by Jae-Ha Kim and Tribune Content Agency, Celebrity Travel, July 26, 2017
After impressing critics with his work in films such as "Antwone Fisher," Malcolm David Kelley was cast to play Walt on the hit series, "Lost." Now 25, Kelley is one of the stars of the new Kathryn Bigelow film "Detroit," which is based on the Algiers Motel incident during that city's 1967 12th Street Riot. "Detroit is a city with so much history," says the Los Angeles-based actor. "The people are great and truly resilient." Fans may interact with Kelley -- who is one half of the music duo MKTO -- on Twitter at https://twitter.com/therealmalcolm.
Q. Hawaii is a dream destination for so many people. Having worked on "Lost" on the island at such a young age, do you still want to vacation there?
A. Oh, man definitely. I would still 100 percent go there for vacations. I consider it one of my three homes. Like you said, I worked there as a young teen and grew up while filming the show and met people from the island, who I still consider family. I took my girlfriend, mom, dad and my grandmas, as well as a few others out to Hawaii, because it is truly a beautiful place. (I have) so many unforgettable memories from trying new food, to shooting one of the best shows ever, to (being) with my loved ones there. (I also have) crazy (memories) of wild boar running around and being scared of fake polar bears! Of course, I will never forget the water, because it's so clear and beautiful.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Honestly, hands down, Hawaii is definitely my top vacation destination. Whenever I'm there, I never have a problem getting into my own vibe. Anyone going to Oahu must go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and, of course, just relax on the beach after picking up a plate lunch with chicken katsu or kalua pig. The Bahamas is nice as well. I went out there for a show and brought my family, so that was an incredible vacation. Hawaii and the Bahamas, too, have such beautiful cultures to experience.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. For those going Down Under to Australia, spend a day in the Sydney Harbour and paddle around Rose Bay.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. One of the trips I loved as a child was with an organization called People to People, which takes groups of kids to learn about places around the world. My year, we traveled to England, Scotland and Wales. Staying with local families and visiting tourist spots with other teens was an incredible learning experience. I was blessed to have returned to the same places while touring with MKTO.
Q. What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?
A. After traveling, you have a much greater respect for other cultures.
Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?
A. I frequently reflect on my travels to Malaysia. It is an amazing place to visit, highlighted by the beautiful scenery and culture. However, I also saw a lot of poverty there, which truly humbled me. When faced with obstacles in my own life, I remain grateful, because hardships in the U.S. are usually minor compared to those of so many different countries.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Vegas is always a nice getaway and it is a quick, four-hour drive. But, lately, I've been traveling so much that some weekends my own home is the best getaway. There's truth in the saying, there's no place like home.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. I took my girlfriend to Hawaii, which is a place that never fails to be romantic. Also, Martha's Vineyard can do no wrong!
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. L.A., New York City, Sydney, Las Vegas and Kailua.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Amsterdam and Egypt are among the places that I plan on visiting someday. While MKTO was on tour in New Zealand, we were so close to going to Amsterdam, but we got called to return earlier to New York City for a show. That just means that Amsterdam requires its own trip to experience all that it has to offer!
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. My blanket for the flight and headphones for the in-flight movies, although I stay up the night before as late as possible so that I can sleep during the flight. Also, a sweater with a hoodie that I can put over my face. Whenever I travel, I take my mobile studio that Lil Wayne gave me because I love music. I'm blessed to be able to call it work, but it's also therapeutic for me.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. I want to be able to take all of my loved ones to Jamaica to just enjoy ourselves, party and eat!
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you're on the road?
A. Eating and enjoying the club scenes. Whenever I go to Philly, I need at least two cheesesteaks. In Kansas City, my first stop is for barbecue. And in Hawaii, a stop at the Ono Shrimp truck is always at the top of my list.
(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow "Go Away With..." on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)
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