Moana Characters

Set sail with Moana and Maui — explore every character from the Polynesian seas, from the wayfinding daughter of the chief to the demigod who roped the sun.

Last reviewed on 2026-05-02

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Moana

Wayfinder / Chief's Daughter

The bold and determined daughter of Motunui's chief who is chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Her spirit of adventure and love for the sea drive her on a legendary voyage. Becomes a master wayfinder and ultimately chief.

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Maui

Demigod

The legendary Polynesian demigod who stole Te Fiti's heart. Self-centered but deeply insecure, he earned his place among mortals through great deeds. His magical fishhook allows shapeshifting. His tattoos chronicle his adventures and living mini-Maui gives commentary.

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Hei Hei

Village Chicken

Motunui's spectacularly dim-witted rooster who accidentally stows away on Moana's voyage. His complete lack of awareness of any danger makes him simultaneously useless and hilariously entertaining. Somehow survives the entire journey.

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Pua

Moana's Pet Pig

Moana's adorable, smart pet pig who stays on Motunui while Moana sails. Despite limited screen time, Pua became one of the film's most beloved characters. His wide eyes and gentle loyalty make him an instant fan favorite.

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Te Fiti / Te Kā

Island Goddess

The mother island and creator goddess who turns into the destructive lava monster Te Kā when Maui steals her heart. The film's central twist — that the villain and the goddess are one — delivers one of Disney's most touching resolutions.

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Tamatoa

Giant Crab

The colossal, vain crab who obsessively decorates his shell with treasures — including Maui's fishhook. His theatrical narcissism and the song "Shiny" make him one of Disney's most entertaining one-scene villains. "Well, Tamatoa hasn't always been this glam."

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Gramma Tala

Moana's Grandmother

Moana's wise, eccentric grandmother who nurtures her love of the ocean and reveals the truth of their wayfinding ancestors. Returns as a manta ray spirit after her death, guiding Moana when she doubts herself. "The ocean chose you for a reason."

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Chief Tui

Moana's Father

The loving but overprotective chief of Motunui who forbids anyone from sailing beyond the reef after a personal tragedy. His conflict with Moana over the village's future represents the tension between tradition and necessary change.

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Sina

Moana's Mother

Moana's warm and perceptive mother who understands her daughter's longing for the sea better than anyone. While Chief Tui forbids it, Sina quietly prepares Moana for her destiny with unwavering maternal support and gentle wisdom.

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Kakamora

Coconut Pirates

Tiny coconut-armored pirates who sail flotillas of ships and pursue Moana's heart of Te Fiti. Adorably menacing — they're simultaneously cute and terrifying. Their Mad Max-style attack sequence on Moana's boat is one of the film's most exciting action scenes.

About Moana Characters

Disney's Moana (2016) is inspired by Polynesian mythology and culture. The film celebrates Pacific Islander heritage through its characters, music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa'i, and stunning ocean animation.

A sequel, Moana 2 (2024), continues Moana's adventures as she leads a crew on a voyage to distant islands. The franchise stands as one of Disney's most culturally rich and visually breathtaking achievements.