By Chris Ndetei John Ouma Samuel Obour
If you love animated movies, chances are you have watched the Disney classic Moana. The 2016 musical fantasy adventure won over fans and critics with its rich storyline and unforgettable cast. From heroic leads to quirky sidekicks, we list all Moana characters ranked by popularity, including their roles.
Key takeaways
Moana, the daughter of Chief Tui, is chosen by the ocean to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti.Moana became a cultural icon for representing Polynesian heritage with depth and respect.Her story celebrates environmental stewardship, female leadership, and cultural identity.
All Moana characters ranked
Moana is known and loved for its realistic design and its character’s Māui Polynesian mythology-inspired theme. If you watched the Disney film, some characters might have appealed to you more than others. Below are the Moana characters’ names and pictures based on their popularity.
Role: ProtagonistGender: FemaleVoiced by: Auli’i Cravalho
Moana is the titular protagonist of this animated film. She was born on the island village of Motunui and had an inherited love for the seas and voyaging. Moana is the eldest daughter of Chief Tui and has other siblings, including her younger sisters Sina and Simea.
Role: DemigodGender: MaleVoiced by: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Maui is a demigod of the wind and sea who wields a magical fishhook. Known for his strength and shapeshifting abilities, Maui initially comes across as arrogant but gradually learns humility and teamwork while assisting Moana on her quest. His comedic personality and heroic feats make him a fan favourite.
Role: Lava demon antagonistGender: FemaleVoice: Nature sounds
Te Kā is the vengeful lava demon and the primary antagonist. She was initially Te Fiti, the island goddess, but transformed into a destructive force when Maui stole her heart. Moana’s quest is to restore the heart of Te Fiti, which eventually transforms Te Kā back to her original, peaceful form.
4. Gramma Tala
Role: Moana’s grandmotherGender: FemaleVoiced by: Rachel House
Gramma Tala is Moana’s wise and free-spirited grandmother. She is the only person in the village who encourages Moana’s love for the ocean and believes in her destiny to save the island. Gramma Tala shares a spiritual connection with the sea and is pivotal in guiding Moana throughout her journey.
5. Chief Tui
Role: Moana’s fatherGender: MaleVoiced by: Temuera Morrison
Chief Tui is the protective leader of the island of Motunui and Moana’s dad. He loves his daughter dearly but is reluctant to let her explore the ocean, fearing the dangers beyond the reef. Over time, he learns to trust Moana’s instincts and supports her in her mission to restore balance to the island.
Role: Moana’s pet pigGender: MaleVoiced by: Frank Welker
Pua is the star’s loyal and adorable pet pig. Though he does not join Moana on her ocean adventure, the pet pig plays an essential role in her life, representing her connection to home and family. His playful and loving personality makes him a favourite among fans.
Role: Moana’s rooster companionGender: MaleVoiced by: Alan Tudyk
Heihei is Moana’s clumsy and dim-witted rooster companion. Although unintentionally brought along on the expedition journey, his clueless behaviour provides comic relief. Despite his limited intelligence, Heihei is crucial in keeping Moana safe during her adventure.
Role: Villainous giant crabGender: MaleVoiced by: Jemaine Clement
Tamatoa is a giant crab Disney character living in Lalotai, the realm of monsters. He is obsessed with shiny objects and uses them to decorate his shell, believing that his appearance gives him power. Tamatoa’s musical number, “Shiny,” highlights his vain and flamboyant personality.
Role: Island goddessGender: Female
Te Fiti is the green goddess monster who created the islands and life. Her heart holds the key to balance in the world, but when Maui steals it, she transforms into the angry lava demon Te Kā. Restoring her heart is central to Moana’s mission, ultimately returning Te Fiti to her peaceful, life-giving form.
Role: Moana’s motherGender: FemaleVoiced by: Nicole Scherzinger
Sina is Moana’s loving and supportive mother. She understands her daughter’s desire to explore the ocean, but also wants to protect her from the potential dangers outside the reef. Sina’s nurturing nature balances Chief Tui’s protectiveness, giving Moana the confidence to pursue her journey.
