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🎬 Where Was Moana Filmed? Complete Polynesian Islands Location Guide

2016

Ron Clements, John Musker

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Sail through the real-world beauty that inspired Disney's Moana! Discover the vibrant Polynesian islands that brought Montunui to life.

About 🎬 Where Was Moana Filmed? Complete Polynesian Islands Location Guide

🎬 Where Was Moana Filmed? Complete Polynesian Islands Location Guide

Ever wondered how Disney captured that breathtaking, vibrant world of Motunui in Moana? While it's an animated masterpiece, the magic sprung from a deep dive into the real-world beauty and rich cultures of the Pacific. Get ready to go beyond the screen!

Moana isn't just a story; it's a love letter to the resilience, history, and natural grandeur of the Polynesian people. From the shimmering turquoise waters to the lush, volcanic landscapes, every frame resonates with a spirit rooted in ancient traditions and stunning geography.

What makes these "filming" locations so special for visitors? It's the chance to connect with the very heart of the inspiration. Imagine standing on a black sand beach in Samoa, feeling the warm ocean breeze in Fiji, or exploring the cultural depth of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Join us on an adventure to uncover the real-world inspirations behind Moana's epic journey. Prepare to be swept away by the beauty, culture, and pure magic of the South Pacific! ✨

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 The Spirit of Moana - Oceania's Heartbeat 💖

Moana teaser poster depicting a young Moana reaching for the ocean, surrounded by a vibrant, tropical setting.

🏛️ The Location

Beyond any single island, the entire region of Oceania, particularly Polynesia, serves as the overarching inspiration for Moana. This vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean is home to diverse cultures, languages, and breathtaking natural wonders, connected by a shared history of seafaring and storytelling. It's a place where land meets endless ocean, shaping identities and legends.

🎥 In the Film

The essence of Oceania permeates every aspect of Moana. The movie captures the spirit of exploration, the deep respect for the ocean, and the powerful oral traditions of these island nations. Motunui, Moana's fictional home, is a culmination of various Polynesian landscapes, from its volcanic mountains to its coral-rich lagoons.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: N/A - The entirety of the Pacific Ocean and its island nations.

🕒 Hours: Always open to explore the spirit!

💰 Admission: Varies widely by specific island nation and activities.

🌐 Website: Explore tourism sites for various Pacific Island nations (e.g., Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand).

💡 Pro Tip: To truly grasp the spirit of Moana, seek out cultural centers or traditional ceremonies in any Polynesian island. It's about connecting with the heart of the people and their ocean. 🎬 Fun Fact: The animators spent countless hours studying ocean behavior, coral formations, and lush island flora to bring Motunui and the broader ocean world to life with incredible visual accuracy.

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🎬 Samoa - The Cradle of Polynesian Culture 🌺

A serene beach scene in Samoa with palm trees swaying over golden sand and clear blue waters.

🏛️ The Location

Samoa, known as the "Treasured Islands of the South Pacific," boasts stunning natural beauty, from pristine white sand beaches and lush rainforests to dramatic volcanic landscapes. Its rich cultural heritage, Faa Samoa (The Samoan Way), is deeply ingrained in daily life, preserving ancient customs and traditions.

🎥 In the Film

Samoa was a key destination for Disney's research trips, providing invaluable insights into traditional Polynesian village life, architecture, and dance. The communal aspects of Motunui and the design of its huts and ceremonial grounds draw heavily from Samoan villages. The emphasis on family and community in the film mirrors Samoan values.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Island Nation of Samoa, South Pacific

🕒 Hours: Always accessible; specific sites have varying hours.

💰 Admission: Generally free for natural attractions; some resorts/tours charge.

🌐 Website: https://www.samoa.travel/

💡 Pro Tip: Visit a local village market in Samoa to experience the vibrant atmosphere and connect with friendly locals. Try some traditional dishes! 🎬 Fun Fact: The Samoan-inspired concept of Aiga (family) played a significant role in shaping the relationships and community dynamics seen on Moana's island of Motunui.

