The CHIEF ANCESTORS of Motunui and the ANCESTOR ENSEMBLE recount the tale of how, over a thousand years ago, MAUI, a shapeshifter and demigod, stole the heart of the goddess TE FITI, the mother island (In the Beginning…). While trying to escape with the Heart, Maui was attacked by TE KA, a demon of earth and fire. In their struggle, the Heart was lost to the sea. Fearing Te Ka’s violent wrath, the VILLAGERS of Motunui stopped voyaging, a defeated Maui disappeared, and the OCEAN guarded the Heart of Te Fiti.

In the present, the Ocean entrusts the Heart to MOANA on the island of Motunui (Tulou Tagaloa). Despite Moana’s strong connection to the Ocean, her parents, CHIEF TUI and SINA, view it as dangerous and prevent her from venturing out beyond the reef. They advise Moana to embrace her future role as the chief of the village, and the other Villagers join in to encourage Moana to find happiness on the island (Where You Are – Parts 1 and 2).

When the Villagers lament their blackened crops and the shortage of fish, Moana suggests fishing beyond the reef, but her father forbids it. Moana contemplates breaking the rules and voyaging out to sea (How Far I’ll Go). Her friends, PUA and HEI HEI, try to stop her, but she remains steadfast. Together, the three push out to sea, but a large wave quickly capsizes their canoe.