SYNOPSIS
Over a thousand years ago, Maui, a shapeshifter and demigod, stole the heart of the goddess, Te Fiti. While trying to escape with the heart, TeKa, a demon of earth and fire, attacked Maui. In their struggle, the heart was lost to the sea. Fearing Te Ka’s violent wrath, the villagers of Montuni stopped voyaging, a defeated Maui disappeared, and the Ocean guarded the Heart of Te Fiti.
While the Chief Ancestors recount the tale, the Ocean entrusts the Heart to Moana. Despite Moana’s strong connection to the Ocean, her parents, Chief Tui and Sina view it as dangerous and forbid her from venturing out beyond the reef. They advise Moana to embrace her future role as Chief of the village. The other villagers encourage Moana to find happiness on the Island.
When the villagers lament at their blackened crops and shortage of fish, Moana suggests fishing beyond the reef, but her father forbids it. Her trusted friends, Pua and Hei Hei try to stop her, but she remains steadfast. Together, the three try to sail past the reef, but a wave capsizes their canoe.
Gramma Tala observes this failed expedition and reveals the truth of the ancestors voyaging past to Moana. In her last moments, Gramma Tala urges Moana to draw courage from her inner voice revealing that it is her destiny to return the Heart of Te Fiti. After Gramma Tala’s passing, an emboldened Moana resolves to fulfill her destiny and save Motunui.
On her adventure, Moana meets the arrogant, yet charming, Maui and convinces him to help her on her journey. Maui insists on finding his magical fishhook in Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters. Here, they meet Tamatoa, a giant, egotistical crab who collects valuable objects, including Maiu’s hook. Moana acts as a distraction while Maui finds his hook. Maui tries to shape shift, but fails. Moana tricks Tomatoa allowing Maui and Moana to escape.
Moana and Maui sail treacherous seas to face Te Ka. Gaining confidence from her late Gramma Tala, Moana places the Heart into Te Ka’s chest. Te Ka transforms into the goddess Te Fiti and restores Maui’s hook.
Moana returns home to a revived Motunui. The villagers assume their identity as voyagers with Moana as their master wayfinder.
