Overview and Career Highlights
Auli'i Cravalho is an American actress and singer best known for voicing the lead character in Disney's Moana (2016). Born in Kohala, Hawaii, and raised in Pearl City, Oahu, she was discovered through a regional casting call that launched her into a high-profile animated feature at age 14. Since then, she has expanded into live-action film, television, and theater, building a profile as a versatile performer with Hawaiian heritage. This profile breaks down key biographical facts, career milestones, and verified credits while clarifying common points of interest in a durable, evergreen format.
Early Life and Background
Cravalho was born on November 22, 2000, in Kohala, Hawaii. She moved to Oahu at age two and grew up in the Pearl City-Waipahu area. She attended Pearl City High School, where she participated in vocal and theatrical activities. Her mother is a nurse of Native Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, and Filipino descent, while her father is a firefighter of Native Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Filipino ancestry. She has described her upbringing as close-knit and supportive of her artistic interests.
Discovery and Casting for Moana
In 2014, Disney held open casting calls across Hawaii for the lead role in Moana. Cravalho's mother submitted her name after hearing about the search. After multiple rounds of callbacks and screen tests, she was cast as the voice of Moana, a decision that marked her entry into major studio animation. The role required vocal coaching and extensive recording sessions, establishing her as a rising talent in family entertainment.
Breakout Role: Moana (2016)
Moana became a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.4 billion worldwide and earning acclaim for its storytelling, music, and representation. Cravalho's performance as the determined Polynesian navigator was widely praised, and the song How Far I'll Go became a signature piece in her repertoire. The film's cultural impact and strong box office laid a durable foundation for her career, leading to ongoing voice and performance opportunities.
Verified Credits: Moana Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Feature Film Debut | Moana (2016), voice role | Studio release, IMDB |
| Character Voiced | Moana Waialiki | Disney press materials |
| Box Office | $1.4 billion+ worldwide | Box Office Mojo |
| Major Song | How Far I'll Go | Disney soundtrack |
Live-Action and Television Work
Following Moana, Cravalho transitioned into live-action roles while continuing voice and music work. She made notable guest appearances in broadcast television and has participated in projects that highlight her range. Her credits include both comedic and dramatic turns, reflecting a deliberate effort to explore varied characters. While she remains best known for Moana, these roles demonstrate her growth as a working performer.
Notable Live-Action and TV Appearances
- Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021) — Documentary appearance as herself
- The Eric Andre Show (2020) — Cameo/parody segment
- Hawaii Five-0 (2018) — Guest role, episode "Ka 'Aelike"
- The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022) — Voice role as a guest character
- Spies in Disguise (2019) — Voice role as Zane's tech assistant
Theater and Stage Performance
Cravalho has expanded into theater, taking on roles that highlight her singing and acting abilities on stage. Her participation in staged musical readings and limited engagements has allowed her to refine her technique in front of live audiences. While details of future stage projects may evolve, her commitment to performing arts suggests further theatrical involvement.
Key Stage Credits
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Broadway (replacement) | Young Cosette in Les Misérables (2023) | Playbill, official casting notices |
| Concert/Reading | Into the Woods reading (2022) | Theater news announcements |
Music Career and Discography
Music has been a central pillar of Cravalho's public output. She has performed original songs from Moana, released standalone singles, and participated in promotional campaigns tied to Disney and other partners. Her vocal style is influenced by pop and soundtrack traditions, and she has used performances to stay connected with her fanbase. While album-length projects have not yet been announced, her singles and soundtrack contributions remain available on major streaming platforms.
Selected Music Releases
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Single: "Running With The Wolves" | Released 2020 via streaming | Streaming platforms |
| Soundtrack: "How Far I'll Go" | Walt Disney Records, 2016 | Official soundtrack |
| Live Performances | Moana World Premiere, Radio City Music Hall, 2016 | Event press archives |
Net Worth and Income Sources
Public estimates place Auli'i Cravalho's net worth in the low seven figures, primarily driven by her work in animated features, voice acting fees, live-action guest appearances, and music placements. Moana residuals and ongoing streaming revenue contribute to long-term earnings, while theater engagements add supplemental income. These figures are approximate and vary by source, but they reflect a sustainable career built on diverse performance avenues.
Net Worth Table
| Attribute | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reported Net Worth | $1–3 million | Celebrity net worth estimates (varies by outlet) |
| Primary Income Sources | Voice acting, film, theater, music | Industry standard rate references |
| Notable Contract | Lead voice role in Moana | Major studio feature, residuals ongoing |
Personal Background and Heritage
Cravalho frequently speaks about the importance of her Hawaiian roots and representing Pacific Islander communities in mainstream media. She has participated in cultural outreach and educational initiatives that highlight indigenous stories and environmental stewardship. Her background informs her approach to choosing projects that align with community values and authentic representation.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because public coverage often conflates details about her early roles and personal life, it is useful to clarify points that are frequently asked about. Verified sources confirm her birthplace, key roles, and major career transitions. This helps distinguish confirmed facts from speculation or fan-driven narratives.
Quick Comparison: Common Points of Interest
| Topic | Verified Detail | Clarification |
|---|---|---|
| Age at Moana release | 14–15 years old during recording | Born 2000, casting 2014, film 2016 |
| Birthplace | Kohala, Hawaii | Raised in Pearl City, Oahu |
| Heritage | Native Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Filipino | Maternal background; father also Native Hawaiian, Portuguese, Filipino |
| Theater work | Les Misérables (replacement, 2023) | Broadway, Young Cosette |
Status and Recent Activity
As of the most recent public records, Cravalho remains professionally active across voice work, live-action television, and theater. There are no verified reports of retirement or long-term absence. Occasional project announcements may appear on her official channels and entertainment news outlets.
Conclusion
Auli'i Cravalho's career illustrates a focused transition from a Hawaii-born teen to a recognized performer in animation, live-action, and theater. Verified milestones include her lead role in Moana, Broadway appearances, and ongoing music and voice projects. This profile consolidates confirmed information to serve as a durable reference for understanding her background and professional trajectory.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did Auli'i Cravalho get discovered?
She was discovered through an open casting call in Hawaii held by Disney for the voice of Moana. After callbacks and screen tests, she was selected to voice the lead character.
What is Auli'i Cravalho's heritage?
She is of Native Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, and Filipino descent on her mother's side, and Native Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Filipino descent on her father's side.
Has Auli'i Cravalho performed on stage?
Yes. She understudied and later replaced as Young Cosette in Les Misérables on Broadway in 2023 and participated in staged musical readings such as Into the Woods in 2022.
What is Auli'i Cravalho's net worth?
Public estimates range from about $1 to $3 million, based on her work in film, voice acting, theater, and music. These are approximations and should be treated as general ranges.
Is Auli'i Cravalho still acting?
Yes. She continues to take voice and live-action roles, with credits spanning animation, television, and theater. No official hiatus has been announced.