This technique is called wayfinding, and it has been used for thousands of years by Polynesian voyagers. In the movie, Moana uses the stars to navigate her way on the sea.

The movie did get some aspects of the heritage wrong, and as much as it tried to include Polynesian traditions and history, there is still so much to discover! Explore below a few of the ways the story of Moana is based on Polynesian history and tradition. In fact, once you start looking for ties to Polynesian culture in Moana, it’s hard to stop! Everything from the island homes (created in the form of the traditional Samoan fale) to the tattoos on Maui’s back (a nod to Polynesian tattooing) are a tribute to Polynesian heritage.Īs culturally accurate as Disney tried to make Moana, the company and movie don't speak for all of Polynesia and its people. Part of what makes the movie so compelling is its basis in real tradition and heritage-a fact that has prompted many people to ask questions such as “Where is Moana from?” and “What is Moana’s culture?”Īlthough Moana is from the fictional island Motunui some 3,000 years ago, the story and culture of Moana is based on the very real heritage and history of Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti. Since its release in 2016, Disney’s ground-breaking movie Moana has charmed millions of viewers and led thousands of children (and adults) to play the song “How Far I’ll Go” on repeat.

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