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🎬 Fiji - The Islands of Soft Coral & Ancient Tales 🐠

Overwater bungalows in Fiji, showcasing crystal clear turquoise waters and a lush green island in the background.

🏛️ The Location

Fiji is an archipelago of over 300 islands, famous for its breathtaking soft coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and warm hospitality. The Fijian people have a deep connection to the ocean and a rich history of storytelling, myth, and tradition, making it a true South Pacific paradise.

🎥 In the Film

The stunning underwater sequences and vibrant coral reefs in Moana owe a large part of their beauty to the inspiration taken from Fiji's pristine waters. The intricate patterns of coral and the schools of colorful fish seen onscreen are a direct nod to Fiji's incredible marine ecosystems. Elements of Fijian folklore also subtly influenced the film's narrative.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Island Nation of Fiji, South Pacific

🕒 Hours: Accessible year-round; specific resorts/activities have hours.

💰 Admission: Varies by activity (e.g., diving, resort stays).

🌐 Website: https://www.fiji.travel/

💡 Pro Tip: Take a snorkeling or diving trip around Fiji to experience firsthand the incredible coral reefs that enchanted Moana's animators. 🎬 Fun Fact: Many of the intricate water effects, from the gentle lapping waves to the powerful ocean currents, were meticulously crafted by animators who studied the real oceans of places like Fiji.

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🎬 Aotearoa (New Zealand) - The Land of the Long White Cloud ⛰️

A stylized map of New Zealand with Moana characters, highlighting the diverse landscapes from mountains to coastlines.

🏛️ The Location

Aotearoa, or New Zealand, is renowned for its dramatic and diverse landscapes, from soaring mountains and vast thermal areas to magnificent coastlines. It is the ancestral home of the Māori people, whose rich cultural traditions, mythology, and art are an integral part of the nation's identity.

🎥 In the Film

The Māori culture of New Zealand heavily influenced Moana's design, characters, and narrative, particularly the character of Maui and the themes of navigation and connection to ancestry. Maui's legendary status and his distinctive tattoos are rooted in Māori mythology. The visual style of Moana's canoe and many of the film's ceremonial scenes draw inspiration from Māori carvings and protocols.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Island Nation of New Zealand, South Pacific

🕒 Hours: Varies by specific national park or cultural attraction.

💰 Admission: Many natural sites are free; cultural experiences may have fees.

🌐 Website: https://www.newzealand.com/

💡 Pro Tip: Visit Rotorua in New Zealand for a profound immersion in Māori culture, including a traditional Hāngī meal and live performances. 🎬 Fun Fact: The "Oceanic Story Trust" directly involved Māori cultural experts who advised on everything from chant pronunciation to tattoo design, ensuring cultural authenticity in Moana.

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🎬 Tahiti, French Polynesia - Paradise of Peaks and Lagoons 🏝️

A breathtaking aerial view of Maupiti, an island in French Polynesia, with a clear turquoise lagoon and lush green mountains.

🏛️ The Location

Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is celebrated for its volcanic peaks, black sand beaches, and iconic overwater bungalows that dot its tranquil, electric-blue lagoons. It's a place synonymous with idyllic island fantasies and vibrant Polynesian traditions, offering a blend of French sophistication and deep cultural roots.

🎥 In the Film

The sheer visual splendor and characteristic landforms of Tahitian islands, with their dramatic volcanic silhouettes and stunning coral reefs, provided immense inspiration for Moana's artistic design. The idyllic coastal landscapes and vast, calm lagoons where Moana often interacts with the ocean closely resemble famous Tahitian vistas. The concept of voyaging and the connection to deep ancestors are very strong in Tahitian culture and are central themes in the film.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Tahiti, French Polynesia, South Pacific

🕒 Hours: Varies by resort and activity.

💰 Admission: Activities like snorkeling tours and resort stays have varying costs.

