Honestly, if you've spent any time around kids—or just haven't been living under a rock since late 2024—you’ve heard it. That sharp, soaring, joyful cry. Chee hoo! It’s the sound of Maui hitting a high note, both literally and emotionally, in Moana 2. But while the first movie gave us the ultimate ego-trip anthem in "You’re Welcome," the sequel does something way more interesting.
It turns a "silly" catchphrase into a life philosophy.
In Moana 2, the stakes aren't just about a shiny heart and a lava monster. We’re talking about an ancient storm god named Nalo trying to erase the connection between all people. It’s heavy stuff. When Moana hits her lowest point—we're talking total despair on an isolated beach—Maui doesn't just give her a "you can do it" pat on the back. He drops "Can I Get a Chee Hoo?" ## The Cultural Backbone of the "Chee Hoo"
Most people think "chee hoo" is just something Dwayne Johnson improvised to sound cool. Wrong. It’s actually rooted in the Samoan fa‘aumu.
Essentially, it’s an oral expression of pure exuberance. You hear it at weddings, football games, or when someone just absolutely nails a fire-knife dance. It’s "your heart showing," as Samoan linguist Grant Muāgututi‘a put it.
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The songwriters, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (the duo behind the Unofficial Bridgerton Musical), didn't just want a catchy beat. They worked with the Oceanic Cultural Trust to make sure this wasn't just Disney "borrowing" a sound. They blended it with a Jawaiian beat—a mix of reggae and hip-hop that’s massive in Hawaii right now.
It’s modern. It’s loud. And it’s a bit of a reality check.
Why This Song Hits Different
In the first film, Moana was the one saving Maui from his own self-pity. This time, the roles flip. Maui sees Moana crumbling under the pressure of leading a crew—Loto the quirky engineer, Moni the Maui fanboy, and Kele the grumpy farmer—and he uses his own signature shout to buoy her.
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The lyrics are surprisingly deep. Maui basically tells her: “Look, the enemy is trying this hard to stop you because he knows you’re the only one who can actually do it.” It’s the ultimate "big brother" moment.
Quick Stats: The Moana 2 Phenomenon
- Worldwide Box Office: $1.059 billion (and counting as of early 2026).
- Trailer Views: 178 million in the first 24 hours (a Disney record).
- The "Chee Hoo" Factor: The song was the final track written for the film because the team was terrified of making it "cringy."
The Evolution of Maui (and his Voice)
Interestingly, Dwayne Johnson took a bigger swing with his vocals this time. While he leaned on rapping in the first movie, "Can I Get a Chee Hoo?" required more melodic range. He’s gone on record saying it was vocally challenging, but he loved the shift from "Look at me" to "I believe in you."
Also, if you’re watching the Māori or Hawaiian dubs, it’s even cooler. Auliʻi Cravalho reprised her role for the Hawaiian version, and Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui) actually did his own singing this time around.
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What You Can Actually Take Away from the "Chee Hoo"
Life gets messy. Sometimes you’re the wayfinder, and sometimes you’re just the person stuck on a raft in a magical storm. The "Chee Hoo" isn't about being perfect; it’s about a "dose of reality" that reminds you of your own power.
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe don't look for a motivational quote on Instagram. Try a "Chee Hoo" instead. It’s louder, it’s more fun, and it’s a reminder that even the gods think you’ve got what it takes.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Listen to the soundtrack: Pay attention to the "Jawaiian" influences in the percussion; it's a specific sub-genre that defines the movie's vibe.
- Watch the fire-knife dance scene again: Notice Moana performing the siva afi. It’s traditionally a male-dominated dance, and her doing it during the song is a massive nod to her evolving power.
- Check out the dubs: If you have Disney+, toggle the audio to the Hawaiian or Māori versions to hear how the cultural nuances of the "Chee Hoo" translate in different Polynesian languages.