HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – It was a star-studded evening in Leeward Oahu for the blue carpet world premiere of Disney’s “Moana 2.”

Aulii Cravalho – the voice of Moana – and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – the voice of Maui – joined Disney executives at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute on Thursday evening.

“It feels so special to celebrate this here in Hawaii and I’ve heard so many ‘chee hoos’, which by the way have no reference to the song or the movie, it’s just our way of saying ‘hip hip, hurray’. ‘, and I know we will do so many more before the evenings end,’ said Cravalho.

The Rock was also there with his family: his wife, daughters and mother.

“Man, I’m grateful,” he said. “And also, you know, 15 miles away, I got into trouble on that side of the island and was able to come full circle here again with films from the past to film here and produce here. But this one is different.”

Another special guest appearance: Kailua-Kona’s Maia Kealoha, who plays Lilo in the live-action “Lilo and Stitch,” set for release in May 2025.

Former Mini Miss Kona Coffee shared what happened when she found out she got the role of Lilo.

“I’m speechless,” she said. “I was also very excited. I’m like, ‘yeah, yeah.’ Crying out loud. My father stood to the side and threw me in the air. I’m like, ‘Dad, you’re hitting my head.'”

Award-winning musician Paula Fuga was also there to promote her new book “Moana 2.”

“Moana 2” hits theaters worldwide next Wednesday.

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