Auli’l Cravalho, a talented American voice actress, made waves in 2016 when she landed the lead role in Disney’s animated hit Moana. Now, Auli’l Cravalho wasn’t just another aspiring performer—she was something truly special. Born and raised in Hawaii, Auli’l Cravalho followed a path that few could have predicted, ultimately becoming the first Disney princess of Polynesian descent. While many dream of fame from a young age, Auli’l Cravalho spent her childhood living a pretty normal life in her scenic coastal hometown. But even then, her passion for singing stood out.
In fact, Auli’l Cravalho was already well-known around her community for her stunning voice. Whether it was at school events or local charity performances, people couldn’t help but notice her talent. Still, outside of Hawaii, not many had heard of Auli’l Cravalho—or her incredible vocal abilities. That all changed one fateful day during a charity event on Oahu. As luck would have it, a talent agent happened to be in the audience. After being blown away by her performance, he approached Auli’l Cravalho afterward and told her about an upcoming audition for a major new Disney film.
At first, Auli’l Cravalho was a bit skeptical—after all, how often does something like that actually work out? But the agent believed she was perfect for the role and encouraged her to fly to Los Angeles to try out. By the time Auli’l Cravalho arrived, dozens of girls had already auditioned. She was literally the last to perform. Yet, when she sang, everything changed. Her audition was nothing short of amazing. In the end, Auli’l Cravalho beat out hundreds of other hopefuls to claim the title role of Moana.
For Auli’l Cravalho, this wasn’t just another job—it was a dream come true. Ever since she was little, she’d dreamed of becoming a Disney princess, and now, here she was, stepping into that very role. The film, a vibrant animated adventure comedy, premiered nationwide in late 2016, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—also of Polynesian heritage—playing a key supporting role alongside her. And while many might assume Auli’l Cravalho had years of acting experience, Moana was actually her very first professional acting role. Talk about starting off strong!
When it comes to Auli’i Cravalho’s career highlights, one can’t help but mention her standout role in Moana (2016), which remains her highest-rated film to date. Auli’i Cravalho truly shined in that performance, bringing both vocal talent and emotional depth to the character. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised Auli’i Cravalho for her contribution to the movie’s success. On the other hand, among her various projects, The Little Mermaid Live! (2019) stands out—but not in a positive way—as her lowest-rated production. While Auli’i Cravalho gave her best effort, the overall reception of the live special didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences. Still, it’s clear that Auli’i Cravalho continues to grow as an artist, building on both her triumphs and challenges.