Maui native Glenn Awong, who goes by Maoli, is a singer and songwriter and a big fan of Japanese cuisine, which is one of the main reasons he is hankering to visit Japan. But in the meantime, he is enjoying touring across the United States and Canada for his “Boots on the Ground Tour,” which stops in Boston, at Royale, on April 11. Maoli’s unique sound — described as “feel good” music that fuses elements of country, R&B, soul, acoustics, rock ‘n’ roll, and reggae — has earned the band (formed in 2007) international recognition and appearances at major music festivals, and sold-out concerts at Hawaii’s largest venues. In a recent phone call from Austin, Texas, where Maoli was performing, he said his band’s sound has a “real island feel to it” — a nod to Hawaii (“Maoli” means “native” in Hawaiian). When asked what fans can expect at the Boston show, the Filipino-Hawaiian musician, 35, said “a great experience” with “a lot of singing, dancing, drinking … and people wearing cowboy hats.” We caught up with the father of five (ages 6 months to 13), who with his fiancé Mercedes Sosa, a personal trainer, lives in Maui, to talk about all things travel.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
I would go to Japan. I love Japanese food so that is a big reason for the choice.
Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own?
Absolutely through a travel agent. They take the stress out of everything.
Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation?
I love unplugged vacations — if I can ever actually unplug. That’s the hardest part of my job. When I do get a vacation where I can completely cut off from technology, I am in heaven.
What has been your worst vacation experience?
A really bad hangover in Tahiti when I was there about seven or eight years ago.
Ouch. Hurts thinking about it.
What is your favorite childhood travel memory?
When I was 16 and my grandmother took me to the mainland — to California — for the first time. We went to Six Flags Magic Mountain. I had such a great time.
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Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all?
I vacation for all of the above.
What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation?
“How Not to Overthink” by Daniel Alay. I should probably read that before my next vacation so I can relax and enjoy it better.
If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be?
Stevie Wonder. He’s so talented and so chilled out. I think he would be the perfect vacation companion.
What is the best gift to give a traveler?
A book. It could be for them to enjoy while they are on vacation or a book that is about a place they are going. I love to read up on places before I go, so I think that would be something a traveler would enjoy.
What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip?
Go-to snack would have to be chocolate macadamia nuts … taking a little bit of home with me wherever I go.
What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation?
A Tahitian pearl. They really are beautiful.
What is your favorite app/website for travel?
I’m a Google Maps guy. Can’t leave home without it.
What has travel taught you?
It has taught me to be grateful of where I come from. I love going places and seeing new things, but I also love returning to home. There is no place like it.
What is your best travel tip?
Always go to the bathroom before you get on the plane.
Juliet Pennington can be reached at writeonjuliet@comcast.net.