A New Chapter Begins

Three years after her legendary adventure with Maui and the island goddess Te Fiti, Moana continues to explore the vast ocean near her home island, Motunui. Driven by curiosity and hope, she searches for people who share a connection to the sea, only to find that this bond has mysteriously faded.

A Vision of the Past and a Dire Warning

In a vision, Moana encounters her ancestor, Tautai Vasa, who reveals the devastating truth. The storm god Nalo, consumed by power, sank the mythical island of Motufetu, a central hub that once united all islands. Without Motufetu, the ocean’s balance was destroyed, severing humanity’s connection to the sea. Tautai warns that if Motufetu remains lost, Motunui and its people face extinction.

Determined to save her people, Moana assembles a courageous crew. Joining her are Loto, a crafty builder; Moni, a historian and devoted Maui fan; and Keke, a grumpy but wise farmer. Along with her loyal animal companions, Pua the pig and Heihei the rooster, they set sail to follow the path of a comet leading to Motufetu.

Maui’s Journey and the Threat of Nalo

Meanwhile, the demigod Maui is on his own quest to find Motufetu. Haunted by a past conflict with Nalo, Maui is captured by Matangi, a powerful enforcer working for the storm god. Despite his imprisonment, Maui hesitates to contact Moana, fearing for her safety.

The Kakamora’s Return and a New Ally

Moana and her crew face their first major obstacle when they are captured by the Kakamora, the coconut-like pirates she previously encountered. The Kakamora reveal that Nalo’s destruction of Motufetu has left them disconnected from their own homeland. One Kakamora, Kotu, becomes an unlikely ally, helping the crew escape and paralyze a monstrous clam guarding Matangi’s lair.

Inside, Moana meets Matangi, who reveals her dissatisfaction with Nalo’s tyranny. Sympathetic to Moana’s mission, Matangi aids her escape, reunites her with Maui, and sends the crew toward Nalo’s stronghold.

A Deadly Storm and a Desperate Plan

Maui warns Moana and her crew about the dangers of Nalo’s realm, where even gods face peril. As the group journeys onward, Nalo sends a monstrous storm to ambush them, destroying their raft and stranding them on a desolate island. Moana, shaken but determined, finds renewed strength in Maui’s encouragement.

The group devises a daring plan: Maui will use his magical hook to raise Motufetu just enough for Moana to touch it, breaking the curse and restoring balance. Despite the odds, they repair their raft and sail into Nalo’s stormy domain.

The Final Confrontation with Nalo

As they reach Nalo’s lair, the storm god unleashes his fury. With a lightning bolt, Nalo strips Maui of his demigod powers. In a moment of desperation, Moana dives into the ocean to touch the submerged island. Though she succeeds, Nalo’s lightning strikes her down.

Maui, refusing to give up, uses a magical chant to summon the spirits of Moana’s ancestors, including her beloved grandmother Tala. Together, they revive Moana as a powerful demigoddess, complete with a wayfinder’s tattoo. Empowered, Moana and Maui combine their strength to raise Motufetu, reconnecting humanity with the ocean.

A Triumphant Return

With Motufetu restored, Moana and her crew lead a flotilla of ocean-dwelling people back to Motunui. A grand celebration honors Moana’s heroism and the renewed connection to the sea.

A Threat Looms on the Horizon

In a mid-credits scene, Nalo, furious at his defeat, plans his revenge. Just as he turns his wrath toward Matangi for her betrayal, the giant crab Tamatoa arrives, eager to join forces with the storm god.