🌐 Website: https://tahiti.com/

💡 Pro Tip: Explore the ancient Tahitian 'Mataiea' or 'Marae' (sacred outdoor stone temples) to grasp the spiritual depth of Polynesian ancestors. 🎬 Fun Fact: Filmmakers spent time in French Polynesia studying traditional navigation techniques and canoe designs, which heavily influenced the portrayal of Moana's sailing prowess and ancestral voyagers.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Disney's approach to Moana wasn't just about crafting a beautiful animated film; it was about honoring an entire culture. The team went to extraordinary lengths to ensure authenticity, and the effort truly shines through.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Directors Ron Clements and John Musker insisted on extensive research trips to various Polynesian islands even before the story was fully developed. This wasn't just for visual inspiration, but to deeply understand the cultures, traditions, and the people's connection to the ocean.

🎨 Visual Style: Every element, from the texture of Motunui's sand to the movement of the ocean, was meticulously designed to feel real and vibrant. The rich palette and dynamic animation were a direct result of studying the stunning light and natural beauty of the Pacific Islands.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 Cultural Immersion: The production team formed the "Oceanic Story Trust," a group of anthropologists, archaeologists, and cultural experts from various Pacific Islands, who reviewed every iteration of the story, characters, and visuals.

🎭 Water Wizards: Animating the ocean as a living character required groundbreaking technological advancements. The "Te Fiti" sequence alone, with its flowing plant life, pushed the boundaries of Disney animation.

🎨 Music Magic: Lin-Manuel Miranda embraced the research trips, collaborating closely with Opetaia Foa'i to infuse authentic Pacific rhythms and harmonies into the blockbuster songs, creating a truly unique soundscape.

🎯 Vocal Authenticity: The voice cast was carefully chosen to reflect the cultural authenticity, with many actors having Polynesian heritage, providing deep connections to the story.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 The Rock's Roots: Dwayne Johnson shared that playing Maui was deeply personal, allowing him to connect with his Samoan heritage and share it with the world. He even recorded some of his lines from Maui's iconic song while sitting outside his trailer!

😮 Auli'i's Surprise: Auli'i Cravalho, at just 14, was the last person to audition for Moana and blew the casting directors away. She perfectly encapsulated Moana's spirit and became the youngest Disney princess voice actress.

🎉 Wayfinding Wizards: The animators consulted directly with master navigators to accurately portray the ancient art of wayfinding, ensuring that Moana's sailing scenes felt authentic to Polynesian traditions.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to follow Moana's paddle strokes and explore the islands that inspired her world? Here’s how to plan your own epic journey.

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: Guesthouses or traditional fales (Samoa, Fiji) offer a charming, authentic experience, often including local meals. Expect $50-100/night.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Many resorts across Fiji and Tahiti offer comfortable bungalows or hotel rooms with easy access to beaches and activities. Budget $150-300/night.

✨ Luxury: Indulge in overwater bungalows in Bora Bora (French Polynesia) or exclusive island resorts in Fiji for unparalleled beauty and service. Prices can range from $500 to $1000+ per night.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: Public transport is limited on most islands. Local buses are available but often run on loose schedules.

🚗 Car: Renting a car is recommended for exploring larger islands like Upolu (Samoa) or Viti Levu (Fiji) at your own pace. Ensure you have the correct driving permits.

🚶 Walking: Many village or resort areas are walkable, but getting between sites will likely require taxis, inter-island flights, or ferries. Island hopping is key!

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers incredible light for capturing the vibrant colors of the lagoons and lush landscapes. Early morning often brings calmer waters.

📱 Instagram Spots: Look for viewpoints overlooking lagoons, traditional village scenes, waterfalls, and, of course, the stunning beaches. Try to capture the vibrant local life.

🎬 Movie Moments: Pose with the ocean and let it be your "friend"! Recreate Moana's triumphant stances on the beach, or imagine yourself sailing across the vast Pacific on a traditional canoe.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

While not a true story about a specific individual, Moana is deeply inspired by centuries of Polynesian myths, legends, and the fascinating history of ancient Polynesian voyaging and navigation across the Pacific Ocean.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

Absolutely not! These are distinct island nations spread across thousands of miles of ocean. Visiting them all would require a multi-week, multi-country trip involving numerous flights and ferries.

💰 How much should I budget?

