All Moana characters ranked: Full list of your favourite Disney characters

All Moana characters ranked: Full list of your favourite Disney characters

If you love animated movies, chances are you have watched the Disney classic Moana. The 2016 musical fantasy adventure won over fans and critics with its rich storyline and unforgettable cast. From heroic leads to quirky sidekicks, we list all Moana characters ranked by popularity, including their roles.

Moana, Te Kā, and Maui.
Moana (L), the adventurous protagonist; Te Kā (C), the fearsome lava demon; Maui (R), the mischievous demigod. Photo: @almanaquedisney, @DisneyAPromos, @ToonHive (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Moana, the daughter of Chief Tui, is chosen by the ocean to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti.
  • Moana became a cultural icon for representing Polynesian heritage with depth and respect.
  • Her story celebrates environmental stewardship, female leadership, and cultural identity.

All Moana characters ranked

Moana is known and loved for its realistic design and its character's Māui Polynesian mythology-inspired theme. If you watched the Disney film, some characters might have appealed to you more than others. Below are the Moana characters' names and pictures based on their popularity.

Rank CharacterRole
1MoanaProtagonist
2MauiDemigod
3Te KāLava demon antagonist
4Gramma TalaMoana's grandmother
5Chief TuiMoana's dad
6PuaPet pig
7HeiheiMoana's rooster companion
8TamatoaGiant crab, minor villain
9Te FitiIsland goddess
10 SinaMoana's mother
11KakamoraCoconut-armored pirates
12OceanMagical entity
13MiniMaui Demigod, Maui's miniature form
14Matai VasaChief Tui's father
15MatangiEnforcer for Nalo
16SimeaMoana’s sister
17KeleFarmer
18LotoCraftswoman

1. Moana

Moana paddles and in a floral crown.
Moana shows her adventurous spirit (L), and she embraces her role as the future leader of Motunui (R). Photo: @PopBase, @SeriesBrasil (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Protagonist
  • Gender: Female
  • Voiced by: Auli'i Cravalho

Moana is the titular protagonist of this animated film. She was born on the island village of Motunui and had an inherited love for the seas and voyaging. Moana is the eldest daughter of Chief Tui and has other siblings, including her younger sisters Sina and Simea.

2. Maui

Maui the demigod of the wind and sea
Maui performs a fierce haka pose with his tongue out (L) and smiles with his tattoos visible (R). Photo: @Moana Disney, @attractionsmagazine (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Demigod
  • Gender: Male
  • Voiced by: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Maui is a demigod of the wind and sea who wields a magical fishhook. Known for his strength and shapeshifting abilities, Maui initially comes across as arrogant but gradually learns humility and teamwork while assisting Moana on her quest. His comedic personality and heroic feats make him a fan favourite.

3. Te Kā

Te Kā, the lava demon, from Moana
Te Kā, the lava demon, unleashes her fiery power in a cloud of smoke and flames (L) and confronts Moana (R). Photo: @almanaquedisney, @honeyoink_draw (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Lava demon antagonist
  • Gender: Female
  • Voice: Nature sounds

Te Kā is the vengeful lava demon and the primary antagonist. She was initially Te Fiti, the island goddess, but transformed into a destructive force when Maui stole her heart. Moana's quest is to restore the heart of Te Fiti, which eventually transforms Te Kā back to her original, peaceful form.

4. Gramma Tala

Gramma Tala Moana’s wise grandmother
Gramma Tala smiles while holding her cane (L) and laughs joyfully (R). Photo: @FatcharasOTD (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Moana's grandmother
  • Gender: Female
  • Voiced by: Rachel House

Gramma Tala is Moana's wise and free-spirited grandmother. She is the only person in the village who encourages Moana's love for the ocean and believes in her destiny to save the island. Gramma Tala shares a spiritual connection with the sea and is pivotal in guiding Moana throughout her journey.

5. Chief Tui

Chief Tui posing for a photo
Chief Tui posing inside the house (L) and outside (R). Photo: @jenjenmace (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Moana's father
  • Gender: Male
  • Voiced by: Temuera Morrison

Chief Tui is the protective leader of the island of Motunui and Moana's dad. He loves his daughter dearly but is reluctant to let her explore the ocean, fearing the dangers beyond the reef. Over time, he learns to trust Moana's instincts and supports her in her mission to restore balance to the island.

