Moana (character) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Moana
Moana character
Moana as she appears in the film Moana (2016).
First appearance	Moana (2016)
Created by	Ron Clements John Musker
Voiced by	Auliʻi Cravalho Louise Bush (toddler)
Portrayed by	Catherine Laga'aia (upcoming live-action film)
Information
Species	Demigoddess (formerly human)
Occupation	Tribal chieftain Wayfinding voyager Demigoddess
Affiliation	Disney Princesses
Title	Chieftess of Motunui
Family	Chief Tui (father) Sina (mother) Simea (younger sister)
Relatives	Tala (paternal grandmother, deceased)
Nationality	Polynesian

Moana of Motunui is the main character in the 2016 Walt Disney Animation Studios movie Moana. Ron Clements and John Musker created her. Hawaiian actress and singer Auliʻi Cravalho provides Moana's voice. When Moana is a toddler, Louise Bush voices her. Moana also appears in the movie Moana 2, released in November 2024, with Cravalho voicing her again. A live-action movie remake is planned for 2026, where Catherine Laga'aia will play Moana.

Moana's story is inspired by Polynesian myths. She is shown as the strong daughter of a chief in a Polynesian village. The ocean itself chooses her to return a special relic to the goddess Te Fiti. When a problem affects her island, Moana sails to find Maui, a famous demigod. She hopes to give the relic back to Te Fiti and save her people. Later, she gathers a team and goes on a journey to find the lost island of Motufetu. This helps connect the people of the sea again. During this journey, she faces a big challenge that transforms her into a demigoddess.

Moana was praised by critics for being independent. Auliʻi Cravalho also received praise for her voice acting. In 2019, Moana officially joined the Disney Princess group. She became the twelfth member of this special line-up.

Creating Moana: The Story Behind the Character

How Moana Was Imagined

Directors Ron Clements (right) and John Musker (left) created Moana.

After making The Princess and the Frog (2009), directors Clements and Musker wanted to work on a new film. They first tried to adapt a book called Mort. But they couldn't get the rights to the story. So, they came up with three new ideas. One of these ideas, which was chosen, started in 2011. Musker began reading about Polynesian myths. He learned about the adventures of the demigod Māui. He found the rich culture of Polynesia very interesting. He thought it would be perfect for an animated movie.

Soon after, Musker and Clements wrote a first version of the story. They showed it to John Lasseter, who suggested they do research trips. In 2012, Clements and Musker visited Fiji, Samoa, and Tahiti. They met people from the South Pacific Ocean. They learned about their traditions. At first, they planned to make the movie only about Maui. But their trips inspired Clements to suggest a new idea. This idea focused on the young daughter of a chief.

During their research, Clements and Musker learned something amazing. About three thousand years ago, the people of Polynesia suddenly stopped long-distance voyages. Their sailing skills were older than those of European explorers. They began around 300 CE. Native people knew a lot about the world before outsiders arrived. For example, Kānaka Maoli knew about far-off islands. They had names for these places. They wanted to explore them to help their communities. This sailing heritage was possible because they used a special way of knowing directions. It was based on their own view, not the European compass system.

No one knows exactly why they stopped voyaging. Some experts think it was due to climate change. This caused shifts in ocean currents and wind patterns. A thousand years later, Pacific Islanders started voyaging again. Clements and Musker set the film at this time, about two thousand years ago. The movie's fictional island in the central Pacific Ocean was inspired by real islands like Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.

Taika Waititi wrote the first script. But he went back to New Zealand in 2012. He focused on his new baby and another movie. The first script showed Moana as the only daughter with "five or six brothers." Gender played a role in that story. But the brothers and gender themes were removed. The directors felt Moana's journey should be about her finding herself. A later script had Moana's father wanting to restart ocean voyages. This was changed so he would oppose it. This way, he wouldn't take attention away from Moana. Instead, Pamela Ribon suggested a grandmother character. She would guide Moana and connect her to old traditions. Another idea was Moana rescuing her father, who was lost at sea. This idea became a small part of her father's past.

