‘Moana’ opens the door of riches for Auli’i Cravalho

Moana has completely changed Auli’i Cravalho’s life, particularly financially, as she was raised on food stamps as a child.

But after her breakout role, the 24-year-old said she bought a house for her mother.

“I really get to have that full decade look back at just how much growth I’ve gone through,” the Hawaiian actress told People, adding that she and her mother “lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Mililani” when Disney roped in for the iconic film.

“I slept in the bedroom, my mom slept on the couch. She gave me everything,” the star recalled.

But thanks to Moana’s record-breaking success at the box office and on streaming, Cravalho was able to give her mom a special gift.

“I bought my mommy a house”, and “she’s happily retired,” she continued. “Your parents give you so much. Kids feel a little indebted, I’m going to be honest! But we feel so grateful for our parents’ sacrifices.”

Moana 2 is running in theatres now.