On a bright afternoon on Nov. 21, 2024, people from all over the world gathered at the Lanikūhonua Cultural Institute on the west side of Oʻahu for Disney’s Moana 2 World Premiere. Invited guests were greeted with flower lei, hula, live music, local foods and a variety of activities to enjoy.
Event goers could learn a hula, meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse or the character Moana herself, create a phone charm or bracelet with seashells and beads, create art on a seashell, take a photo in the Moana-themed photo booth or get a flipbook to take home.
Several local businesses were also featured at the event including Lypid Kitchen with their “Pua” inspired BBQ Pork Bao and Better Sour with their Moana 2 collection of gummy stars in iconic island flavors like lilikoʻi.
Auliʻi Carvalho, who plays Moana, arrived on the blue carpet donning a custom shell top by Utah-based Samoan designer Afa Ah Loo. Carvalho posed for photos dressed in character with several guests and joined in a few faʻaumu (“chee-hoos”) on the carpet.
“I miss being here and feeling the island vibes and feeling the aloha from start to finish on this carpet,” said Carvalho. “It really feels like coming home.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who voices the demigod Maui, also attended, dancing a taualuga (a Samoan dance celebrating the completion of a task) with his mother upon his entrance to the event before pausing for photo ops and interviews.
“It’s the global premiere of Moana 2 and [there are] a lot of people around the world who are excited to see it,” Johnson said. “I’ve got my family here. A lot of people flew in. It’s awesome to be here tonight.”
Guests included Lahainaluna High School students and staff, Lilo and Stitch live action actress Maia Kealoha, Hawaiʻi-based influencer Bretman Rock, Hawaiian- Samoan reggae rock/pop band Common Kings and more.
As the sun began to set, guests were ushered to their seats in the outdoor theater. Each lawn chair had a Hawaiian Airlines blanket and a Heihei (chicken) or Pua (pig) plush character toy for guests to take home.
Pasifika (Pacific Islander) dancers took to the stage to perform for the crowd. Flags of each Pacific Island waved in front of the screen and “chee-hoos” echoed through the venue. Carvalho and Johnson briefly danced with the performers on stage, then thanked their families, friends, Moana 2 creator Bob Iger, and the people of Pasifika.
“We [all] own Moana,” said Carvalho.
With stars twinkling in the skies above, the movie began, full of lively new music from talented songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the first female duo to compose music for a Disney movie.
Several new characters are introduced in Moana 2: Moana’s little sister Simea (voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda from Oʻahu) and crew members Kele (David Fane of Aotearoa), Loto (Rose Matafeo of Aotearoa) and Moni (Hualālai Chung also from Oʻahu).
In the movie, Moni is a young storyteller who has learned all the moʻolelo of Motonui. For Chung, an up-and-coming ʻŌiwi actor-musician, Moana 2 has been the opportunity of a lifetime.
“This story of Moana, has been so big for our people, not only [for] Hawaiʻi, but the entire Pacific,” said Chung, adding that he was very grateful to be part of the movie and of the celebration of the movie here at home.
In Moana 2, three years have passed. Moana is now an accomplished navigator sailing far beyond the reef of her island home of Motunui. Whereas the first movie focused on connecting to the past and her ancestors, Moana 2 focuses on connecting to the future and to all the peoples of the Pacific.
An emerging leader, Moana balances her duties to her people while heeding the call of her ancestors. When her ancestors send her on a journey to reunite the peoples of the Pacific, she struggles with leaving her ʻohana, fearing she may not return.
An important and timely theme throughout the movie is the idea that the peoples of the Pacific are connected, not divided, by the ocean.
Moana 2 represents all the people of Pasifika, showcasing our cultural connections through depiction of ʻawa ceremonies, use of kapa, respect for ʻaumakua (deified ancestors who may assume animal forms), and tattoo. The movie celebrates the achievements of all Pacific peoples – Polynesians, Micronesians and Melanesians – and represents our cultures, customs and voyaging traditions on the big screen.
“This idea of community, of loyalty to your ʻohana, is so much grander in this film,” Chung reflected. “I think everybody will really connect with [the film] and take it to heart.