6. Pua

Pua Moana’s pet pig
Pua looks innocent with wide eyes (L) and glances upwards with a curious expression (R). Photo: @ProudDisnerds, @CritterDay (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Moana's pet pig
  • Gender: Male
  • Voiced by: Frank Welker

Pua is the star's loyal and adorable pet pig. Though he does not join Moana on her ocean adventure, the pet pig plays an essential role in her life, representing her connection to home and family. His playful and loving personality makes him a favourite among fans.

7. Heihei

  • Role: Moana's rooster companion
  • Gender: Male
  • Voiced by: Alan Tudyk

Heihei is Moana's clumsy and dim-witted rooster companion. Although unintentionally brought along on the expedition journey, his clueless behaviour provides comic relief. Despite his limited intelligence, Heihei is crucial in keeping Moana safe during her adventure.

8. Tamatoa

Tamatoa the vain and treasure-obsessed giant crab from Moana
Tamatoa, the giant crab, shows off his golden, shiny treasures (L) and grins with his teeth full of glittering treasures (R). Photo: @DailyVillains4U (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Villainous giant crab
  • Gender: Male
  • Voiced by: Jemaine Clement

Tamatoa is a giant crab Disney character living in Lalotai, the realm of monsters. He is obsessed with shiny objects and uses them to decorate his shell, believing that his appearance gives him power. Tamatoa's musical number, "Shiny," highlights his vain and flamboyant personality.

9. Te Fiti

Te Fiti the island goddess.
Te Fiti holds Moana in her hand (L) and a close-up of her smiling gently at Moana (R). Photo: @KlasickTheHost (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Island goddess
  • Gender: Female

Te Fiti is the green goddess monster who created the islands and life. Her heart holds the key to balance in the world, but when Maui steals it, she transforms into the angry lava demon Te Kā. Restoring her heart is central to Moana's mission, ultimately returning Te Fiti to her peaceful, life-giving form.

10. Sina

  • Role: Moana's mother
  • Gender: Female
  • Voiced by: Nicole Scherzinger

Sina is Moana's loving and supportive mother. She understands her daughter's desire to explore the ocean, but also wants to protect her from the potential dangers outside the reef. Sina's nurturing nature balances Chief Tui's protectiveness, giving Moana the confidence to pursue her journey.

11. Kakamora

  • Role: Villainous coconut creatures
  • Gender: Unknown

The Kakamora are a group of tiny, coconut-armoured pirates that Moana and Maui encounter during their journey. Despite their small size, they are formidable and aggressive when working together.

12. Ocean

The magical ocean from Moana
Moana holds a baby as they reach the ocean’s magical water (L). Moana, Maui, Heihei, and Pua against the ocean wave backdrop (R). Photo: @FOXNashville, @VPL (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Magical entity
  • Gender: Unknown

The ocean is a living, conscious magic entity that helps guide Moana on her quest. It assists her in restoring the heart of Te Fiti, protects her during dangerous moments, and ensures she fulfils her destiny. The ocean plays a significant and mystical role in the film.

13. Mini Maui

Mini Maui the playful tattoo on Maui’s chest
Maui’s tattoo of Mini Maui showcases his small figure on Maui’s chest (L) and a hand-drawn animation style of him (R). Photo: @MToonster24, @friendlydb (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Demigod, Maui's miniature form
  • Gender: Male

Mini Maui appears as a unique tattoo on Maui's body. Though he doesn't speak, Mini Maui acts as Maui's conscience, often guiding him to make the right decisions and helping him during critical moments in the film.

14. Matai Vasa

  • Role: Chief Tui's father
  • Gender: Male

Matai Vasa is Chief Tui's wise and loving father. Although he is a minor character, he is inspirational in Moana's journey, encouraging her to follow her dreams and embrace her destiny.

15. Matangi

A photo of Matangi
Matangi posing for a photo (L). Matangi staring while smiling (R). Photo: @ToonHive (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Enforcer for Nalo
  • Gender: Female
  • Voiced by: Awhimai Fraser

Matangi is a character in Moana 2. She is an eccentric, bat-themed entity who serves as an enforcer for Nalo, the God of Storms. Matangi possesses supernatural abilities that are vampire-like. She shifts from serving Nalo to aiding Moana once she recognizes Moana’s pure heart.

