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Born and raised in Hawaii, singer-songwriter Mikah said every day felt like he was in paradise. “The beach is right there, the weather is almost always perfect, you see rainbows nearly every day and you drive home after school with the most beautiful sunset in front of you,” said Mikah, 26, who currently lives in Shanghai. “Being a kid in Hawaii is like having a huge playground you can explore endlessly. I used to hike to watch the sunrise, surf, bodysurf, dive, bike around the island, skateboard … the list just goes on. I always think back to my childhood and reminisce about how beautiful it was.”

His latest songs (“Escape,” “In Between,” “Dream”) are dreamy, self-reflective tales that speak of who he is. Fans may stay in touch with him on Instagram (username @mikah).

Q: You've lived and worked in the United States, Japan and China. What kind of challenges did you face?

A: There were countless challenges I faced while moving around, but the biggest ones were leaving my friends and family, making new friends and dealing with language barriers. Even now, I still feel the pain I felt when I left Hawaii. It’s like I lost a part of my life that I can never get back, and the only way I can feel that same joy again is by reminiscing about it.

When it comes to making new friends, ever since I left Hawaii, I haven’t been able to build the same kind of close friendships. Because of that, I really miss the friends I grew up with.

I moved to two places that speak completely different languages, and having to learn them – not just to live and work, but also to sing and write music in them – was a huge obstacle.

Q: As a global artist, how have your experiences in other parts of the world made their way into your music?

A: I’d say it helped me learn more about the music people listen to in other countries. Because of that, when I create music, I naturally consider those influences, so my songs can reach a wider audience and hopefully be appreciated by more people.

Q: What do you remember about your first professional gig?

A: It was probably a small show I did when I was around 17 or 18 with my band, INTERSECTION. I remember being so nervous that I could barely open my [mouth] to sing or even move my body. When I first started, I was really introverted, unconfident and couldn’t stand in front of an audience. But after each show, I slowly learned to accept it. I still get nervous, but it’s like 10 times better than before.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Hawaii. Even though it’s my home and my parents still live there, I kind of see it as a vacation destination now because I rarely have time to go back. So when I do get that once-a-year chance, it feels rare and rewarding, almost like a vacation. And on top of that, Hawaii really is a vacation capital, so every time I go back, I feel that same sense of relaxation and the warm, beach vacation vibe.

Q: Have you written or worked on any songs while you were on the road?

A: I usually write lyrics and come up with creative concepts when I’m on a plane. I travel about six times a month, so I use that quiet, disconnected time to brainstorm and write lyrics for whatever song I’m working on.

Q: What is your bucket-list venue that you have yet to perform in?

A: Coachella or Head in the Clouds.

Q: Do you have any upcoming trips planned?

A: I’m going to Los Angeles next week to write music with some old friends, as well as some new friends.

Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out?

A: I think one of my earliest memories was a trip I took to Colorado and Utah to visit my Grandma, but also camp and snowboard. I think that trip made me love and appreciate the outdoors more and is the reason I love nature now.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: It depends where I am, but when I have that opportunity, I either choose the beach or I choose the forest. My most recent weekend getaway was near Tokyo, at my family friend’s beach house that pretty much was like having a private beach to yourself. So I remember every morning I would wake up and surf right outside the house and at night I would barbecue and watch the stars.

Q: If you've ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A: At the beginning of this year, I took my mom to France and Switzerland. It was the first time we ever traveled like that together, and it ended up being the best trip I’ve ever been on. Seeing the look on her face as she experienced everything is something I’ll never forget. It made me realize how special it is to be able to give back even a little to the person who’s given me so much.

Q: Do you have a knack for picking up new languages?

A: No, I actually think I’m pretty slow at it. I’ve met a lot of people who are actually really good at learning languages, so that’s why I know I’m not good. [Laughs] But I don’t think I’m bad, since I’ve never really studied Chinese and so far only learned by listening and talking to people.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: I would love to go to Italy again, but travel from the top all the way down to the bottom.

Q: What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?

A: Different cultures, different languages and a broader understanding of people.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?

A: Food truck. I would almost never choose to sit in a fancy restaurant that costs a lot and serves small portions. I just didn’t grow up eating like that and tend to enjoy comfort food and more casual settings when it comes to restaurants.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: My boots, a tank top, a hat, cleanser, face moisturizer, my phone, earphones and ChapStick.

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A: I do extensive research. I’m the type of person to plan everything out and to look at all the options in advance so I know I’m getting the best option.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you're on the road?

A: Eating burgers and ice cream.

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. You can reach her at www.jaehakim.com, follow her on Instagram and X @goawaywithjae, or read more from her on Substack (jaehakim.substack.com).)

©2025 Jae-Ha Kim. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c) 2025 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.