A realistic budget for a week in one of these Polynesian destinations can range from $1,500 (budget traveler, guesthouses) to $5,000+ (mid-range to luxury resorts), excluding international airfare.

📱 Are there guided tours?

Yes, each region offers numerous guided tours, from cultural village visits and snorkeling excursions to hiking adventures and historical site tours. Local tour operators are your best bet for authentic experiences.

🎭 When was this filmed?

As an animated film, Moana wasn't filmed in the traditional sense on location. Production and animation took several years, with research trips to the Pacific Islands conducted between 2011 and 2014, long before its 2016 release.

🌍 Is Polynesian Islands safe for tourists?

Generally, the Polynesian Islands are considered very safe for tourists. As with any travel, it's wise to take standard precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and respect local customs and traditions. Natural occurrences like tropical storms can be a concern during certain seasons.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

From the fiery heart of Te Kā to the calming embrace of Te Fiti, Moana gifted us a world brimming with visual splendor and profound cultural depth. While the film is animated, its soul is firmly planted in the real-world beauty and rich heritage of the Polynesian Islands.

By exploring these inspired locations, you're not just retracing cinematic footsteps; you're diving into ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the warmest, most welcoming cultures on Earth. So, pack your bags, tune into the rhythm of the waves, and let your own adventurous spirit guide you.

Share this guide with your travel and film-loving friends, and start planning your voyage to the real-life Motunui today! What other film locations are calling your name? Let us know in the comments!

Year Released

2016

Director

Ron Clements, John Musker

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Disney's Moana wasn't just pulled from thin air; it was meticulously crafted with extensive research and genuine respect for Pacific Island cultures. Directors Ron Clements and John Musker, along with their creative team, embarked on multiple research trips across the South Pacific. They visited nations like Fiji, Samoa, and New Zealand, immersing themselves in the vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes, and rich histories of these island communities. This dedication ensured that the film's story, characters, and visuals were deeply authentic and resonated with the spirit of Oceania, setting a new standard for cultural representation in animated storytelling.

The story of Moana underwent significant changes; originally, Maui was the central character, but the focus shifted to Moana after research trips revealed the importance of navigation and connection to the ocean in Polynesian culture.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, who voices Maui, has a strong connection to his Samoan heritage, which he brought to the character, including performing some of the chants and singing roles.
Auli'i Cravalho, who voices Moana, was discovered at a charity singing competition in Oahu, Hawaii, and was the very last person auditioned for the role.
The film's iconic music was co-written by Opetaia Foa'i, a Samoan musician; Lin-Manuel Miranda, famous for 'Hamilton'; and veteran Disney composer Mark Mancina, creating a unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.
Disney established the 'Oceanic Story Trust,' a group of cultural and linguistic experts from across the Pacific Islands, to serve as consultants throughout the film's production, ensuring authenticity and cultural accuracy.
Animators had to develop new technology to realistically animate water and Moana's curly hair, leading to some of Disney's most visually stunning water effects to date.
Motunui, Moana's home island, is a fictional place, but its design and natural features were heavily inspired by the volcanic landscapes, lush flora, and vibrant marine life found across the Polynesian islands.
Heihei, the dim-witted rooster, was almost cut from the film because the writers found him too stupid, but he was saved and made even dumber, becoming a fan-favorite comedic relief.
The pattern on Moana's dress and Maui's tattoos are not random; they incorporate traditional Polynesian designs and motifs, each telling part of their story or ancestry.
Maui's sentient tattoos, Mini Maui, were hand-drawn by legendary Disney animator Eric Goldberg, known for animating the Genie in 'Aladdin,' giving them a distinct classic animation feel.
The filmmakers took inspiration from the ancient Polynesian practice of wayfinding and celestial navigation, which guided voyagers across vast oceans for thousands of years.
The character Te Kā, the lava monster, is a powerful manifestation of the destruction inflicted upon nature, a core theme reflecting environmental concerns prevalent in many island communities.

Location Gallery

Oceania & The Spirit of Moana

Samoa

Fiji

Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Oceania & The Spirit of Moana, Samoa, Fiji in one day.