Although Auli’l Cravalho has traveled far from her Hawaiian home, her connection to the culture and food of this stunning island paradise is never far from her table. To support Hawaii and the recovery efforts following the devastating fires on Maui, Cravalho has partnered with SPAM to encourage people to open their hearts and their tables to help Hawaii’s residents.
Many people first know Auli’l Cravalho as the voice of Moana. While some of us only know the powerful ballad “How Far I’ll Go” by its name, Cravalho is more than just a single role. Over the years, she has dazzled on screen and on stage with her powerful presence.
Even though she has left the island, she still has a deep connection to her homeland. And what’s more important: her kitchen often contains the food from her childhood.
As many people know, SPAM is a staple food in Hawaii. Whether eaten as a simple musubi snack, as an ingredient in fried rice, or eaten on a whim, this sizzling pork, mmm, adds flavor to a variety of recipes.
Recently, Cravalho partnered with SPAM to launch a new collection of Musubi items with proceeds benefiting the Aloha United Way. Even though it’s been a year since the Lahaina wildfires, the community still needs help. 100% of the proceeds from this collection will be donated to the charity.
As part of her SPAM partnership, Auli’l Cravalho took the time to talk to me about her Hawaiian heritage, some of the joys she finds in SPAM, and some of her upcoming projects. I’ve heard her voice many times at Disney events, but the opportunity to see her face light up as she spoke about her connection to Hawaiian culture was inspiring.
Before we delve into her new projects, we had to chat a little about SPAM. While the ingredient can be misunderstood by some, Cravalho has a different approach. She explained how the food is enjoyed around the world. “I’m Hawaiian, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Portuguese and Irish. I have to say that quite a few of these ethnicities eat SPAM. In Hawaii, we’re huge SPAM fans. We fry it with a teriyaki sauce, enjoy it with eggs and rice, or add it to ramen. Also, a friend recently used it as a patty on toast. Since it’s already fully cooked, there are so many ways to eat it.”
Since you can eat SPAM morning, noon and night, it may be time for some to discover this tasty food. And more importantly, the newest product line allows people to support Hawaii and its rebuilding efforts.
Cravalho explained, “Lahaina is still being rebuilt and the reconstruction will take several years. I am really grateful to the SPAM brand, knowing that it is loved on the island, for choosing to give back in this way.”
“Hawaii, and Maui in particular, are full of really strong individuals. With so much of our economy based on tourism, it’s important that people know Maui is open. People who want to give back in other ways should remember the impact when visiting the islands. A moment of gratitude for the people who are welcomed into their home can go a long way.”
Because people often best experience hospitality and cultural connection at the table, Cravalho shared that memories of food hold a special place in her heart. As she spoke, it became clear that food nourishes both the body and the soul.
Cravalho said: “Food is so important. Even cooking rice. I remember when I was younger and I tried to cook rice. I put it in the rice cooker and it went bad because I didn’t wash it. My mother explained to me how she learned it, what she did as a child and all these stories about being in the kitchen with her siblings.”
“It’s heartwarming for me to think about these stories. This food really connects us to our heritage and those childhood moments. Hawaii is a very special place, a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. The food is really cared for and appreciated.”
Since food gives her a sense of home, Cravalho has packed a few things from home for her upcoming stay in New York. She will make her Broadway debut as Sally Bowles in cabaretWhen asked about her upcoming role in the acclaimed musical, Cravalho’s excitement was evident.
“I’m so excited to be playing Sally Bowles. It’s a dream come true. I love singing and I feel like Sally as a character allows me to really get into the singing and the story. I feel like I’m constantly being challenged, which I’m very grateful for.”
As she embarks on a new adventure on Broadway, an old friend is waiting for her behind the scenes. Vaiana 2 – The Great Adventure is coming back to theaters this fall. In this installment, the beloved character looks a little different, and that’s a first for a Disney princess.
Cravalho said: “I love Moana for her character, for the fact that she is brave and intelligent and loves her family. She will travel across the sea, far beyond the reef, to protect our community. But I also love Vaiana – The wonderful world of lovethe film, because of its themes of community, because of its themes like writing about the imbalance between man and nature and even because of the standards that demigods apply.”
“I think one of the reasons Moana is so popular is because so many families can relate to the story. They can remember the first time they left their community and it was scary. When they came back, they learned so much that could benefit their community. I was on that same journey when I was cast in this role. Now I’m turning 24 and I feel like I grew up alongside them.”
For the first time for a Disney princess, viewers will see an older, wiser Moana in the next chapter. As Cravalho shared, it is the first time a Disney princess has been allowed to age.
Cravalho said: “When we see her again, she will be a little older. We can see how she evolves as she goes beyond the reef and comes home, what it means for her people to find their way. And then, on the next adventure, that evolution is not yet complete, there is still a long way to go.”
Like Moana, Auli’I Cravalho has learned from each adventure but never loses sight of her connection to Hawaii. Even that forkful of SPAM can be the taste that brings all those memories back. She may come to the shore and leave it again, she will always find her way home.
Those who would like to support Maui’s recovery efforts can donate proceeds from the sale of the SPAM Musubi Collection to Aloha United Way.
