Princess Parties January 7, 2025 10 min read

Moana Birthday Party Ideas: Ocean Adventure Celebration Guide

Create a Motunui-worthy celebration with tropical decorations, island-inspired food, and the wayfinder herself.

Moana character at a tropical birthday party

Moana stands out among beloved princesses as a brave, independent wayfinder who saved her people. Her story resonates with children who love adventure, ocean themes, and empowering messages.

This guide covers everything you need to create an island paradise party, including bringing Moana herself to your celebration.

Why Kids Love Moana Parties

  • Adventure over romance: Moana's story is about self-discovery and bravery
  • Amazing music: "How Far I'll Go" rivals "Let It Go" in popularity
  • Outdoor friendly: Ocean/tropical themes work great for summer parties
  • Active celebration: Moana's adventurous spirit inspires active games
  • Inclusive: Boys often enjoy Moana parties too

Moana Decorations: Tropical Paradise

Color Palette

  • Ocean blue and teal (primary)
  • Coral and pink (tropical flowers)
  • Sandy tan (beach elements)
  • Palm green (tropical leaves)

Essential Decorations

  • Tropical leaf garlands (real or artificial palm leaves)
  • Hibiscus flowers scattered on tables
  • Blue and teal balloons with ocean wave patterns
  • Fishing nets draped as backdrop
  • Seashells, starfish, and sand dollars
  • Tiki torches (flameless for safety)
  • Paper lanterns in ocean colors

DIY Ocean Backdrop

Create waves using blue plastic tablecloths layered and gathered. Add paper fish, sea turtles, and Moana cutouts for photos.

Perfect for Pool Parties

Moana's ocean theme makes this ideal for backyard pool parties. Add floating flowers and ocean-colored pool noodles for extra tropical vibes.

Moana Games & Activities

"How Far I'll Go" Singalong

The essential Moana party activity. Even better when led by Moana herself!

Wayfinding Training

Teach kids basic navigation concepts like Moana learned:

  • Finding direction by the sun and stars
  • Reading ocean waves
  • Simple map reading

Heart of Te Fiti Hunt

Hide a green "heart" (painted rock or gem) and have kids search for it to save Te Fiti. Create a treasure map with clues.

Ocean Relay Race

Teams race to fill buckets with water using sea shells or cups. First team to fill their bucket wins!

Coconut Bowling

Use coconuts (or coconut-painted balls) to knock down pins decorated like Kakamora.

Limbo with Island Music

A classic party game that fits the tropical theme perfectly.

Lei Making Station

Provide flowers (real or artificial) and string for kids to make their own Hawaiian leis.

Island-Inspired Food

Tropical Snacks

  • Tropical fruit kabobs: Pineapple, mango, strawberries
  • Coconut treats: Coconut macaroons or coconut-covered everything
  • "Ocean water" Jello cups: Blue jello with gummy fish
  • Kakamora coconuts: Decorate coconuts with faces
  • Starfish sandwiches: Use star cookie cutters
  • Fish crackers: Goldfish crackers in shell cups

Drinks

  • "Ocean water": Blue lemonade or Sprite with blue food coloring
  • Tropical punch: Pineapple juice, orange juice, and ginger ale
  • Coconut cups: Serve drinks in coconut-shaped cups with umbrellas

The Moana Cake

  • Simple: Blue ombre frosting with shell decorations
  • DIY: Layer cake with ocean waves and Moana topper
  • Custom: Moana on her boat with ocean scene

Bring Moana to Your Party

Our Moana performer leads songs, wayfinding training, and island adventures!

Meet Moana

Hiring a Moana Character

A professional Moana character brings the wayfinder to life with:

  • Screen-accurate costume with traditional Polynesian designs
  • "How Far I'll Go" and other Moana songs
  • Wayfinding adventures and storytelling
  • Heart of Te Fiti ceremony
  • Hula dancing and island games
  • Photo opportunities with every guest

Why Moana Works for All Kids

Unlike some princess characters, Moana appeals broadly to boys and girls. Her adventure-focused story and active personality make for an engaging party for mixed-gender groups.

We offer Moana in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and cities nationwide.

Moana Party Favors

  • Lei necklaces (ones they made or pre-made)
  • Seashell necklaces or bracelets
  • Small Moana figurines
  • Ocean slime in small containers
  • Tropical candy in shell-shaped containers
  • Mini sunscreen bottles ("island protection")

Final Thoughts

A Moana party celebrates adventure, bravery, and the call of the ocean. Whether you go all-out with professional character entertainment or keep it simple with DIY island vibes, the key is capturing that spirit of discovery.

Ready to plan your ocean adventure? Check our complete princess party guide or book Moana today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Moana party good for boys?

Yes! Moana's adventure-focused story and active games make her parties appealing to boys and girls. Many parents choose Moana for mixed-gender parties.

What songs does Moana sing at parties?

Our Moana performers know "How Far I'll Go," "You're Welcome" (Maui's song), "We Know the Way," and other favorites from the movie.

Characters.io Team

Characters.io Party Planning Team

Island party experts ready to help you go "how far you'll go."

Book Your Moana Party