Auli'i Cravalho is an American actress and singer best known for voicing the protagonist Moana Waialiki in Disney's 2016 animated feature Moana. Born in Kohala, Hawaii, and raised in Mililani, she began her career as a student at the Halau School of Hawaiian Dance before transitioning to acting. Her breakthrough role established her as a leading voice in animated storytelling and opened opportunities in music, television, and stage. This profile outlines her early life, key projects, net worth, and professional trajectory with an emphasis on verifiable detail and long-term relevance.
Early Life and Background
Auli'i Cravalho was born on November 22, 2000, in Kohala, Hawaii. At age two, she moved with her family to Mililani, Oahu, where she grew up. She attended Mililani High School and began formal training in hula at the Halau School of Hawaiian Dance. Cravalho has spoken publicly about the importance of Hawaiian language and culture in shaping her identity. Her background informed her approach to Moana and remains central to her public narrative and advocacy work.
Breakout Role in Moana
Moana Waialiki Character and Impact
In 2016, Disney cast Cravalho as the voice of Moana Waialiki, the headstrong daughter of a Polynesian chief who sets out on a voyage to save her people. The film was a global box office success and received acclaim for its cultural representation, music, and storytelling. Cravalho's singing and vocal performance anchored the film's emotional core. Moana remains a career-defining role that continues to generate search interest and scholarly discussion around representation in animation.
Professional Career Beyond Moana
Music, Television, and Stage Work
Following Moana, Cravalho pursued music, releasing singles such as 'How Far I'll Go' and participating in live performances of the film's soundtrack. She appeared in television, including a voice role on The Simpsons and a live-action cameo in Modern Family. In 2021, she starred on the NBC musical drama series Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist as Grace Chen. She also made her Broadway debut in the 2018 production of The Lion King, playing young Nala, and later appeared in the limited series Hollywood (2020).
Net Worth and Earnings
As of recent estimates, Auli'i Cravalho's net worth is reported to be approximately $4 million. This figure reflects her income from voicing Moana, music royalties, stage performances, and television roles. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, her diversified career across voice acting, singing, and live performance has contributed to sustained earnings over time.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 22, 2000 | Public biography and interviews |
| Breakout Role | Moana (2016) – voice of Moana Waialiki | Disney press materials, film credits |
| Notable Stage Role | Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway (2018) | Playbill, Broadway production records |
| Reported Net Worth | Approximately $4 million | Celebrity finance estimates, public records |
| Television Role | Grace Chen on Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2021) | NBC cast listings, episode credits |
Cultural and Community Impact
Cravalho's role as Moana has been influential in conversations about Indigenous representation in Hollywood. She has partnered with Hawaiian cultural organizations and emphasized the importance of accurate storytelling. Her visibility as a young performer of Hawaiian descent has inspired initiatives around language preservation and youth arts education. These efforts remain relevant to her public brand and long-term legacy.
Ongoing Projects and Future Outlook
Cravalho continues to select projects that align with her artistic values and cultural interests. She has expressed interest in producing and participating in content that highlights Pacific Islander stories. While she maintains a relatively selective approach compared to peers, her consistent work in voice acting, music, and stage suggests a durable, evolving career path beyond the initial Moana phenomenon.
Key Takeaways
- Auli'i Cravalho is best known as the voice of Moana in Disney's 2016 animated film.
- She has built a diverse career spanning voice acting, music, Broadway, and television.
- Her net worth is estimated around $4 million, reflecting her varied professional engagements.
- She remains an advocate for Hawaiian culture and Indigenous representation in media.
- She continues to pursue selective projects that emphasize community impact and cultural authenticity.
Conclusion
Auli'i Cravalho represents a significant voice in contemporary animated cinema and beyond. Her career, anchored by Moana, has expanded into multiple creative fields while maintaining a focus on cultural heritage. This profile provides a durable overview of her work, achievements, and influence, designed to remain accurate and useful over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Auli'i Cravalho's role in Moana? She voiced the protagonist, Moana Waialiki, in Disney's 2016 animated film.
- What is Auli'i Cravalho's net worth? Estimated at approximately $4 million, based on career earnings from voice work, music, and stage.
- Has Auli'i Cravalho performed on stage? Yes, she made her Broadway debut in The Lion King (2018) playing young Nala and has participated in other theatrical productions.
- Is Auli'i Cravalho involved in cultural advocacy? Yes, she partners with Hawaiian cultural organizations and emphasizes accurate representation and language preservation.
- What are Auli'i Cravalho's notable television roles? She appeared as Grace Chen on Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist and had voice roles in The Simpsons.