Kai Andersen

Seasoned Multilingual Lifestyle Editor and Writer

Former editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Hawai'i now based in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Raised in Hawai'i, educated in New York and now settled in the Caribbean, I have a keen passion for lifestyle stories—arts and culture, style and fashion, design, travel, and personalities. Over the course of my media career, I've interviewed screen talents, crafted editorial on leading luxury brands from The St. Regis to Louis Vuitton, and shone a spotlight on aspiring talents and eclectic topics. (Think rare Hawaiian leis or destination Indian weddings). On the practical side, I craft smart, tightly crafted copy that speaks to sophisticated markets—all on tight deadlines.

In addition to writing, I've overseen all steps of the print editorial process—including developing issue lineups; collaborating with writers, photographers and designers to create sparkling stories; top editing copy; and art directing shoots. (I even dressed a top pro surfer in a Carolina Herrera jacket for an issue cover!)

Besides my native English, I am fluent in French (thanks to a graduate degree) and have honed my conversational Spanish (after living for 9 years in Puerto Rico).

Portfolio

Celebrities, Personalities & Talents

Honolulu Magazine
05/01/2023
Ha'aheo Zablan

Profile of Kaimana Beach Hotel General Manager Ha'aheo Hablan

Punahou School
07/19/2019
Alumni Profile: Vanessa Adams '88 - Punahou School

By Kai Andersen It is no understatement to say Vanessa Adams '88 has gone the extra mile in her career, figuratively and literally. She's currently a vice president at Alliance for a Green Revolution for Africa (AGRA), a Nairobi-based agricultural organization.

Modern Luxury Hawai'i - March/April 2015
3/1/2015
"Class Act"

Profile of Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden during visit to Hawaii International Film Festival | Also art directed photo shoot

Modern Luxury Hawai'i - Holiday 2013
11/1/2013
"The Princess Diaries"

Q&A with HRH Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece

Modern Luxury Hawai'i - Holiday 2013
11/1/2013
"Natural Wonder"

Profile of actress Serinda Swan (USA's Graceland)

Modern Luxury Hawai'i - Holiday 2013
11/1/2013
"Royal Pursuits"

Profile of polo patron HH The Maharaja Gaj Singh of Marwar-Jodhpur, India during his visit to Hawai'i

Modern Luxury Hawai'i - Holiday 2012
11/1/2012
"Island Import"

Interview with actress Autumn Reeser on filming an ABC series in Hawai'i

Modern Luxury Hawai'i - Holiday 2012
11/1/2012
"Islanders Away"

Profile of actress Kristina Anapau (Black Swan and True Blood) for Islanders Away feature

Modern Luxury Hawai'i - Holiday 2012
11/1/2012
"Islanders Away"

Profile of Dancing With The Stars' Carrie Ann Inaba in "Islanders Away" feature

Modern Luxury Hawai'i - Fall 2012
9/1/2012
"Glam Getter"

Interview of model and media personality Kimora Lee Simmons