesses try to influence what's said - 59:07
Playing the social media game - 1:00:09
What's so great about working with Zippy's - 1:01:35
What to look for in a brand to work with - 1:02:44
Short-form vs long-form videos and influence - 1:05:08
The best video you've made? - 1:07:19
Growing up in Chinatown - 1:07:38
Getting followed by a stranger in Kakaako - 1:09:00
Safety in Chinatown - 1:09:57
Why is crime rising in Hawaii? - 1:11:36
Cheap food in Japan - 1:12:30
Living in Japan - 1:13:06
Why do local people eat out if it's so expensive? - 1:13:26
We limit eating out twice a month - 1:16:13
My food weakness - 1:18:34
I don't understand why poke is so good - 1:20:05
Favorite poke place? - 1:21:49
Hello From Hawaii shirts - 1:23:36
Goal for this YouTube channel - 1:29:12
Idea for spending $10K at Made in Hawaii - 1:30:40
The importance of having fun - 1:31:36
Reaching 10K subscribers - 1:32:30
Incorporating life lessons into food videos - 1:33:22
Being creative - 1:34:03
Chris' advice for new video creators - 1:35:18
Charles' advice for new creators - 1:39:30
Trying the mochizada - 1:41:30
Closing - 1:42:46

Disclaimer - I’m a Zippy’s Brand Ambassador and am thankful they support me as a local content creator on YouTube. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the individuals participating and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Zippy's.

Filmed using the Canon R50V.

📷 IG - https://www.instagram.com/hello_from_hawaii

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From Taro to Luau: Indulge in Authentic Pacific Islands Cuisine

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Pacific? Pacific Islands cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and traditions that offer an unforgettable dining experience. From the earthy richness of taro to the festive spirit of a luau, every dish tells a story of culture, community, and tradition.

The Heart of Pacific Flavors: Taro

Have you ever tasted the unique, buttery texture of taro? This versatile root vegetable is a staple in Pacific Islands cuisine, celebrated for its adaptability and nutritional value. Whether it's steamed, roasted, or made into poi, taro serves as the foundation for many traditional dishes. Picture yourself savoring a bowl of velvety poi, its subtle sweetness melting in your mouth—a true testament to taro's essential role in Pacific gastronomy.

Fresh and Flavorful: Poke

Looking for a dish that combines freshness with bold flavors? Poke is your answer. Originating from Hawaii, this raw fish salad has taken the culinary world by storm. Imagine succulent cubes of sashimi-grade fish, marinated in a harmonious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh herbs, garnished with crunchy vegetables and a sprinkle of seaweed. Poke not only delights your palate but also offers a healthy, protein-packed meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

The Traditional Umu: A Feast for the Senses

Have you ever experienced a true Pacific luau? Central to this celebration is the umu—a traditional earth oven that embodies the spirit of community and shared joy. The process of cooking in an umu involves layering meats, vegetables, and spices wrapped in banana leaves, then slow-cooking them underground. The result? Tender, smoky flavors that capture the essence of island living. Hosting an umu meal is not just about food; it's about creating memories with loved ones over a sumptuous feast.

Coconut: Nature's Versatile Treasure

Can you imagine a dish without coconut? In Pacific Islands cuisine, coconut is more than just an ingredient—it's a way of life. Every part of the coconut is utilized, from the creamy milk in curries and desserts to the grated flesh in fresh salads. Coconut adds a rich, tropical flavor that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Whether it's a creamy coconut rice or a refreshing coconut smoothie, this incredible fruit is indispensable in capturing the true taste of the islands.

Experience the Magic of Luau

Why settle for ordinary when you can indulge in an authentic luau? A luau is more than just a meal; it's a cultural celebration filled with music, dance, and traditional storytelling. Imagine entertaining your guests with vibrant hula performances while they enjoy an array of Pacific delicacies. The atmosphere is electric, the food is irresistible, and the experience is unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the chance to bring this magical celebration to your next gathering—book your luau experience today!

Testimonials: Real Stories from Pacific Cuisine Enthusiasts

"Trying Pacific Islands cuisine was a revelation. The flavors are so fresh and unique, especially the poke and poi. It feels like a true taste of paradise!" – Maria S.

"Our luau was the highlight of the year. The umu was perfectly cooked, and the coconut dishes were absolutely divine. Highly recommend!" – James T.

Join the Pacific Culinary Adventure Today!

Are you ready to elevate your dining experience? Dive into the rich and diverse world of Pacific Islands cuisine and discover a new favorite dish today. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just beginning your culinary exploration, the flavors of the Pacific Islands promise to delight and inspire. Don’t wait—start your Pacific culinary adventure now and taste the tradition, passion, and excellence that make this cuisine truly exceptional.