What Keeps Comedians Gabriel Iglesias and Anjelah Johnson Coming Back to Hawai‘i?
Besides Spam.
Comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias has performed in Hawai‘i more than 10 times. His stand-up uniform is a bright, loud aloha shirt. And Anjelah Johnson loves the 50th State so much, she named one of her Hulu shows Mahalo and Goodnight—she even has a bit in which she asks a local for directions. What else, besides Spam, keeps them coming back?
HONOLULU Magazine: What’s the first thing you eat when you get here?
Anjelah Johnson: Spam and eggs from Eggs ’n Things. Or anywhere I can get kālua pork!
HM: Have you tried the usual outdoor activities here?
AJ: One time we kayaked out to the islands in Lanikai. It was beautiful and so fun! I typically don’t scuba or snorkel because I feel like I’m suffocating.
HM: Have you visited any local nail salons?
AJ: Not that I can remember. I usually get my nails done before coming so I’m looking on point out the gate!
HM: What gifts do you bring back from Hawai‘i?
AJ: Hawaiian Host dark chocolate macadamia, Hurricane Popcorn, Maui Babe Browning Lotion. But, let’s be honest—those are gifts I bring back for myself.
HM: What would your perfect day in Hawai‘i be?
AJ: I love to come to Hawai‘i for vacation and I have family here. A day at the beach with no rain or wind, then a cookout at Auntie Kathy’s house, who’s the mom of my friend, Tiffany Thurston, and back to the beach to watch the sunset.
HM: Where do you go to eat (and/or drink) when you get here?
Gabriel Iglesias: M.A.C. 24/7 for food—I order a Spam loco moco with extra Spam. From Germaine’s Lū‘au the Skittles cocktail, and the jungle juice concoction at the Local Spot. By the way, they have great Spam sandwiches.
HM: What gifts do you bring back from Hawai‘i for family and friends?
GI: Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, pineapples and flowers that die during the flight.
HM: What would your perfect day in Hawai‘i be?
GI: Driving around the island, stuffing my face and then letting someone else drive while we return to the other side of the island.
HM: What’s your favorite Hawaiian/pidgin saying?
GI: Shoots!
HM: Any funny fan moments?
GI: Got recognized inside an ABC Store by a hooker looking for Gatorade.
Read more stories by Stacey Makiya
