Kahu is an eight-year-old Maori girl living in Whangara. Named after the tribe's legendary founder, she possesses a cheerful demeanor and a deep, innate love for Maori culture and language. She desperately seeks the affection and approval of her traditional grandfather, who refuses to accept her as a legitimate heir to the tribe's lineage because of her gender.

Rawiri is Koro Apirana and Nanny Flowers's second son. He acts as a guardian and uncle to Kahu, holding a deep affection for the young girl. As a young man, he possesses a playful and adventurous spirit, enjoying time with his friends and eventually traveling to Australia and Papua New Guinea to experience the wider world.

Koro Apirana is the traditional chief of the Maori people in Whangara. He strictly adheres to historical Maori customs, specifically the belief that tribal leadership must pass through the male line. Serious and stubborn, he dedicates his time to teaching local boys the sacred ways of the tribe while actively ignoring Kahu out of a desire for a male heir.

Nanny Flowers is Koro Apirana's wife and the matriarch of her family. She traces her ancestry back to Muriwai, a legendary woman who assumed male responsibilities during a crisis. Outspoken, stubborn, and highly intelligent, she frequently challenges her husband's strict, male-centric views and serves as Kahu's strongest advocate.

The Ancient Bull Whale is the ancient leader of a migrating whale herd. He carries a distinctive swirling tattoo and possesses centuries of memories regarding his original human master. Depressed by the loss of this ancient connection, he worries his elderly female companions by leading the herd toward dangerous waters.

Porourangi is Koro Apirana's eldest son and the next in line to become chief. He possesses a calm demeanor and frequently travels for tribal business alongside his father. After losing his first wife, Rehua, he allows Kahu to be raised by her maternal family before eventually bringing her back to Whangara.

Kahutia Te Rangi is the legendary founder of the Maori tribe in Whangara. Originally from Hawaiki, the island of the Gods, he possesses the unique ability to communicate with whales. He threw life-giving spears onto the land to make it fruitful, establishing the deep connection between his people and the natural world.

The Old Mother Whale is the elderly wife of the Ancient Bull Whale. She assists the younger mothers in the herd and worries about her husband's growing nostalgia, fearing his melancholy will endanger the entire group as they travel near human-populated islands.

Rehua is Porourangi's first wife and Kahu's mother. Weakened by complications during childbirth, she requests that Kahu's birth cord be buried in Whangara to permanently tie her daughter to her father's lands.

Jeff is an Australian man who befriends Rawiri. Friendly and quick to laugh, he eventually invites Rawiri to move with him to Papua New Guinea to help run his family's coffee plantation.

Clara is Jeff's mother. She runs a coffee plantation alongside her family but harbors strong racial prejudices, frequently making Rawiri feel uncomfortable due to his dark skin.

Ana is Porourangi's second wife. She joins the family in Whangara and eventually has a daughter, further extending the family tree.

Putiputi is the infant daughter of Porourangi and Ana. Her birth brings joy to the family but further frustrates Koro Apirana, who still seeks a male heir.

Muriwai is a legendary ancestor of Nanny Flowers. According to tribal history, she prayed to the gods for permission to take charge during a crisis, famously taking on the role of a man to save her village from a tidal wave.