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)
