How Hualālai Chung Went From Working at Aulani to Setting Sail With Moana

With Moana 2 splashing into theaters today, Disney is preparing for their next big blockbuster.

Set three years after the events of the first Moana film, the highly-anticipated sequel will find the titular wayfinder setting out on adventure again, this time to reconnect the people of Oceania.

“Before Maui stole Te Fiti’s heart, our ancestors wanted to connect our island to all the people of the entire ocean. It’s my job as a Wayfinder to finish what they started,” Moana explains in the film’s trailer.

Photo: EW

Needless to say, anticipation is high.

The release of Moana 2 will be especially meaningful for Hualālai Chung, who will voice Moni in the upcoming film. Here is his story.

Telling Stories Through Fire and Dance

Long before setting sail with Moana, Chung began his Disney journey at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Since 2016, Hualālai has worked as an expert fire knife performer for Aulani’s KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au. In the show, he tells the story of Polynesian culture through song and dance.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Having practiced fire knives since he was three years old, Hualālai has been preparing for his role as Moni for years. After all, it is all about storytelling.

Welcoming His Castmates to Aulani

Ahead of Moana 2‘s release, Chung got to invite his former castmates to Aulani for the film’s world premiere. During the festivities, he even performed a special fire knife show for those in attendance.

Photo: Disney

As an expert on the resort, Hualālai explained that his favorite part of Aulani is the food! His go-to treats include Pāpālua and the iconic Mickey musubi from The Ulu Café.

Photo: Disney

Moana 2 is in theaters today!