Everything to Know About Hei Hei: Voice Secrets, Fan Lore, and Must-Have Merch
When the original promotional material for Moana surfaced, audiences anticipated that Pua, Moana’s affectionate potbelly piglet, would serve as her primary travel companion. Early trailers showcased Pua prominently, building expectations for an adorable voyage across the reef. Instead, Pua was left behind on the shores of Motunui, while Hei Hei accidentally ended up tucked away in the hull of the waʻa kaulua canoe.
The choice sparked passionate fan debates online, but the creative rationale was rooted in narrative necessity. According to Clements and Musker, taking Pua on the open sea undermined the drama of the voyage. Pua was emotionally supportive, responsive, and intuitive. Had Pua accompanied Moana, she would have possessed a competent companion to comfort her in moments of self-doubt.
Hei Hei altered the stakes entirely. Because the rooster lacked the survival instinct to avoid drowning, Moana spent valuable energy keeping him from walking off the edge of the canoe. Rather than leaning on an animal companion for emotional solace, Moana had to step up as a caretaker. The dynamic transformed Hei Hei into a Polynesian voyage animal companion whose utter helplessness forced Moana to mature quickly as a navigator and protector on open water.
