Malika Dudley Hired as Chief Meteorologist

Big Island Now and Maui Now are pleased to announce the addition of Malika Dudley to our news team as the Chief Meteorologist for both online publications.

“Malika’s diverse background and industry knowledge is a tremendous asset,” said Chuck Bergson, president and CEO of Pacific Media Group.  “Her multimedia talents are a welcome fit for the growth and direction of Pacific Media Group.”

Bergson continued, saying her contributions come at a key time as the Big Island and the state prepare for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Ana.

“For nearly a year now, I’ve volunteered my time as a meteorologist here on Maui,” Dudley said.  “I’m very excited to join the team at Pacific Media Group and take it a step further by covering weather events not only for Maui County but for the Island of Hawaiʻi as well.”

Dudley was born and raised in Pāpaʻikou on the Hāmākua coast of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. She is a graduate of Hilo High School and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she was a regent scholar. Malika also attended Mississippi State University, where she earned her certification in meteorology.

During her time as weekend meteorologist and reporter for KGMB9 and Hawaiʻi News Now, she was nominated for two Emmy Awards and was a regional winner of the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Journalism Award for her reporting on Hawaiʻi’s tsunami damage in 2011.

“I’ve been in the industry for seven years and I hope that the Maui Now and Big Island Now community will trust me to help keep them safe and informed when severe weather strikes. It’s a great responsibility but I’m up for the challenge,” she said.

Malika will be contributing to BigIslandNow.com, MauiNow.com and participating Pacific Media Group radio stations.

Aside from her past employment, Malika is a former Miss Hawaiʻi and was named Miss Congeniality at the 2006 Miss America competition. She is a black belt in karate, avid waterwoman, a jewelry designer, singer and mommy blogger. Malika lives in Kīhei, Maui with her husband Kaimi Judd and their 2-year-old son Jackson.