11. Kakamora
Role: Villainous coconut creaturesGender: Unknown
The Kakamora are a group of tiny, coconut-armoured pirates that Moana and Maui encounter during their journey. Despite their small size, they are formidable and aggressive when working together.
Role: Magical entityGender: Unknown
The ocean is a living, conscious magic entity that helps guide Moana on her quest. It assists her in restoring the heart of Te Fiti, protects her during dangerous moments, and ensures she fulfils her destiny. The ocean plays a significant and mystical role in the film.
13. Mini Maui
Role: Demigod, Maui’s miniature formGender: Male
Mini Maui appears as a unique tattoo on Maui’s body. Though he doesn’t speak, Mini Maui acts as Maui’s conscience, often guiding him to make the right decisions and helping him during critical moments in the film.
14. Matai Vasa
Role: Chief Tui’s fatherGender: Male
Matai Vasa is Chief Tui’s wise and loving father. Although he is a minor character, he is inspirational in Moana’s journey, encouraging her to follow her dreams and embrace her destiny.
15. Matangi
Role: Enforcer for NaloGender: FemaleVoiced by: Awhimai Fraser
Matangi is a character in Moana 2. She is an eccentric, bat-themed entity who serves as an enforcer for Nalo, the God of Storms. Matangi possesses supernatural abilities that are vampire-like. She shifts from serving Nalo to aiding Moana once she recognizes Moana’s pure heart.
Role: Moana’s sisterGender: FemaleVoiced by: Khaleesi Lambert‑Tsuda
Simea appears in Moana 2 as Moana’s adorable 3½‑year‑old little sister. She idolizes Moana and shares a close sisterly bond.
Moana becomes not just her big sister, but also a guardian and role model. She may become the next matai of Motunui if Moana steps down to fulfill her new role as a demigoddess.
Role: FarmerGender: MaleVoice: David Fane
Kele was a villainous giant crab from Moana 2. He is a grumpy old farmer and a member of Moana’s wayfinding crew, joining Loto and Moni on the voyage. As the elder statesman of Motunui, he’s also in charge of the island’s vegetable crops.
Role: CraftswomanGender: FemaleVoice: Rose Matafeo
Loto is the brainy but quirky genius of Moana’s wayfinding crew, working alongside Kele and Moni. As the team’s skilled shipwright, she designs, repairs, and upgrades their vessel, keeping it seaworthy through every storm and supernatural challenge on their voyage to the mysterious island of Motufetu.
Who are the Moana 2 cast members?
The cast of Moana 2, which was released on 27 November 2024, includes several returning favourites and some new faces. As per IMDb, below are the Moana Disney characters:
Auliʻi Cravalho as MoanaDwayne Johnson as MauiAlan Tudyk as Hei HeiRachel House as Gramma TalaTemuera Morrison as Chief TuiNicole Scherzinger as SinaRose Matafeo as LotoDavid Fane as Kele
Where does Moana take place?
Where is Moana set? The animated film takes place in the Polynesian region of the South Pacific Ocean. The storyline occurs on the fictional island of Motunui.
Who plays Moana?
American actress Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho played the character in the 2016 original release and its sequel in November 2024.
Who is the male character in Moana?
Some of the male Moana movie characters include Maui the demigod (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), Chief Tui (Temuera Morrison), and Tamatoa (Jemaine Clement).
Are Moana and Maui dating?
Moana and Maui’s relationship in the movie is more of a strong friendship and partnership with no romantic element.
What is Moana’s character’s pig’s name?
Moana’s loyal pet pig is called Pua. He keeps the main character company during her childhood, but does not join her in her ocean expedition.
Who is the green monster in Moana?
Te Kā is the green monster in the movie. Te Fiti, the land goddess, transforms into the monster Te Kā after her heart is stolen. Moana restores the heart, and Te Fiti regains her form.
Moana characters are beloved for their rich personalities, cultural significance, and impact on the story. From the bravery of Moana, the humour of Maui, to the wisdom of Gramma Tala, each character contributes to the film’s charm. This list features all Moana characters ranked, showcasing the most iconic and fan-favourite figures from the film.
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Source: YEN.com.gh