Finding Moana's Voice

In late 2014, a worldwide search began for Moana's voice. Auliʻi Cravalho didn't think about trying out. She felt there were "so many great submissions over YouTube." She decided to focus on school instead. Cravalho was found at an audition for a non-profit event. She didn't know the agent there was also looking for the voice of Moana. Agent Rachel Sutton asked Cravalho if she wanted to audition. She was the last girl seen on the last day of casting.

During her audition, Cravalho sang 30 seconds of her favorite Disney song, "I See the Light" from Tangled. She also sang Hawaiian songs. Cravalho said she was confused during the audition. But she felt she "gave it [her] best... and it worked really well." In October 2015, Cravalho was officially chosen. Producer Osnat Shurer said: "We were looking for someone who could embody the character, with all the strength and commitment, humor, heart and compassion. When we met Auliʻi, she was just bringing Moana to life."

Cravalho described Moana as brave, beautiful, kind, and strong. She said Moana is a role model for everyone. Moana knows what she wants and works hard to get it. The actress enjoyed seeing Moana's growth. She also liked how Moana helped her own culture grow. Cravalho said Moana is "different" from other Disney characters. She is a "Disney heroine" who is "empowered and empowering." Moana does not have a love interest. Cravalho compared her to Mulan because both are "kick butt." Cravalho felt a strong connection to Moana. She loved voicing her as a "strong, independent, beautiful heroine."

Moana is voiced by Hawaiian singer Auliʻi Cravalho in the English and Hawaiian versions of Moana (2016).

Cravalho had never done professional film work before. Many things in the process surprised her. She recorded some lines "30 or 40 times." She learned that changing the stress on a word could create different feelings. Many engineers listened to her. They checked every sound and volume change. They wanted the exact emotion for the film. The directors usually chose which recording to use. It was also hard to feel comfortable in the recording booth. Cameras were often there for animators. This helped them add realistic facial expressions to the character. Cravalho wasn't sure how to act while being filmed. When she sang, she needed the lights turned down. She didn't want to feel watched. Directors, animators, and writers were watching her. Sometimes they sketched her or watched how she said words. Cravalho was not used to the cameras. She never recorded with co-stars like Dwayne Johnson or Rachel House.

Cravalho voiced Moana again in 2017. She dubbed the character in a special Hawaiian-language version of the movie. She also voiced Moana in Ralph Breaks the Internet. Moana made a short appearance there with other Disney Princesses.

She voiced Moana again in Moana 2 in 2024. Cravalho said this was the first time "a Disney princess has been allowed to age." Moana and Cravalho were both 16 when the first film came out. In the sequel's story, only three years had passed. But the sequel was released eight years later. During those years, Cravalho had to make her voice sound younger for Disney shows. She was happy when the sequel's directors let her use her natural voice as a young woman.

Moana Around the World

When the movie first came out, it had 45 different language versions. This included a special Tahitian-language version. In June 2017, a Māori-language version was announced. Four voice actors from the original English cast were in it. Three weeks later, Jaedyn Randell from New Zealand was chosen as Moana's voice. This movie was released in September 2017. In the same year, Shruti Rane (Hindi) also voiced Moana in the Bengali-language version. In November 2017, a Hawaiian-language version was announced. Auliʻi Cravalho voiced Moana again for this. The movie premiered on June 10, 2018.

In many European countries, Moana's name was changed to "Vaiana." This was because of a trademark conflict. The movie was released with this different name in those countries.      Highlighted versions were released later than 2016

Moana in Live-Action

In April 2023, Walt Disney Pictures announced a live-action remake of Moana. Auliʻi Cravalho is an executive producer for this film. She will not play Moana again. However, she will help choose the new actress. In July, the search for the new actress paused due to a strike.

Moana's Look and Style

The creators wanted Moana to be a realistic character. Girls could see themselves in her. She needed to be strong enough for activities like swimming and climbing.

To make her hair look real, a new computer program was made. This helped Moana's curly hair move naturally. Animators even watched models with similar hair dunk their heads in water. This helped them make Moana's wet hair look real. Different wind levels were needed for her hair. This was because the movie is set outdoors. Most of these hair scenes were new for Disney animators.

