Disney Princess Moana may voyage across a fantasy version of the Pacific ocean, and represent an amalgamation of several islands’ cultures. But she is based on many real-life women who have led their people with courage, strength and compassion. From a 13th century Queen of Samoa who protected her people and was revered as a Goddess, to the 27 year old woman who was crowned Queen of the Māori in September 2024. Let’s meet X inspiring real-life Queens from the Pacific Islands.

Nafanua, Queen of Samoa (1200s)

Purea, Queen of Tahiti (1722.-1775)

Vaekehu, Queen of Nuku Hiva (1823–1901)

Lili’uokalani, Queen of Hawai’i (1838-1917)

Makea Takau Ariki, Queen of the Cook Islands (1839–1911)

Sālote Tupou III, Queen of Tonga (1900-1965)

Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, Queen of the Māori (1997)

Sources:

“Women of Power” documentary from TheCoconetTV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibQdMfuPYc

Moana 2

Wikipedia

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Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell

Music: Ukulele Beach by Doug Maxwell

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