Kale Afong

Content Creator, Hawaii's Only - Honolulu, HI

Bricyn “Kale” Afong was born and raised on the island of Oahu. He is a self-taught Native Hawaiian chef who uses his life experiences to influence his cuisine. Growing up in a broken family forced Afong to grow up quickly. At only 8 years old, he was teaching himself to cook and provide care to his one year old baby brother. At the age of 15, Afong became a single parent which forced him to learn to be extra resourceful. Working as a dishwasher at Zippy’s to cover the cost of baby food, diapers and rent meant there was little money left over to spend on food for himself, so he began diving for fish. Over the years, Afong learned the basics of cooking from his mother, but also credits his expertise to watching the Food Network and online teaching shows.

In early 2019, Afong started Hawaii’s first “Ocean to Table” Experience which offered adventure and dining with a local twist. He takes his clients fishing or diving and then teaches them to prepare their catch, often in a unique beach-picnic style setting.

The onset of Covid caused these events to slow down so Afong started his own YouTube Channel under the title “Hawaii’s Only.” His videos feature recipes that range from two ingredients (fish and salt) to high-level technique cooking and also highlight Afong (and often his children) hunting and gathering the necessary ingredients from the land and sea.

Fast forward to today, Kale Afong now has a wonderful wife Claren and three more beautiful children to care for, along with a new grandson! The biggest part of his life continues to be his family and Afong is always looking for unique ways to support them that involves the ocean.