The costume designers wanted Moana's dress to be true to her culture. For example, the red color of her dress showed royalty. Buttons didn't exist back then. So, artist Neysa Bové added a boar's tusk to hold the dress together. Bové said Moana's top is made of mulberry. Her skirt is made of pandanas. Bové added a slit in the front of the dress. This allowed Moana to do all her activities in the film. A lot of research happened in the Pacific Islands for Moana. The movie is set 2,000 years ago. So, photo references were not possible. Instead, they used material references from their Oceanic Trust. Moana's necklace was also carefully designed. She wears it through most of the film.

We found this abalone shell. It's actually a mollusk, and you find this on all the Pacific Islands; it's something they use quite a bit. What's beautiful about it is that it sort of looks like a rock until you start scraping that away, and you reveal this beautiful abalone beneath it with all these ocean colors [...] I sort of added a curve to the shell and it's a nice juxtaposition between land and sea, and as a voyager she uses the stars to navigate, so I added some star carvings up on top of the shell.

Moana's Adventures

Moana in Movies

Moana (2016 Film)

Moana's grandmother, Tala, tells the story of Maui. He is a shape-shifting demigod of the wind and sea. Maui stole the heart of the goddess Te Fiti. Because of this, Te Fiti started to fall apart. Maui was then attacked by Te Kā, a fiery demon. His magic fishhook and Te Fiti's heart were lost in the ocean. The ocean then chose Moana to return the heart to Te Fiti. Moana's parents, Tui and Sina, tried to keep her away from the ocean. They wanted her to prepare to become the island's chief.

Sixteen years later, a problem affected her island. To try and stop it, Moana suggested going beyond the reef. Her father forbade her to do this. She tried with Pua the Pig but was pushed back by the waves. She ended up shipwrecked back on shore. Tala showed Moana a secret cave full of ships. She revealed that their ancestors were voyagers. But they stopped after Te Fiti's heart was stolen. The ocean was no longer safe. Tala explained that Te Kā was causing the problem. Moana had to find Maui and the heart to stop it. On her deathbed, Tala convinced Moana to go.

Moana sailed on a camakau from the cave. She was caught in a typhoon and shipwrecked on an island. There, she found Maui, who bragged about his deeds. She demanded that Maui return the heart. But he refused and trapped her in a cave. She escaped and faced Maui. He threw her off the boat many times. But the ocean kept bringing her back. He finally let her onto the camakau. They were then attacked by Kakamora, who were coconut pirates. Like other creatures, they wanted the heart. Moana and Maui escaped them. Moana convinced Maui to help her. She said he was no longer a hero and should make things right.

First, Moana and Maui had to get Maui's fishhook. It was in Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters. It was with Tamatoa, a giant coconut crab. Maui got his fishhook. But he found he couldn't control his shape-shifting anymore. Moana outsmarted Tamatoa, and they escaped. Maui told Moana that he became a demigod after his human parents left him. The gods felt sorry for him and gave him powers. After Maui shared his story, they became closer.

They arrived at Te Fiti's island. Te Kā attacked them. Moana refused to turn back. Maui's hook was badly damaged. Maui didn't want to lose his hook in another fight. He left a sad Moana. She asked the ocean to find someone else to restore the heart. She lost hope. The ocean took the heart. Moana cried, feeling hopeless. But Tala's spirit appeared. She inspired Moana to find her true purpose. Moana got the heart back. She sailed back to face Te Kā. Maui returned, having changed his mind. He fought Te Kā to give Moana time. His hook was destroyed in the process.

Moana discovered Te Fiti was missing. She realized Te Kā was Te Fiti, changed without her heart. Moana told the ocean to clear a path. This allowed her to return Te Fiti's heart. The restored goddess healed the ocean and islands. Maui apologized to Te Fiti. She restored his hook. She gave Moana a new boat. Then, Te Fiti fell into a deep sleep and became a mountain. Moana said goodbye to Te Fiti. She returned home and reunited with her parents and villagers. Tui now accepted going past the reef. He said it suited her. Moana then became the chief (Chiefess). She also became the wayfinder, leading her people to start voyaging again.

Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

Moana appears with other Disney princesses in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). This is a sequel to Wreck-It Ralph (2012). When some princesses explain how they look at "important water" for song ideas, Moana says she looks at the ocean. Later, Ralph falls from a tower and needs saving. Moana makes water from a fountain spiral up. Elsa then freezes it into a slide to slow Ralph's fall. Moana says "You're Welcome" after saving him.

Moana 2 (2024)

In December 2020, a Moana animated TV series was announced for Disney+. It was later changed into a full movie sequel. It was released in November 2024.

Three years after returning Te Fiti's heart, Moana searches for other people beyond her island. She also has a younger sister named Simea, whom she loves. Her ancestors visit her. They tell her she must break a curse from the powerful god Nalo. She needs to bring the island of Motufetu to reconnect people. The trip is dangerous, so Moana gathers a crew. This includes Loto, a craftswoman; Kele, an experienced elder farmer; and Moni, a historian and fanboy. She wants Maui's help but doesn't know how to call him.

Moana and her crew are attacked by the Kakamora again. But they soon learn the Kakamora want the same thing. The Kakamora give them a weapon and help from a skilled coconut warrior named Kotu. Moana gets separated from her group. She meets Matangi, a goddess who is forced to be with Nalo. Matangi helps Moana because Nalo's defeat means she can be free. She reveals she has Maui. She brought him there to make sure she and Moana would meet again. Then, she sends them where they need to go.

Nalo's sea monsters are almost too much for the crew. Moni nearly dies. Moana is sad and loses faith in herself. But Maui inspires her. Together, the crew faces Nalo. The humans distract Nalo so Maui can raise the island. The plan goes wrong. So Moana dives in and touches the sunken island. This breaks the curse. But a lightning strike from Nalo kills her right after she succeeds. Maui and the ancestors (including her grandmother) bring Moana back to life. They turn her into a demigoddess. Maui raises the island. They finally meet other groups of people. Afterward, the crew travels to explore the free ocean. Moana doesn't know that Nalo has captured Matangi. Nalo is planning his revenge against Moana, with Tamatoa offering to help him.

Moana (2026 Live-Action Film)

In April 2023, Walt Disney Pictures announced a live-action remake of Moana. It was planned for a 2025 release. Auliʻi Cravalho is an executive producer. She will not play Moana but will help cast her replacement. In July, casting paused due to a strike. Dwayne Johnson said in February 2024 that an actress had been cast. But her name was being kept secret. After Moana 2 was announced, the film was delayed to 2026. In June 2024, it was announced that Catherine Laga'aia from Sydney, Australia was cast as Moana.

Moana on TV

Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest

Moana is a main character in the Lego animated special Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest. It was released on Disney+ on August 18, 2023.

Moana Merchandise

By 2019, Moana joined the Disney Princess line-up. She became the twelfth member of this media franchise. This includes toys and products featuring female characters from Disney animated films. In 2016, Disney released a Moana doll with eco-friendly packaging. On November 17, 2016, Disney released Moana: Rhythm Run, a mobile game. They also added Moana content to other games. These included Disney Stickers, Disney Crossy Road, Disney Emoji Blitz, Disney Story Central, and Disney Jigsaw Puzzles. On January 2, 2017, Disney released Moana: Island Life, a free-to-play mobile game.

Moana in Theme Parks

Moana, as she appears in the Disney Parks.

On November 16, 2016, before her movie came out, Moana appeared at Walt Disney World. She did meet-and-greets at Disney's Polynesian Resort. On November 18, 2016, Moana appeared in a surprise parade at Disneyland Paris. On November 20, 2016, Moana started meet-and-greets at the Animation Station in Disneyland Paris. Since May 12, 2017, Moana has appeared in Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom. She sings "How Far I'll Go" in the show. After Tokyo Disneyland updated "It's A Small World", Moana and Pua were added to the Polynesian scene. Since May 25, 2018, Moana has performed in Moana: A Homecoming Celebration at Hong Kong Disneyland. Moana has also appeared in Summer Blast at Shanghai Disneyland since 2019. Since October 16, 2023, Moana has a new meet-and-greet spot. It's called Character Greetings at EPCOT's World Nature neighborhoods. This opened on Disney's 100th anniversary.