Hualālai Chung will be splashing onto the big screen in Disney’s “Moana 2” as Moni, a new storyteller. But before he joined Moana’s crew and began telling the legends and lore of Motunui, he began his Disney journey at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
Hualālai is an expert fire knife performer for Aulani’s KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au since it opened in 2016. He transforms into a storyteller of Polynesian culture through song and dance, exemplifying the heart of Moana’s story that is rooted in community.
Hualālai has been practicing fire knife since the age of three and shared that performing has helped prepare him for his role as Moni by honing his skills of storytelling, just for the big screen! He shared with us that having the world premiere of “Moana 2” in Ko Olina gave him the opportunity to share his ohana and community with the world.
As a resident expert, we asked Hualālai what his favorite part of Aulani is, and of course it’s the eats! His go-to’s included refreshing shave ice from Pāpālua, and the iconic Mickey musubi from The Ulu Café.
Be sure to see Hualālai Chung bring Moni to life in “Moana 2”, opening only in theaters November 27.