Maia Kealoha is a young actress from Hawaii who became widely known for her role as Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Born in December 2016, she is one of the youngest leading actresses in a major Disney live-action film. Her casting marked a significant moment for authentic representation, as she brings a Hawaiian cultural background to a character deeply rooted in the islands.
Before landing the role, Kealoha had no prior acting experience. She began training in hula as a toddler and started Tahitian dance at age two, skills that later reinforced her connection to the character. Her journey from open call auditions to the big screen has drawn attention from audiences and industry observers alike.
Who Is Maia Kealoha?
- Name: Maia Kealoha
- Age: Born December 15, 2016 (age 8 as of 2025)
- Nationality: American
- Known For: Playing Lilo in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025)
- Maia Kealoha is the youngest lead in a Disney live-action film.
- She was cast from an open call in Hawaii, reflecting Disney’s focus on authentic casting.
- Her Instagram and TikTok accounts are parent-managed, highlighting family involvement.
- Net worth estimates are speculative; no official figures exist.
- She began hula dancing as a toddler and started Tahitian dance at age two.
- Her debut role required 15 rounds of auditions over several months.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maia Kealoha |
| Date of Birth | December 15, 2016 (some sources list December 14) |
| Place of Birth | Hawaii, USA (likely Honolulu or Kailua-Kona) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Notable Work | Lilo in Lilo & Stitch (2025) |
| Social Media | @maiakealoha on Instagram and TikTok |
| Net Worth | Unknown (speculated but not confirmed) |
| Ethnicity | Native Hawaiian |
| Award Nomination | Saturn Award for Best Younger Performer in a Film (2026) |
What Movies Has Maia Kealoha Starred In?
Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Kealoha made her acting debut as the lead character Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s live-action remake of the 2002 animated film. She was cast at age five after going through 15 rounds of auditions, according to multiple sources. The film was released on May 23, 2025, on Disney+ and in theaters, and quickly made her Disney’s newest star. For her performance, she earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film in 2026.
Disney held open casting calls in Hawaii to find an actress who could authentically represent the Native Hawaiian culture of the character. Kealoha, who grew up on the Big Island and practiced hula and Tahitian dance from a young age, was selected from thousands of applicants.
The Wrecking Crew (2026)
In this upcoming action comedy directed by Angel Manuel Soto, Kealoha plays a character named Lani. The film stars Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, and Morena Baccarin. As of early 2026, the release date has not been announced.
Electric Bloom (2025)
She appeared as Kaia in a Disney musical series, adding another credit to her growing filmography.
Moana 2 (2024)
Some sources list Kealoha as additional crew for the animated sequel Moana 2, though the specifics of her contribution are not widely documented.
Who Are Maia Kealoha’s Parents?
Father
Her father is Palani “Oni” Kealoha (also spelled Palani). Public records suggest he has Native Hawaiian heritage, but detailed information about his background has not been confirmed.
Mother
Her mother is Brittney Kealoha, who some sources refer to as Brittney. She is noted as a key supporter throughout the casting process and helps manage Kealoha’s social media presence.
Family Life
Kealoha was raised in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, alongside her younger brother Micah. Her parents are actively involved in her career, and the family remains based in Hawaii.
While Kealoha identifies as Native Hawaiian, her parents’ exact ethnic backgrounds are not publicly known. Some sources describe a mixed heritage that includes Native Hawaiian lineage.
What Is Maia Kealoha’s Net Worth?
No official net worth figure is available for Maia Kealoha. Because she is a child actress, any earnings from her roles are managed by her family and industry professionals. Estimates found online are speculative and should not be treated as confirmed. As of early 2026, she has not disclosed any financial details publicly.
Several websites claim net worth amounts ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. These numbers are not sourced from reliable financial disclosures and likely reflect guesses based on her visibility rather than verified data.
How Did Maia Kealoha’s Career Begin?
- 2016: Maia Kealoha is born in Hawaii.
