The Best Moana Quotes That Celebrate Adventure
There is no shortage of inspiring Moana quotes as the story is full of powerful messages of self-discovery, bravery, and following your destiny.
We recently held a Moana-themed birthday party for my 5-year-old. I was delighted she chose this self-taught heroine because the story teaches many beautiful life lessons.
From Gramma Tala’s heartwarming wisdom to Moana’s wild determination, the movie is filled with unforgettable quotes that remind us to embrace our true selves and face challenges head-on.
Whether you want motivation, wisdom, or inspiration, these iconic lines from Moana will speak to your heart and remind you that greatness starts with believing in yourself.
Let’s dive into some of the best Moana quotes that continue to inspire audiences of all ages!
Embracing the Call to Adventure With These Moana Quotes
- “I am Moana of Motunui. You will board my boat, sail across the sea, and restore the heart of Te Fiti.” – Moana
Moana’s declaration of courage and purpose on her journey. - “What if we fish beyond the reef?” – Moana
- “The ocean chose me.” – Moana
Moana’s acknowledgment of her destiny and her bond with the sea. - “I’m the village crazy lady—that’s my job.” – Gramma Tala
- “Do you really think our ancestors stayed within the reef?” – Gramma Tala
Discovering Strengths and Identity
- “Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface … Far beneath, in some cases.” – Moana
- “I’m not a princess, I’m the daughter of the chief.” – Moana
- “Hero of men. It’s actually ‘Maui, shapeshifter, Demigod of the wind and sea, hero of men.’” – Maui
- “If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, you’re a princess.” – Maui
Maui’s humorous take on what it means to be a hero or a princess. - “I ate my grandma! And it took a week because she was absolutely humongous.” – Tamatoa
Overcoming Fears and Embracing the Unknown
- “It’s called wayfinding, princess. It’s not just sails and knots, it’s seeing where you’re going in your mind.” – Maui
- “Just pick an eye, babe.” – Tamatoa
- “Are you just trying to get me to talk about myself? Because if you are … I will gladly do so—in song form!” – Tamatoa
- “No one goes beyond the reef!” – Chief Tui
- “There’s a whole ocean!”
Finding Your True North
- “In the beginning, there was only ocean.” – Gramma Tala
- “But one day, someone will journey beyond our reef, find Maui, deliver him across the great ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti.” – Gramma Tala
- “Sometimes, who we wish we were, what we wish we could do, it’s just not meant to be.” – Sina
- “He’s hard on you because … because he was you.” – Sina
- “I’m the one who’s been chosen to restore the heart of Te Fiti.” – Moana
Inspirational Moana Quotes
“The ocean is a friend of mine.” – Moana
A reminder of Moana’s deep connection to the sea.
“You’re welcome to stay, but I’m going to the ocean.” – Moana
A powerful moment of Moana asserting her own path.
“I know a girl from Moana, she’s got the guts!” – Moana (Song: “How Far I’ll Go”)
A line expressing Moana’s fearless spirit and determination.
“The sea is a mirror. You see yourself in it.” – Tala
Tala shares her wisdom about self-discovery and growth.
“I’ve been staring at the edge of the water, long as I can remember, never really knowing why.” – Moana (Song: “How Far I’ll Go”)
A reflection of Moana’s longing for adventure and identity.
“There’s no way you’re going to get what you want without a little hard work.” – Gramma Tala
A key lesson in perseverance and dedication.
Moana Quotes on the Journey
“It’s not a phase, it’s a journey.” – Maui
Maui’s take on the growth and transformation that comes with each adventure.
Here are more of the best Moana quotes:
“Sometimes the world seems against you, but I know that’s not true. I know that you’re all in this together.”– Gramma Tala
A comforting reminder that no one is truly alone, even in difficult times.
“I know it’s not a lot, but it’s the best I can do.” – Moana
Moana’s humble and selfless attitude, always doing her best for her people.
“The sea has always been the one thing that has never failed me.” – Moana
A tribute to the trust Moana places in the ocean, which guides her journey.
“Don’t worry, Moana. The ocean chose you.” – Gramma Tala
A powerful moment of affirmation from Moana’s spiritual guide.
“When I was a little girl, I used to think that I’d never be the one who had to take on all the responsibility. But then I realized, I was.” – Moana
A moment of growth as Moana comes to terms with the weight of leadership.
Moana Quotes on Perservering
“I’m not giving up. I’m going to be the best wayfinder ever.” – Moana
Moana’s determination to embrace her destiny despite the challenges ahead.
“You can’t sail across the sea without a sail!” – Maui
Maui’s playful and somewhat sarcastic perspective, full of humor.
“You know who you are. You know what you have to do. The ocean is calling you.” – Gramma Tala
Encouraging Moana to trust in herself and her instincts.
“We were voyagers. We were wayfinders.” – Gramma Tala
A nod to the ancestral history and legacy that Moana is destined to continue.
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Interesting Behind-the-Scenes Info About Moana
- Inspiration from Real Polynesian Culture: The filmmakers worked closely with cultural experts, including the Oceanic Story Trust, to make sure they had an authentic representation of Polynesian culture. The team spent months traveling to various Pacific islands, learning about their traditions, language, and history to bring Moana’s world to life.
- A Real Ocean Adventure: The team took a research trip to the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Samoa, and Tahiti, to study the ocean, islands, and navigation methods. Man, I’d LOVE to have been on that team! This helped them understand how ancient Polynesians were able to navigate the seas using the stars and the currents—critical elements featured in the film.
- Voice of Moana: Auli’i Cravalho, the voice actress who played Moana, was only 14 years old when she was cast for the role. She was discovered during an open casting call and had no previous acting experience. Her talent and authenticity brought Moana’s character to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences.
- Maui’s Tattoos: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s character, Maui, is covered in magical tattoos that tell the story of his life. The animators wanted these tattoos to be dynamic, so they designed them to move and change, almost like an extension of Maui’s personality. The tattoos are an important part of his backstory and his interactions throughout the film.
- The Ocean Was a Character: The ocean in Moana is almost like another character in the movie, and the animators worked incredibly hard to make it feel alive. They used advanced technology to simulate the ocean’s movements, ensuring it had its own personality, responding to Moana’s emotions and actions.
- Musical Collaboration: The film’s music was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina. Miranda’s contribution, particularly the song “How Far I’ll Go”, became a standout hit. The collaboration between the three artists blended traditional Polynesian music with modern, catchy tunes that enhanced the movie’s emotional depth.
- Character Design Influences: Moana’s look was influenced by traditional Polynesian clothing and the island’s environment, but her design also aimed to create a relatable and realistic hero. The filmmakers wanted Moana to feel like a regular person who was growing into the role of leader, rather than a larger-than-life superhero.
- Maui’s Giant Fishhook: The design of Maui’s magical fishhook was inspired by ancient Polynesian tools used in fishing and navigation. The fishhook is a symbol of Maui’s power, but also a tribute to the real-world importance of fishing to many Pacific Island cultures.
Conclusion
In a world filled with uncertainty, the quotes from Moana are a timeless reminder of the power of self-belief and perseverance.
Moana’s story teaches us that, just like her, we all have the strength to overcome obstacles and chart our own course.
Let these powerful quotes inspire you to follow your heart, just as Moana did, and remember that sometimes, the greatest journeys begin with a single step. If you’d like to see more of our Moana birthday party celebration including fun Moana costumes and an epic DIY-ish Moana cake, check out my other posts.
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Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
