All About Maui Demi-God from Disney’s Moana

Everything You Need to Know About Maui, The Demi-God from Disney’s Moana

In Disney’s 2016 animated film Moana, audiences were introduced to the lovable demi-god Maui. Maui is a shapeshifting, trickster god who comes to the aid of the film’s protagonist, Moana, on her quest to save her island and family. Maui is voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and is based on the Polynesian deity of the same name.

Here’s everything you need to know about this fun-loving character and how he compares to legend.

Maui is a highly skilled warrior and master fisherman. As a result of his divine parentage, Maui possesses a number of supernatural powers, including the ability to shapeshift into various animals. He also has a magical fishhook that gives him the power to control the wind and waves.

Maui is an extremely confident individual and loves nothing more than showing off his skills. He’s also quite egotistical and has been known to boast about his accomplishments. However, despite his sometimes misplaced confidence, Maui ends up helping others in need and has a heart of gold.

Maui is one of the most iconic characters from Disney’s Moana. This lovable demigod steals every scene he’s in with his larger-than-life personality and amazing superhuman abilities.

 

Is Disney going to make Moana 2?

Disney has announced it’s in the early stages of making a live-action version of the original Maoana film.

 

But how similar is Disney’s Maui to the original?

Maui, a stunningly beautiful island we happen to be writing from right now, derives its name from the great mythical demigod Maui – son of the powerful and ancient male deity Wakea, and the revered female goddess Papa. Wakea, who represents the primal essence of male divinity, symbolizes the vast expanse of all dimensions lying beyond our mortal comprehension, while Papa embodies the nurturing and fertile energy of the divine feminine.

Interestingly, the word ‘papa’ carries the connotation of a sturdy platform, a solid reef, a reliable place to stand, and a source of vitality and life-force (mana). Stories have been passed on for millennia invoking the awe-inspiring mystique and grandeur of the powerful Maui.

Mäui, a mythical hero of Hawaiian folklore, impressed and entertained with his remarkable acts and playful exploits. However, the island that is most closely associated with this legendary protagonist’s exploits is obviously our Valley Isle. Maui, also known by alternate names Ihikapalaumaewa and Alua, is renowned for being Mäui’s dwelling place.

The most famous story of the demi-god Maui is when he pulled the Hawaiian Islands from out of the sea with his fish hook.

 

More about the Island of Maui

As the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui boasts an impressive size of over 48 miles long and 26 miles wide, formed from the remnants of immense volcanic mountains. Owing to its volcanic origins, the island is home to the West Maui Mountains, which are rich in natural beauty and feature the breathtaking ‘Īao Valley. In Hawaiian legends, this rugged range is referred to as Halemahina or the “house of the moon”. These mountains are connected to the Haleakala, a monumental sleeping volcano known locally as the “house of the sun”, by the Central Valley, a thin strip of land (isthmus). The mesmerizing West Maui Mountains easily draw attention, with Pu’ukukui, the highest point of the range, standing at 5,788 feet tall. However, the crown of Maui belongs to the towering Haleakala, whose summit Pu’u’ula’ula reaches a towering height of 10,023 feet above sea level.

Incorporated within the ancient cultural and political traditions of Hawaii are the islands of Molokai, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe, and Molokini, which are intricately related to Maui. It is worth mentioning that one of these traditions classifies Kaho’olawe as a leeward district of Maui. At present, these islands, except for Kaho’olawe, are all part of Maui County. Kahoolawe, in particular, has undergone extensive U.S. Navy military exercises for countless years, characterized by intense live fire enactments. However, the island was eventually transferred to the State of Hawaii and was subsequently designated as a National Historical District in 1982. Notably, Kahoolawe got its intriguing name, which translates to “the carrying away (by currents),” from its status as a vital, long-distance navigational site for ancient Hawaiians.

Maui is a cherished and unique island that offers visitors a glimpse into the captivating legends of Hawaiian mythology. With its impressive mountain ranges and legendary folklore, this magnificent island is a must-see destination for those seeking to experience the wonder and enchantment of Hawaii.