Auli’I Cravalho shares why SPAM holds a special place in her heart, interview
While Auli’l Cravalho may have traveled far from her Hawaiian home, her connection to the culture and food from the stunning island paradise is never far from her table. In an effort to help Hawaii and its rebuilding after the devasting fires that impacted Maui, Cravalho partnered with SPAM to encourage people to open their hearts and their tables to helping the Hawaiian residents.
Many people were first introduced to Auli’l Cravalho as the voice of Moana. While some of us can hear the powerful ballad, “How Far I’ll Go” just by referencing the Disney Princess’ name, Cravalho is more than just a singular role. Over the years, she has dazzled on screen and stage with her powerful presence.
Although she might have left the island behind, that deep connection to her home is always close to her heart. More importantly, the food of her childhood is often found in her kitchen.
As many people appreciate, SPAM is a Hawaiian staple. Whether it is that simple musubi snack, an ingredient in fried rice, or eaten however people please, that sizzle, pork, mmm infuses its flavor in a multitude of recipes.
Recently, Cravalho partnered with SPAM to showcase a new collection of musubi merchandise that benefits Aloha United Way. Although it is one year since the Lahaina wildfires ravaged the landscape, the community still needs assistance. 100% of the proceeds from this collection will be donated to the charity.
Through her SPAM partnership, Auli’l Cravalho graciously spent some time talking to me about her Hawaiian heritage, a few ways that she enjoys SPAM, and some upcoming projects. While I have heard her voice many times at Disney events, the opportunity to see her face light up talking about her connection to her Hawaiian culture was inspiring.
Before delving into her new projects, we had to sizzle up some SPAM talk. While the ingredient can be misunderstood by some, Cravalho has a different approach. She explained how the food is enjoyed around the world. “I am Hawaiian, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Portuguese and Irish. I have to say that quite a few of those ethnicities eat SPAM. In Hawaii we are big fans of SPAM. We fry it with a teriyaki sauce, enjoy it with some eggs and rice, or add it to ramen. Also, a friend recently used it like a pate on toast. Since it is already fully cooked, there are so many ways to eat it.”
Given that SPAM can be eaten morning, noon, and night, it might be time for some people to discover the flavorful food. More importantly, the latest merchandise line is a way for people to support Hawaii and its quest to rebuild.
As Cravalho explained, “Lahaina is still rebuilding, and it is going to take several years to rebuild. I really appreciate the SPAM brand, who knows that it is an island favorite, choosing to give back in this way.”
“Hawaii, and Maui specifically, are many up of really strong individuals. Since much of our economy is built on tourism, it is important for people to know that Maui is open. For people who are looking to give back in another way, remember the impact when visiting the islands. A moment of gratitude for people being welcomed into their home can go a long way.”
Since the table is often a place where people best understand the hospitality and cultural connection, Cravalho shared how food memories hold a special place in her heart. As she spoke, it is clear that food nourishes both the body and soul.
Cravalho said, “food is so important. Even just cooking rice. I remember when I was younger and I tried to cook rice. I put it in the rice cooker and it came out bad because I didn’t wash it. My mom explained to me how she learned, what she did growing up, and all those stories of being in the kitchen with her siblings.”
“It is heartwarming for me to think about those stories. That food really connects us to heritage and these childhood moments. Hawaii is a very special place that is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. The food is really nurtured and appreciated.”
Since food makes her feel connected to home, Cravalho has packed a few items from home for her upcoming stay in New York. She will be making her Broadway debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. When asked about her upcoming role in the celebrated musical, Cravalho’s excitement was clear.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing Sally Bowles. It is an absolute dream come true. I love singing and I feel that Sally, as a character, allows me to really lean into the vocals and the story. I feel like that I’m constantly being challenged, which I am very grateful for.”
While she is embarking on a new experience on Broadway, an old chum is waiting in the wings for her. Moana 2 is set to return to theaters this fall. In this installment, the beloved character looks a little different, and it is a first for a Disney Princess.
Cravalho said, ‘I love Moana for her character, for the fact that she is brave ,intelligent, and loves her family. She will journey across the sea, way beyond the reef, to protect our community. But, I also love Moana, the film, for its themes of community, themes of writing about the imbalance between man and nature, and even holding demigods to a standard.”
“I think that one of the reasons that Moana is so beloved is because so many families can see themselves in the story. They can remember the first time that they left their community and it was scary. When they came back, they learned so much that could benefit their community. I was on the same journey when I was cast in this role. Now, I’m turning 24 and I feel like I have grown up beside her.”
A first for a Disney Princess, viewers will see an older, wiser Moana in the next chapter. As Cravalho shared, it is the first time that a Disney Princess has been allowed to age.
Cravalho said, “When we meet her in again, she'll be a little older. We can see that growth of going beyond the reef and coming back home, what it means to her people for wayfinding. Then on the next adventure, that that growth is not done yet, you've still got a long ways 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 flavor that brings all those memories back. She might come and go from the shore, she will always find her way home.
For anyone who would like to support the rebuilding efforts in Maui, proceeds from the sale of SPAM Musubi Collection will be donated to Aloha United Way.