The 9 Highest-Paid Hawaiian Stars Revealed
Growing up in Oahu taught me that Hawaii's talent runs deeper than tourist postcards suggest. I've spent decades island-hopping across our archipelago, watching local performers transform from community theater stars to Hollywood heavyweights. The journey from our shores to Hollywood isn't easy, but these nine Hawaiian-born or Hawaiian-heritage actors aren't just making it – they're banking millions and reshaping the industry.
Let's explore how our local stars became some of entertainment's highest earners while staying true to their island roots.
The Undisputed Hawaiian Hollywood King
Jason Momoa stands tall as Hawaii's most recognized acting export. With his unmistakable presence and fierce dedication to his heritage, he's transformed from Baywatch Hawaii lifeguard to blockbuster cornerstone.
Early struggles shaped his success. Born Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, this Native Hawaiian-Polynesian actor first caught audiences' attention in “Baywatch Hawaii” before landing his breakthrough as Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones.” I once spotted him at a local surf competition years before fame struck—already commanding attention with that signature intensity.
His career exploded after joining DC's universe as Aquaman, a role that feels almost cosmically aligned with his island heritage. According to recent financial reports, Momoa's net worth sits at $40 million, with his Aquaman salary jumping from $3 million for the first film to a staggering $15 million for the sequel.
Beyond acting, Momoa's entrepreneurial spirit flourishes through his Mananalu Water company, showing how Hawaiian values of sustainability can translate to mainland success.
Disney's Island Princess
Auliʻi Cravalho embodies the next generation of Hawaiian talent. Born and raised in Kohala, Hawaii with Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Irish, Portuguese and Puerto Rican heritage4, she represents Hawaii's beautiful cultural tapestry.
From high school student to Disney legend overnight. I'll never forget the local buzz when news broke that a Hawaiian teenager would voice Disney's first Polynesian princess. Cravalho's journey from obscurity to voicing Moana—a film that grossed over $600 million worldwide—reads like a Hollywood fairytale.
Beyond Moana, she's expanded her resume with projects like NBC's “Rise” and Hulu's “Crush”. While her net worth isn't disclosed publicly, her Disney connection provides ongoing income through merchandising, sequels, and theme park attractions.
Hawaii's Versatile Vocalist
Nicole Scherzinger brings Hawaiian grace to every stage she graces. Born in Honolulu to a Filipino father and a mother with Ukrainian, Polish, and Native Hawaiian ancestry, she embodies Hawaii's multicultural spirit.
From Pussycat Dolls to global juggernaut. While many know her from music, Nicole has built an impressive entertainment portfolio spanning reality TV judging, voice acting, and Broadway performances. Her financial success comes from this diversification—never putting all her eggs in one performance basket.
Her work as a judge on “The Masked Singer” and various international talent competitions has secured her financial stability beyond music. Industry insiders estimate her net worth around $14 million.
The Veteran Islander
Jason Scott Lee maintains Hawaiian representation with longevity few actors achieve. Of Hawaiian and Chinese descent, he brings cultural authenticity to every role.
From Mowgli to Mulan villain. Lee's versatility shines through his Disney connections—playing Mowgli in 1994's “Jungle Book” and villain Böri Khan in 2020's “Mulan” remake. His steady career shows that Hawaiian actors can achieve Hollywood longevity through calculated role selection.
Currently leading Disney+'s “Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.”, Lee demonstrates how Hawaiian actors can maintain relevance across decades. His estimated net worth of $5 million reflects consistent work rather than blockbuster paychecks.
The People's Champion
While technically Samoan rather than Native Hawaiian, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was born in California to a Samoan mother and spent formative years in Hawaii. His connection to the islands remains unbreakable.
From football disappointment to wrestling ring to silver screen dominance. Johnson transformed early setbacks into the foundation of an empire. What started as wrestling fame exploded into Hollywood dominance that's made him the highest-paid actor in the industry multiple years running.
His voice role in Disney's “Moana” and projects like “Young Rock” showcase his commitment to Pacific Islander representation. Johnson is currently developing “The King,” a film about Kamehameha I, Hawaii's first monarch4, demonstrating his dedication to authentic Hawaiian storytelling.
I bumped into him once at a local plate lunch spot—no entourage, just grabbing food like any other local. That groundedness explains why audiences worldwide connect with him beyond the muscles.
Hawaii's Television Icon
When discussing Hawaiian acting legends, we can't ignore Jack Lord. Though not alive today, his legacy established the template for Hawaiian actors' success.
From Brooklyn to becoming Hawaii's adopted son. Lord's portrayal of Steve McGarrett on “Hawaii Five-O” for twelve years made him synonymous with the islands. At his death in 1998, his net worth stood at $40 million—equivalent to about $60 million today.
His philanthropic legacy continues supporting Hawaii, with his estate benefiting local institutions. Lord proved Hawaiian-based actors could build global careers without abandoning island connections.
The Hawaiian Method Actress
Tia Carrere broke barriers as one of the first Hawaiian actresses to achieve mainstream recognition. Born in Honolulu, she leveraged her exotic beauty while fighting to be more than a stereotype.
From soap operas to action films to voice acting. Carrere's versatility across “Wayne's World,” “True Lies,” and as voice talent in “Lilo & Stitch” shows Hawaiian actors' adaptability. Her understanding of Hollywood's business side helped secure producer credits and royalties beyond acting fees.
Her singing career even earned her Grammy awards for Hawaiian music, showing how embracing cultural roots can expand earning potential.
Rising Island Star
Keala Settle burst onto global consciousness with her powerful performance of “This Is Me” in “The Greatest Showman.” Born in Hawaii to a British father and Māori mother, she represents Hawaii's multicultural talent.
From Broadway stages to film breakthrough. Settle's journey demonstrates how Hawaiian performers often build foundations in theater before transitioning to screen. Her distinctive voice and presence command attention—and increasingly substantial paychecks.
Industry sources suggest her performance in “The Greatest Showman” dramatically increased her earning power, enabling selective project choices moving forward.
The Quiet Achiever
Kelly Preston's career quietly showcased Hawaiian talent for decades. Born in Honolulu, her steady work across blockbusters and indie films established a blueprint for consistent Hollywood success.
Building a multi-decade career through versatility. Preston's work in everything from “Jerry Maguire” to “Gotti” demonstrated Hawaiian actors' range. Before her passing in 2020, she maintained both commercial appeal and artistic credibility.
Her marriage to John Travolta created additional financial opportunities through joint projects and investments, showcasing how Hawaiian actors leverage Hollywood connections.
Why Hawaiian Actors Succeed
What explains this impressive roster of Hawaiian talent? Several factors contribute:
- Cultural storytelling traditions translate beautifully to acting
- Physical presence stands out in Hollywood casting rooms
- Adaptability from island living prepares actors for industry changes
- Community support maintains connections to authentic roots
- Unique perspective offers fresh approaches to character development
The success of these nine actors proves Hawaii delivers not just vacation experiences but entertainment excellence. From action blockbusters to animated features to television franchises, Hawaiian actors continue banking impressive paychecks while representing their heritage with pride.
As I watch new talent emerge from local theaters and community centers, I'm certain Hawaii's Hollywood footprint will only grow stronger. The question isn't whether new Hawaiian stars will emerge—but which ones will next join the industry's highest-paid ranks.
