How Old is Moana

Moana is 16 in the original Moana (2016) and about 19 in Moana 2 (2024), which is set roughly three years after her first voyage past the reef. She is one of Disney’s most beloved princesses, known for questioning the rules of royal life and for the courage that carries her across the open ocean.

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How old is Moana in each movie?

Moana is 16 during the 2016 film. The story follows the daughter of Motunui’s Chief Tui, who breaks her people’s rule against crossing the reef to return the Heart of Te Fiti to the goddess of life.

In Moana 2, released in 2024, she is about 19. The sequel takes place around three years after her first journey, according to The Direct.

On her ocean voyage she sails with Maui, the shape-shifting demigod who first stole the Heart and brought darkness to her island.

Gramma Tala, her grandmother, calls her someone who “commands attention.” Moana is athletic, quick-thinking, and able to handle herself alone at sea, rare for a girl who had never left her island.

She often struggles to balance her own goals with what her family and village expect. Disney first designed her as a supporting role and possible love interest for Maui, but she took over the story as its lead.

Is there a Moana 2?

Yes. Moana 2 reached theaters on November 27, 2024, and earned about $1.06 billion worldwide, per Wikipedia. That made it one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

The sequel reunites Moana with Maui for a new wayfinding mission across the ocean.

When does the live-action Moana come out?

The live-action Moana reaches theaters on July 10, 2026, timed to the franchise’s 10th anniversary, according to Wikipedia.

Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia plays Moana, and Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui.

Is Moana a Disney Princess?

Moana joined the official Disney Princess lineup in 2019. She is the second princess not based on a pre-existing character, after Merida from Brave.

She did not get the usual coronation that earlier princesses received. Disney introduced her through storybooks and toy lines instead, a few years after the film’s release.

Her look stands apart too. She is one of the few princesses whose costume uses more than one main color, alongside Ariel in mermaid form, Snow White, and Mulan. She is also the only Disney princess who openly rejects the “princess” label.

She follows Tiana, Mulan, Pocahontas, and Jasmine as the fifth non-white Disney princess.

What are some facts about Moana?

It is Disney’s 56th animated film. Watching one per week, you would need more than a year to see them all.

Maui is based on the demigod Maui. In Polynesian mythology, Maui is a powerful demigod whose deeds shaped many customs.

The Rock’s grandfather inspired Maui’s look. Dwayne Johnson, who voices Maui, has Samoan heritage. His grandfather inspired the character’s appearance. Maui’s tattoos are hand-drawn, even though most of the film is computer animation.

Real pigs were recorded for the sounds of Pua.

Heihei was called the worst character in Disney history. The film’s director gave the rooster that title himself.

Hawaiian Airlines painted three of its planes with movie characters to mark the film’s release.

Auli’i Cravalho voiced Moana at age 16. Thousands auditioned, and Cravalho was the last person to try out.

FAQ

Who is the oldest Disney princess?

Snow White is the oldest, with a screen debut in 1937.

Does Moana have a baby?

In the animated stories, Moana and Maui are shown with a baby girl, sailing the waters with Hei Hei and Pua.

Is Moana a girl?

Yes. Moana is a strong female character who pushes back against gender stereotypes.

What is Moana’s full name?

Her full name is Moana Waialiki. The “W” makes it a rare Hawaiian name, since the letter is uncommon elsewhere in Polynesia.

Is Maui’s dad a god?

Yes. His father is Kanaloa, god of the underworld and magic, also called Tangaroa, god of the sea.