'Moana' Star Auli'i Cravalho and Sheba Cat Food on Mission To Save Coral Reefs of Hawaii

Auli‘i Cravalho, at just 23 years old, is an actor, producer, singer, and champion for greater representation of Pacific Islanders in the film industry. She also uses her platform to raise awareness about the incredible coral reefs of Hawai'i and the importance of protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems.

This week is Coral Reef Awareness Week, and Moana 2 star Auli'i Cravalho spoke to ParadePets about her partnership with S heba Brand and how she is committed to supporting the restoration of coral reefs, her beloved rescue cat Rocco, and what's next for her.

ParadePets: Tell us what it was like for you growing up in Hawaii and how that inspired your love of animals and interest in coral reef conservation.

Auli'i: Growing up in Hawaiʻi was, as you might have already guessed, preeeetty cool. Running around barefoot, raising pigs and chickens, and attending Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus -a school that gives preference to those of Hawaiian ancestry- cued me in from an early age on the cyclical relationship we have to the land and ocean. In the Kumulipo, our Hawaiian genealogy chant that explains how life began -our shared genealogy- there’s a phrase: Hanau ka ‘Uku-ko‘ako‘a, born is the coral polyp . Our Indigenous knowledge recognizes that coral was one of the first life forms on earth; and science backs us up! It’s thought that the first coral reefs were formed as long as two-hundred-and-forty-MILLION years ago, and if we believe the kumulipo , coral is our ancestor. Caring for our kupuna , or our elders, means in return they will care for us. It’s as simple as that!

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ParadePets: Can you explain your video project for coral reef awareness week?

Auli'i: Happily! I’m so happy to be partnering with the SHEBA Brand and Kuleana Coral again, during one of my favorite weeks of the year, to release our new three-part video series entitled ʻGrowing Hope in Hawaiiʻ. In our first video, you get to meet Kapono Kaluhiokalani from the Kuleana Coral team . We talk about our ties to the ocean, and just how important coral is to livelihoods in Hawaiʻi! In our second video, you hop onto the boat with us and join in for a dive under water. Seeing coral up close is truly one of the coolest experiences I’ve had; I NEVER get tired of it! And for our third and final video, you travel back to my apartment in Los Angeles and meet my beloved cat Rocco. We talk about what anyone and everyone can do, with actions both big and small, to make a difference and give back to the beautiful oceans that surround us.

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ParadePets : Did you have any pets growing up?

Auli'i: I had a bunch of pets growing up; pigs, chickens, a parrot named Paco, dogs, cats… and the occasional mouse! Nowadays I live in an apartment; so no more raising chickens for me unfortunately. Rocco is enough of a handful; his mischief keeps me plenty busy!

ParadePets: Tell us about first meeting your Rocco. He was a rescue? Was this your first cat? Do they ever go to the beach with you? What do you love most about him and does he have any funny quirks? Is Rocco your only pet? Does he travel with you when you’re on location?

Auli'i: Rocco (previously named Oreo) was found under my friend’s house in 2018. I remember receiving a text that went something like, “Anyone want a feral cat?” and I RACED over to her place, picked up my fur baby, and the rest is history. The cat redistribution system wins again!! I’m a total cat lady, and Rocco has truly changed my life for the better. Training him to walk on leash has been a game changer for not only traveling for work in different states and countries, but also camping and hikes! He’s incredibly curious - I once found him crawling up my chimney while living in London – so taking him on walkies has been real helpful in getting out his chaotic energy!

ParadePets: What’s next for you after Moana 2 ?

Auli'i: So many things! I’m excited to continue finding strategic partnerships, like this partnership with SHEBA brand, who have ‘giving back’ and ‘sustainability’ at their core. And as for acting, I’m very much looking forward to getting into more stage work, and being both on and behind the camera. A little of everything!

ParadePets: What is the one message you’d like to get across to people to make them understand why it’s so important to protect our coral reefs and all of their inhabitants?

Auli'i: If I only had a single message I could share, it would be: More coral today means more fish tomorrow. I’d also encourage people to remember how truly everything is interconnected: a healthy ocean means a healthy planet. Yes, yes, I know those are technically TWO messages, but I couldn’t resist! Visit my Instagram , SHEBA brand’s Instagram , or visit SHEBA.com/sustainability to learn more.

Thank you so much to SHEBA brands and the gorgeous and wonderful Auli'i Cravalho for this incredible project and for speaking to us.

Moana 2 premiers in theaters on November 27, 2024.