Auliʻi Cravalho’s journey from a small apartment in Hawaii to the world stage has been nothing short of transformative. Now, with Moana 2 gracing theaters, the 24-year-old actress takes a moment to reflect on the sacrifices her family made and the lessons she’s carried with her from her humble beginnings.
From Food Stamps to Fame
Growing up on the Big Island and Oahu, Cravalho’s life was far from glamorous. Raised by her mother, Puanani, who worked tirelessly to make ends meet, the actress recalls how her family once lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Mililani. “I slept in the bedroom, my mom slept on the couch. She gave me everything,” she shares.
Her mother’s sacrifices paid off when Cravalho was cast as Moana at just 14, a role that would change her life overnight. Reflecting on the moment, she says with a smile, “I bought my mommy a house. She’s happily retired now.”
Grounded by Family
Despite her meteoric rise, Cravalho’s parents were adamant about keeping her grounded. “My parents were like, ‘Listen, if [Moana] doesn’t go anywhere, you need to finish high school. You need to do the dishes. You need to fix your bed. Don’t let it get to your head.’”
Her parents’ firm but loving approach shaped Cravalho into the resilient woman she is today. Though her parents divorced when she was young, their influence remains profound. Her father, Dwayne, and her mother, Puanani, instilled the importance of gratitude and humility.
The Struggles of Stardom
While Cravalho embraced her newfound fame, the demands of being a Disney star were taxing. Balancing a whirlwind schedule with schoolwork left her depleted. “Sometimes people talk about being a Disney kid, and I think so much of it is giving all of your energy to a project and then having nothing in reserve for yourself,” she admits.
Her mother, however, quickly stepped in to ensure her daughter’s well-being and kindness weren’t compromised. “She looked me in the eye and said, ‘You need to be kind, and you need to be kind to me.’” Those moments of tough love helped Cravalho navigate the pressures of the spotlight while staying true to herself.
Full Circle with Moana 2
Returning as Moana in the sequel feels like a full-circle moment for Cravalho, who is excited to reprise her role alongside Dwayne Johnson’s Maui. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, Moana 2 promises to enchant fans with new songs by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear and a stellar cast including Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk.
Reflecting on the past decade, Cravalho marvels at her growth and the enduring support of her parents. “Your parents give you so much,” she says, radiating gratitude.
With her roots firmly planted and her future looking brighter than ever, Auliʻi Cravalho’s journey continues to inspire fans around the world.
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