Aloha! This is Auli’i Cravahlo! You may know me from the Oscar-nominated Animated film Moana. Next on my bucket list is performing The National Anthem, which I get to do at the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS this Sunday. AMA!

Moana was animated, but do you still ever get recognized in public?

YES! The response to our film has been so wonderful and positive, and I'm always surprised and grateful when I am recognized as the voice of Moana. :)

What was your thought when you got hit in the head with the flag while performing at the Oscars? (Which you handled amazingly, didn't even stop for a second) Loved Moana, I listen to soundtrack almost everyday.

Ouch :)

What was your favorite part about working with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson?

My favorite part would have to have been during our press tour, he was so kind and sort of a mentor that I could look to for help.

How awesome is Lin Manuel Miranda? Did he get you Hamilton tickets?

He. Is. AMAZING!!!! So sweet, so smart, he also gives realllly good hugs.

Congratulations on being the first Polynesian Disney princess! It's really amazing that little girls can look up to someone who looks more like them which was something I never had when I was young. What's your favourite dessert?

Thank you so much! It's so important to have heroines our younger generation can look up to. I know being 16 myself, I look up to Moana as well! ALSOOO.... (this is a VERY hard question btw) Key Lime Pie. :)

What are the best and worst aspects of finding such great success at a young age?

Being 16 I know I have a lot to learn in many areas; my career being one of them. I've had once in a life time opportunities and experiences, and I've also missed family functions and friend's birthdays. I think keeping an open mind is really important for any type of success.

Outside of film and music, what big aspirations do you have in your personal life? (i.e, plant a garden, get a pilot's license, etc etc).

I'm really interested in microbiology, and law! The possibilities after graduating from high school are endless.

Omg!!! A live AMA and it's someone that I'm a huge fan of! Questions.... What's your favorite ice cream flavor? What music have you been listening to recently? What's your Favorite book? What's the best advice you've ever gotten?

Thanks for this AMA!! You're a huge inspiration for my little cousins, they want to be just like you when they grow up :)

Thank you so much!! -Vanilla Bean -THE ENTIRE DEAR EVAN HANSEN ALBUM -Aesop's Fables -Always pre-treat a stain before washing. ALWAYS.

Do you think Moana represents a new kind of Disney movie, where the heroine doesn't need a love interest or to be pursuing/evading one? Did you get that impression while working on the movie?

I think Disney films are reflective of their times, and at this point in time we need heroes and heroines who take control of their story! I absolutely loved working on this film, and everything it stands for. <3

Aloha Auli'i!

I miss the island so much since moving to the mainland. Your performance in Moana brought me back to Hawaii - and it was mostly because of your vocals.

Can you tell me how you put yourself and your heritage into the character of Moana?

Mahalo!

Edit: Also, gotta ask: Loco Moco or Hamburger Steak and where from?

Aloha! Growing up in Hawai'i, as well as attending a school firmly rooted in Polynesian teachings, I was able to bring my life experiences into my performance.

Definitely Hamburger Steak. Rainbow Drive-In. YUMMEH.

What's your favorite meme?

Kermit. Sipping tea. Dishing the tea.

First of all, I'd just like to say amazing work on Moana! You've got incredible talent for one so young (I can't believe you're younger than me by a few months!!) Now for my question. Do you have a life motto? If so, what is it?

Thank you so so much. As of right now, my life motto is stay grounded and stay appreciative. I think it's something I can always work on, so it'll grow with me over time.

How exactly do you pronounce your name? And what are the worst pronunciation of it you've had?

OW - like you stubbed your toe LEE - Like Bruce Lee and add another EE

OW-LEE-EE

What was it like performing at the Oscars?

Performing at the Oscars will be something I will never forget. I still vividly remember being SO. NERVOUS!!! It was a new experience working through those nerves and giving everything to my performance, and it worked out pretty well!

First, a big THANK YOU! Moana is an amazing character and my son (3) adores the movie. Moana is an instant classic and one so many future films will be compared to.

Were any of your parts ad libbed, or changed on the spot due to your own personality or unexpected things that happened on set?

Thanks!

Thank YOU!

There were more than a few parts I ad libbed. I have a natural tendency to make weird flabbergasted noises and somehow they worked with the film!! Yay!!

P.S. Please tell your son I said hello!!

How has being cast as Moana changed your life? This is my four year old daughters favorite movie right now (and mine too)!

My life has certainly changed. While I am still a student, I now do my studies in places other than a classroom. I have been able to travel around the world, and meet wonderful people as well. So so grateful!!

Where do you think Moana ranks out of all the Disney movies?

I mean, I'm not asking you to talk smack about Home on the Range or anything, but everyone has a favourite...

I might be a little biased, but I'd say it's pretty high up there.

What's been the best experience you've had with a fan?

ONE TIME I MET THIS BABY (I'd say around 3 years old) AND HE WAS CRYING SUPER SUPER HARD AND HIS PARENTS WERE LIKE "omg you're about to meet Moana can you please relax and take a nice picture" AND HE DID. LIKE FULLY STOPPED CRYING AND LOOKED UP AT ME WITH HIS FACE AND WAS LIKE "Moana?" AND. I. LOVED IT.

What was your and your family/friends reaction when you were cast as a lead in a Disney animated film as your first major acting role? Had to feel insane. Thanks!

There was a fair amount of screaming, I can tell you that. My family and friends are incredibly supportive, I love them to bits.

Hi Auli'i! I'm about to eat breakfast and I want your expert opinion: pancakes or waffles?

WAFFLES WAFFLES WAFFLLEEEES

Coolest place you've ever travelled to? Haven't seen moana yet but your singing at oscars was great!

London! I worked on my accent on the plane over and everything.

P.S. Moana is coming to Netflix!!! Check it out!!!

What's your favourite line or song lyric from the movie?

"Blow dart in my butt cheek." from Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

Everyone's asking serious questions about your career. I just want to know, what's your favorite sandwich?

Grilled cheese. Made specifically by my mommy. Slightly burned.

Hi Auli'i! I've been singing Moana on my way to class for so long now, thank you for making this movie magical!

As the newest Disney princess, what other Disney princess is your favorite and why? Thanks for doing the AMA!!

Mulan was my favorite Disney Princess growing up. I recognized from a young age that she was breaking gender roles, and I also really loved that she had a talking dragon as a friend.

What would you credit with being the source of your poise and composure? You performed so well at the Oscars, even with a slight flag-related mishap!

I hope great things await you in life!

I always make sure that I'm well practiced and prepared, but in the moments before I go out on stage I just remember to breathe. Phew.

What are you planning to do next career wise (other than sing the National Anthem)?

I'M IN A TV SHOWWWW!!!! It's new to NBC and it's called RISE!!!! If you can tell by the number of exclamation points, I AM SUPER-DE-DUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you having a good day?

Yes indeed I am!! Thank you so much for all of your questions!!!

Where is your favorite place to go out and enjoy in Hawaii?

If I'm not at home chilling, you can find me at the beach :)

what is your favorite pizza topping and why?

Pineapple. I'm a total 'Pineapple on Pizza' kind of person.

After performing the national anthem, whats next on your bucket list?

Well after performing on the Oscars and performing the National Anthem, next thing on my bucket list is going skydiving.