Moana

Moana is a fictional character and the heroine of the 2016 Disney animated feature film Moana. Set in a mythic version of ancient Polynesia, she is the daughter of Chief Tui of Motunui and the island's aspiring leader. Drawn to the ocean, she is chosen by the sea to undertake a voyage beyond the reef to save her people and restore the heart of Te Fiti after it has been stolen by the demigod Maui.

Moana is voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, and Maui is voiced by Dwayne Johnson. The film's music was composed by Mark Mancina, with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa'i.

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and produced by Osnat Shurer, the film was released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2016. It uses computer animation with stylized design inspired by Polynesian art and navigation, and it emphasizes themes of leadership, self-discovery, and environmental stewardship as Moana learns about her people’s history and her own identity while sailing with Maui to restore Te Fiti's heart.

Moana grossed over $690 million worldwide and received critical praise for its visuals, voice performances, and music. It earned Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "How Far I'll Go." The character has remained a symbol of courage and representation, and the film contributed to renewed interest in Polynesian voyaging traditions. The name Moana means "ocean" or "sea" in several Polynesian languages.

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