Moana, the headstrong and adventurous daughter of Chief Tui and Sina on the island of Motunui, made her first appearance in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film released in November 2016. From infancy, she demonstrated an innate affinity for the ocean, a connection that positioned her as the chosen one to restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, which had been stolen by the demigod Maui, leading to a blight afflicting her island. Defying her father's insistence on remaining landbound to preserve their way of life, Moana's early character is defined by her internal conflict between duty to her people and her calling to the sea, setting the stage for her transformative journey as a wayfinder.

Embarking on her quest, Moana encounters the demigod Maui and together they navigate perilous waters, facing adversaries such as the Kakamora, the treasure-hoarding crab Tamatoa, and the vengeful Te Kā. These experiences mark pivotal developments in her growth, as she masters the ancient arts of wayfinding, confronts her fears, and discovers that Te Kā is in fact the diminished form of Te Fiti herself. By restoring the heart through compassion and understanding, Moana not only saves her island but also reignites her people's voyaging heritage, returning as a mature leader who bridges tradition with exploration.

In the sequel released in 2024, set three years later, Moana has evolved into a proactive explorer and capable leader, assembling a crew comprising Loto, Moni, and Kele to seek the lost island of Motufetu and reconnect oceanic communities severed by the storm god Nalo. Reuniting with Maui, she further hones her skills in navigation and teamwork while addressing new challenges that test her resolve and vision for her people's future. These subsequent adventures underscore her ongoing development from a solitary voyager to a unifying figure dedicated to reviving Polynesian seafaring traditions across the Pacific.