POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Fans of Disney’s Moana franchise had the chance to enjoy a free, interactive beach attraction over Independence Day weekend, as well as spot a replica of a raft sailing on the open water.
Families were invited to photo opportunities and live entertainment near a replica of Moana’s iconic outrigger canoe, a themed sand sculpture, and other island-inspired displays set up at the South Beach Stage, located on the beach in front of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.
Spectators who saw it said the setup made a strong impression.
“It was really a nice-looking setup,” a borough police officer on duty remarked.
Jenkinson’s Amusement Park Marketing and Brand Manager Alex Taylor said the attraction drew strong interest until fast moving storms damaged the one on land.
The actual wayfinder canoe (or “va” in Hawaiian) touring prop used to promote the new live-action Moana film was handcrafted by Captain Nakoa Prejean of Hawaiian Ocean Adventures in Oahu. Disney has been touring this authentic movie-used sister canoe, alongside hula lessons and photo ops, at coastal events like that at Jenkinson’s Amusement Park.
Taylor said there was actually two replicas as part of the attraction. “One was more of a prop boat that was on the beach which unfortunately sustained damage. Another was one that was sailing around the area from Manasquan and that was seen during the weekend in the ocean. That one is fine. It really would have made for a great weekend attraction.”
“Friday was awesome. We had a lot of people come to see it,” Taylor said. “We had some bad storms on Friday and Saturday night, and unfortunately that is what happened. We posted it on social media and on our website.”
Despite the loss of the Moana attraction, Taylor said the holiday weekend remained busy for Jenkinson’s. He noted that the park’s new roller coaster has been especially popular, with red, white and blue flag-painted cars soaring above a giant Statue of Liberty display, making it a fitting spot for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
After the damage, a sign was placed near the entrance explaining why it had to close.
“Aloha, friends and voyagers!” the sign stated. “The weather can be full of surprises, just like in Moana’s great adventure. Unfortunately, last night’s storm has damaged some of our beloved props, and for the sake of safety, we must close the Moana Activation at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.”
“It was horrible,” one Jenkinson’s worker told The Brick Times, describing the damage. “It was partially wrecked on Friday, and (Saturday) night it got hit again after all the work they did on the sand castle. There was the boat behind it, the outrigger. It was quite stunning to see.”
The sign added that “not all magic is lost,” encouraging visitors to “keep your eyes on the horizon” for the Wayfinder, which was still expected to sail along the ocean.
The Moana franchise currently includes two animated films: Moana, released in 2016, and Moana 2, released in 2024. The original Oscar-nominated animated film follows a spirited Polynesian teenager who sets sail on a daring mission to save her people. Along the way, she meets Maui, a once-mighty demigod who helps guide her as she becomes a master wayfinder.
In the sequel reunites Moana and Maui for a new voyage after Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, sending her into dangerous, long-lost waters across Oceania.
The live-action version of Moana will be released in theaters on July 10. Disney’s reimagining of the original adventure stars Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. The film is directed by Thomas Kail, the Tony Award-winning director known for the Broadway productions of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” and “Hamilton.”