16. Simea

Simea and Moana
Simea looks worried (L). Simea and Moana (R). Photo: @ryan_reflects (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Moana’s sister
  • Gender: Female
  • Voiced by: Khaleesi Lambert‑Tsuda

Simea appears in Moana 2 as Moana’s adorable 3½‑year‑old little sister. She idolizes Moana and shares a close sisterly bond.

Moana becomes not just her big sister, but also a guardian and role model. She may become the next matai of Motunui if Moana steps down to fulfill her new role as a demigoddess.

17. Kele

Kele looking angry and other Moana cast
Kele with an angry look (L). Kele in the middle (R). Photo: @almanaquedisney (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Farmer
  • Gender: Male
  • Voice: David Fane

Kele was a villainous giant crab from Moana 2. He is a grumpy old farmer and a member of Moana’s wayfinding crew, joining Loto and Moni on the voyage. As the elder statesman of Motunui, he’s also in charge of the island’s vegetable crops.

18. Loto

Loto with a mini boat and also posing for a photo
Loto holding a mini boat (L). Loto is posing for a photo. Photo: @pinguxx (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Role: Craftswoman
  • Gender: Female
  • Voice: Rose Matafeo

Loto is the brainy but quirky genius of Moana’s wayfinding crew, working alongside Kele and Moni. As the team’s skilled shipwright, she designs, repairs, and upgrades their vessel, keeping it seaworthy through every storm and supernatural challenge on their voyage to the mysterious island of Motufetu.

Who are the Moana 2 cast members?

The cast of Moana 2, which was released on 27 November 2024, includes several returning favourites and some new faces. As per IMDb, below are the Moana Disney characters:

  • Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana
  • Dwayne Johnson as Maui
  • Alan Tudyk as Hei Hei
  • Rachel House as Gramma Tala
  • Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui
  • Nicole Scherzinger as Sina
  • Rose Matafeo as Loto
  • David Fane as Kele

Where does Moana take place?

Where is Moana set? The animated film takes place in the Polynesian region of the South Pacific Ocean. The storyline occurs on the fictional island of Motunui.

Who plays Moana?

American actress Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho played the character in the 2016 original release and its sequel in November 2024.

Who is the male character in Moana?

Some of the male Moana movie characters include Maui the demigod (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), Chief Tui (Temuera Morrison), and Tamatoa (Jemaine Clement).

Are Moana and Maui dating?

Moana and Maui's relationship in the movie is more of a strong friendship and partnership with no romantic element.

What is Moana's character's pig's name?

Moana's loyal pet pig is called Pua. He keeps the main character company during her childhood, but does not join her in her ocean expedition.

Who is the green monster in Moana?

Te Kā is the green monster in the movie. Te Fiti, the land goddess, transforms into the monster Te Kā after her heart is stolen. Moana restores the heart, and Te Fiti regains her form.

Moana characters are beloved for their rich personalities, cultural significance, and impact on the story. From the bravery of Moana, the humour of Maui, to the wisdom of Gramma Tala, each character contributes to the film's charm. This list features all Moana characters ranked, showcasing the most iconic and fan-favourite figures from the film.

Yen.com.gh recently published an article featuring the top G20 movie cast. G20 depicts the dramatic narrative of an international crisis in which a critical conference is the target of a dangerous takeover.

The G20 film cast delivers an enthralling ensemble performance, with each actor contributing depth and passion to their respective parts. Read the article to learn more about the G20 cast.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Chris Ndetei avatar

Chris Ndetei (Lifestyle writer) Christopher Ndetei is a reporter writer who joined the Yen team in May 2021. He graduated from the Machakos Technical College in 2009 with a diploma in ICT. Chris has over three years of experience in content creation and more than ten working in the hospitality industry. He covers lifestyle/entertainment, focusing on biographies, life hacks, gaming and guides. In 2023, Christopher finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach him at [email protected]

John Ouma avatar

John Ouma (Lifestyle writer) John Ouma is a journalist with six years of experience. He has published sharply argued think pieces that live at the intersection of power, politics, and society. He was awarded the FirstGen scholarship by Biola University and a merit-based scholarship by AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in January 2021. He has worked for The Standard and Nation Africa as an opinion columnist between 2018 and 2022. He is currently working on his first novel—a literary fiction that traces the life of a contemporary Kenyan artist. Email: [email protected]

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