- 2023: She auditions for the role of Lilo in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch and is cast after 15 rounds.
- 2024: Filming begins; her social media presence grows under parent management.
- 2025 (May 23): Lilo & Stitch is released on Disney+ and in theaters.
- 2025: She appears in the Disney series Electric Bloom and posts regularly on Instagram and TikTok.
- 2026: She earns a Saturn Award nomination; filming for The Wrecking Crew is underway.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Maia Kealoha?
| Established Information | Unclear Information |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: December 15, 2016 (some sources say December 14) | Net worth figures – no reliable sources exist; estimates vary widely. |
| Role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action film | Detailed background of her parents (names and professions not fully confirmed). |
| Nationality: American (from Hawaii) | Future acting projects beyond The Wrecking Crew. |
| Social media accounts are parent-managed | Exact birthplace – Honolulu or Kailua-Kona. |
Why Is Maia Kealoha’s Casting Significant?
Kealoha’s casting continues a trend by Disney to cast unknown actors who reflect the cultural heritage of the characters they portray. For a story set in Hawaii about a Native Hawaiian girl, choosing an actress with lived experience in the islands adds authenticity that animated films could not fully achieve. Her early training in hula and Tahitian dance further aligns with the character’s cultural expressions.
Social media has also played a role in building her brand before and after the film’s release. With parent-managed accounts on Instagram and TikTok, Kealoha has amassed a following that engages with behind-the-scenes content and personal updates, creating a direct connection with fans that was less common for child actors in previous decades.
Where Do We Get Information About Maia Kealoha?
Biographical details primarily come from Wikipedia and IMDb, which list her filmography, birth date, and cultural background. Other sources include Tuko and ScreenDollars, which provide additional information about her parents and upbringing. Famous Birthdays offers quick biographical facts.
Her social media accounts – Instagram and TikTok – are primary sources for current photos and updates, though content is posted by her parents. As of early 2026, no direct interviews or quotes from Kealoha or her family have been widely published.
“Maia Kealoha is the youngest lead in a Disney live-action film, and her casting reflects an open call process that prioritized authentic Hawaiian representation.”
— Compiled from media reports and industry sources
In Summary: Who Is Maia Kealoha?
Maia Kealoha is a nine-year-old actress from Hawaii who rose to fame as Lilo in Disney’s 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch. She is American by nationality and proudly identifies as Native Hawaiian. Her parents, Palani and Brittney Kealoha, manage her career and social media. While no official net worth has been disclosed, her Saturn Award nomination and upcoming role in The Wrecking Crew suggest a promising future. For more on rising young performers, see Walker Scobell – Age, Height, Movies and 2026 Facts and Scar Jo – Scarlett Johansson Life, Career and 2026 Plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maia Kealoha
Is Maia Kealoha on TikTok?
Yes, her account is @maiakealoha, with 687K followers (parent-managed).
What other movies has Maia Kealoha been in?
As of early 2026, her credited roles include Lilo & Stitch (2025), The Wrecking Crew (2026), and a guest role in Electric Bloom (2025).
How tall is Maia Kealoha?
Height is not publicly available.
Does Maia Kealoha have siblings?
Yes, she has a younger brother named Micah.
What is Maia Kealoha’s exact birthdate?
Most sources indicate December 15, 2016, though some list December 14.
Where is Maia Kealoha from?
She was raised in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Does Maia Kealoha have any upcoming projects?
She is set to appear in The Wrecking Crew (2026), with no other announcements yet.
Why was Maia Kealoha chosen for Lilo?
She was selected from an open call in Hawaii, partly because of her Native Hawaiian background and dance experience.
Is Maia Kealoha on Instagram?
Yes, her handle is @maiakealoha, managed by her parents.
Who manages Maia Kealoha’s social media?
Her parents, particularly her mother Brittney, manage her accounts.
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Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief at BritainNow.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards, and publication decisions.