Actor Hualālai Chung on His Polynesian Pride and Voicing Moni in Moana 2
With the release of Disney's eagerly anticipated sequel Moana 2, out today, Nov. 27, it's only a matter of time before Hualālai Chung's name is on everyone's minds.
The rising actor was born in Honululu, Hawaii to performer parents and raised on O'ahu, and as an actor, voice actor and musician, it's clear he was born for the stage himself. In addition to acting, he's also a member of the reggae band HiRemedy, who are currently producing an album, as well as a solo artist under the name Hualālai, and released his debut single, "Love to Love," on Nov. 22.
In Moana 2, Hualālai is the voice of Moni, a passionate storyteller who joins Moana as an oarsman on her new ship on her mission across the seas. He's not just joining the cast of a beloved Disney series, but one that celebrates his rich cultural heritage— and if you can't get enough of him as Moni, you're in luck, because he'll also be appearing in Disney's live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, out in 2025. It's a super exciting time to be a fan of Hualālai's, and we had the pleasure of chatting with him all about Moana 2, Moni and so much more in the interview below.
Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
Hualālai Chung: I was lucky to grow up watching my dad pursue acting. He always talked about his experiences being in feature films and mainstream TV, and I think my curiosity started to build during those early years. My first real dive into the acting world was after the COVID pandemic, trying to maintain an attitude to try every opportunity that came my way. It was after I was volunteered to play a last minute role in a local short film that I felt the passion ignite. A good friend of mine recommended me to one of her friends who was directing a short film that told the story of a Hawaiian veteran and a local mythological phenomenon called the "night marchers." I believe it was seeing this hometown story come to life, as well as me noticing what an impact films have on community, that made me truly want to pursue it and make a potential career of acting and sharing stories.
(Photo credit: Simone Komine)
Also read about: These Adventurous Moana Quotes Make Perfect Instagram Captions
SH: What would you say was your first big break?
HC: I think for mainstream TV, my first big break was probably scoring a speaking part on the last season of NCIS: Hawaiʻi. In all fairness, I was blessed with a momentous year between 2023 and 2024, booking speaking roles in some of the largest productions here in Hawaiʻi between film and television, i.e., Lilo & Stitch, NCIS: Hawaiʻi and Rescue: HI Surf. Above all, my experience in Moana 2 is my grand introduction to the industry and will be what I consider my big break.
SH: Were you a fan of Moana before you were cast in the sequel? What does it mean to you to join such a beloved series, as well as to represent Polynesian culture in the film?
HC: A huge Moana fan! It is safe to say that, being Polynesian, much of our community feels so much pride and joy in being represented in such a way through Disney magic. It is with that same pride that I carry my responsibility to represent our people through my performance in this film and whatever lies ahead. It is beyond an honor to be part of this cast, to perform alongside some of the biggest Polynesian names in the industry, and to share a story that has been so intentionally created and written. I am proud to say I am Polynesian and proud to share this story that connects all of us of the Pacific with the world.
(Moana 2 via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Also read about: 6 Ways Disney's Moana Taught Us How to Be A Girl Boss
SH: Can you tell us about Moni? Where does he fit into the larger story of Moana 2?
HC: Moni is everyone's best friend. He's the most fun-loving, whimsical, warm-hearted person you will ever meet. He is completely infatuated with the stories and legends of the Pacific, always wanting to follow in Grandma Tala's footsteps and be one of the village historians. Moni gets his shot to be part of those masterful stories when Moana asks him to be the oarsman of her new ship, being the muscle and brute of the new crew. Aside from his love for stories, he is obsessed with the legends of Maui and is probably Maui's biggest fan! Moni brings a lot of heart to the crew's dynamic, and it will be impossible not to fall in love with him!
SH: Would you say you're like Moni in real life? In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you very different?
HC: I think I can relate to Moni in a lot of ways. We both want to see the community and the group succeed. We both love sharing stories and sharing knowledge with others, especially when it can make a positive impact. We both have a love for life and love to go along for the ride. Most importantly, we both have long hair. Unfortunately, our biggest difference is that he is about 6ʻ2″ and I am about 5ʻ10″, so he takes the cake in being that larger-than-life Polynesian, but I am big in spirit! (Haha)
(Photo credit: Simone Komine)
SH: Is there anything you can't wait for fans to see in the movie?
HC: I can't wait for fans to fall in love with Simea, Moana's little sister. Khaleesi [Lambert-Tsuda] brought so much dynamic to the story and is such a representation of our petite island princesses. Simea gives so much hope and identity to our kaikamahine—our little girls throughout the Pacific—and I can't wait for people to meet her. On top of that, I can't wait for everyone to hear the music! The writing team of Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear truly brought something special to this film. They share the same identity and maturity growth that Moana has seen from the first film to the sequel, and you can hear it in the production, writing and overall song voice. Abigail and Emily really pour so much of their hearts into this film and I am beyond blessed and proud to have worked with them.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Barlow & Bear's Abigail Barlow
SH: Where else can we see your work right now?
HC: You can catch me in past Rescue: HI Surf and NCIS: Hawaii episodes, and follow me on Instagram @mr.hualalai to see all the updates of my upcoming film and TV projects and new music dropping very soon!
(Photo credit: Simone Komine)
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
HC: Mahalo nūnui for supporting, and I can't wait for you all to see Moana 2 and meet Moni!
For the ultimate Moana throwback, click HERE to read our 2016 interview with Auli'i Cravalho on bringing the film to life.