Dwayne Johnson, the Hollywood star widely known as The Rock, launched the Moana World Tour in Hawaii alongside original animated voice actor Auliʻi Cravalho and new live-action lead Catherine Laga'aia, marking the beginning of a global promotional push for the upcoming live-action film set to release only in theatres on 10 July. The Hawaii kickoff was steeped in Polynesian ceremony, with Johnson describing the event as a celebration of culture, heritage, and family storytelling.

Johnson Pays Tribute to High Chief Peter Maivia

At the heart of Johnson's remarks was a deeply personal tribute to his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, who lived, and is buried, in Hawaii at Diamond Head. Johnson revealed that the animated demigod Maui — a character he voices in the franchise — was directly inspired by Maivia's charisma, charm, toughness, and even his hair. 'What an honour it is for me to embody his spirit,' Johnson said at the event. The acknowledgement underscored how the Moana franchise has carried personal and cultural weight for Johnson well beyond its box-office success.

Cravalho and Laga'aia on Passing the Torch

Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original 2016 animated film, reflected on more than a decade with the character. 'I'm so grateful that you all are here. Without you, there would be no Moana. And Catherine, I now get a sister,' she said, adding that the waves of impact Moana leaves are 'rippling worldwide.' Laga'aia, stepping into the role for the live-action adaptation, framed the legacy in broader cultural terms: 'This legacy extends so much further than Moana... we're celebrating who we are, where we come from, and how important it is that we are here, and we stay here.'

The Aloha Spirit and Polynesian Representation

Johnson spoke at length about the cultural significance of the franchise, describing the aloha spirit as something that transcends the film itself. He noted that everything performed at the event — the dance, the song, the ceremony — came 'from the heart' and reflected living Polynesian tradition. The actor also referenced the Polynesian exclamation 'Cheehoo', a recurring motif for Maui in the franchise, calling it an expression rooted in culture that must be felt rather than merely said. Johnson had earlier shared a video on Instagram captioning it: 'Kicking off our Moana World Tour, here in Hawaii with the OG Moana @auliicravalho and our NEW G Moana @catherinelagaaia Beautiful aloha spirit and mana in the air.'

What the Live-Action Moana Means for Representation

The live-action adaptation arrives at a moment when Hollywood's record on Pacific Islander representation remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny. The original animated Moana was widely credited with bringing Polynesian storytelling, mythology, and aesthetics to a mainstream global audience. The casting of Laga'aia — herself of Polynesian heritage — continues that commitment, and the Hawaii launch was designed to signal that the production is rooted in the community it depicts, not merely inspired by it. The film hits theatres on 10 July, with the world tour set to continue across multiple markets.