Disney’s live-action Moana might be revisiting a story audiences already know, but one thing immediately stands out from what we’ve seen so far: this adaptation looks determined to make the world feel tangible.
That feels especially important for Moana. Unlike some Disney remakes that lean heavily into controlled environments and digital worlds, Moana has always been rooted in movement, geography, and the relationship between people and the ocean. The original 2016 film introduced audiences to Motunui through Polynesian-inspired landscapes, open waters, and traditions rooted in real Pacific Island culture.
For the live-action adaptation, Disney appears to have carried that philosophy forward by combining real island filming with studio production.
So if you’re wondering all about the Moana filming locations, here’s everything we know so far.
What is live-action Moana about?
Like the original animated film, Moana follows a young Polynesian navigator chosen by the ocean to leave her island home and restore balance to her world.
Alongside demigod Maui, her journey becomes part adventure, part coming-of-age story centered on identity, family, and the discovery of life beyond the reef.
When is live-action Moana released?
Disney’s live-action Moana is currently scheduled for theatrical release on:
July 10, 2026
Who is in the live-action Moana cast?
Confirmed cast includes:
Catherine Laga’aia – Moana
Dwayne Johnson – Maui
John Tui – Chief Tui
Frankie Adams – Sina
Rena Owen – Gramma Tala
Original Moana voice actor Auli’i Cravalho does not return in the title role but serves as executive producer.
Where was live-action Moana filmed?
Disney split Moana filming locations across real island environments and controlled studio spaces. Principal photography reportedly took place between July and November 2024.
*Oahu, Hawaii
A significant portion of filming took place on Oahu, Hawaii. Production footage later emerged showing filming happening offshore near Honolulu. For this story, Hawaii feels less like a backdrop and more like part of the film’s emotional language.
*Atlanta, Georgia
The second major production base was Atlanta, Georgia, where studio filming took place. Studio environments likely allowed Disney greater control over water sequences, weather conditions, and large-scale technical scenes.
Why filming location matters for Moana
One of the more interesting creative comments came from Disney Animation chief and original Moana writer Jared Bush.
Discussing the move to live action, Bush said the adaptation introduces a more grounded “human versus the elements” feeling and described Moana as “almost like an action hero first.” That observation actually says a lot about why real environments matter here.
Unlike many fantasy worlds, Moana depends on physical movement through landscapes – the ocean isn’t decoration. It’s effectively another character.
Can you visit the live-action Moana filming locations?
Mostly – yes.
That’s part of what makes Moana such an interesting future travel film.
Oahu already attracts visitors for beaches, ocean activities, and cinematic scenery – and if Disney leans further into showcasing real environments, Moana could quietly become another entry in Hawaii’s long history of screen tourism.
