Talk Story with “Moana 2” Star Auliʻi Cravalho - Hawaii Magazine (2024)

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“Moana 2,” in theaters now, brings together the beloved characters of Motunui, along with enough new crew members to fill a canoe. Auliʻi Cravalho returns to voice Moana in the just released sequel to Disney’s 2016 hit animated movie. The spirited and bold actress talks story about production and what audiences can look forward to in the sequel.

What was it like to reunite with the cast of “Moana” for “Moana 2”?

It felt so nice. We really call ourselves a “Moana” ʻohana (family) and it feels like the “Moana” universe and ʻohana has just gotten even larger.

It was great getting to reunite with Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House and Temuera Morrison. It was so nice to hear their voices back in this film as well as Alan Tudyk. It really feels like the gang is all back together. Pua is also officially on the canoe; we listened to fans. And we get new characters, too.

How was production different this time around?

I could never have expected that we would get a sequel. That is such a blessing and wonderful surprise. It also felt different.

I was cast as Moana when I was 14 and I’m now 24. Thankfully, Moana has also grown. It’s the first time that a Disney princess has been allowed to age, and it’s been three years since we last saw Moana in our first film. In that time, she has become a master wayfinder and she has a little sister, Simea. A lot of things have changed.

I think one of the beautiful themes of the sequel is that we never stop growing, we never stop learning, and we’re not always going to be able to control all the things that go on around us.

If the first film focused on connecting with our past, this film is about connecting with our future.

What’s theadventure this time for Moana and Maui?

Moana is now a master wayfinder and her younger sister, Simea, is growing up on Motunui at a time when wayfinding is just a part of daily life. Going out beyond the reef isn’t so scary anymore.

Moana has been searching for other islands, going further and further. She’s really trying to find people. She knows there has to be more people than just her own in Motunui. With the help of a demigod, and a whole new crew, she must defeat all new villains and reconnect all the people across the Pacific. And each of these crew members are tied to ancient Pacific knowledge.

Any new characters you think will shine this time around?

We have a character who is kind of a villain but also isn’t quite one. There is also a whole world we are just starting to explore and that is the world of demigods—which is very exciting. Not only is there Maui, but also other demigods. There’s Pua and Heihei and the Kakamora. We meet a character that has a redemption arc, and they are not just coconuts with no heart. They have their own backstory, too.

What do you anticipate people will connect with this time around?

I think they’ll be able to connect with what I connect with: Moana keeps trying—and keeps failing! Things seem like it’ll go her way … but psyche!

Moana is also the leader of the canoe. In the first film, she was really just in charge of herself. Now she’s setting the tone for everyone on the boat and making sure they’re all working together.

I also loved that our first film was about finding balance and rewriting the balance between man and nature. Here, I really feel like there’s this understanding that in isolation, there is no future. I love that because there’s a sense of connection for our people across the Pacific. We recognize the ocean connects us and does not divide us. It’s this connection and sharing our history that keeps our ancestors alive. Working together and finding each other is something that makes us a lot stronger.

Our cast is so vibrant. We have cast members from Tonga, Samoa, Aotearoa, Tahiti and Hawaiʻi. And we get to raise our fists in the air and throw our shakas and it feels so good to be represented like this.

What’s the first thing you do when you come home to Hawaiʻi?

My first stop on my way to my auntie’s house is Zippy’s. I’m picking up Zippy’s for the whole family and I am always getting a spaghetti chicken combo. If I decide to get Korean chicken or chicken with rice, I am always substituting mac salad for extra rice.

My second stop: Liliha Bakery for green tea puffs. Then the third stop is my auntie’s house. I’ve finally arrived with all the gifts for everybody!

Of course, I also have to hit Foodland for fried chicken and poke, which are unmatched.

“Moana 2” premiered in U.S. theaters on Nov. 27, 2024, the same day this story was posted.