A young actress from Hawaii has stepped into one of Disney’s most beloved roles. Maia Kealoha, a child performer with deep roots in Native Hawaiian culture, brings Lilo Pelekai to life in the 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Her casting marks a significant moment for representation in a franchise originally set in the Hawaiian Islands.
Kealoha’s journey from a hula studio in Kailua-Kona to a major Hollywood premiere has attracted widespread attention. At just nine years old, she has already earned a Saturn Award nomination and lined up multiple projects beyond her breakout role.
Who is Maia Kealoha? Age, Parents, and Nationality
- Age: 9 years old (born December 14 or 15, 2016)
- Nationality: American (Native Hawaiian heritage)
- Known for: Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2025)
- Social: Active on Instagram and TikTok
Key Insights
- Cast as Lilo at approximately age 6–7 after an open casting call
- Her casting generated significant media buzz due to the beloved nature of the original film
- She is one of the few Native Hawaiian actors to portray Lilo in a live-action adaptation
- No verified net worth figures are publicly available
- She maintains a strong social media presence with parent-managed accounts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maia Kealoha |
| Date of Birth | December 14 or 15, 2016 |
| Place of Birth | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2024–present |
| Notable Work | Lilo Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch (2025) |
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Not disclosed |
How old is Maia Kealoha?
Maia Kealoha was born on December 14 or 15, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, according to her Wikipedia page and Famous Birthdays. The date varies by one day depending on the source. She turned 9 years old in December 2025 and is currently 9 as of mid-2026.
She grew up immersed in Native Hawaiian traditions, practicing hula since early childhood and Tahitian dance starting at age two, as reported by Tuko and Wikipedia.
Who are Maia Kealoha’s parents?
Her parents are Palani “Oni” Kealoha and Brittney Kealoha, according to Tuko and Screen Dollars. They raised her in Kailua-Kona alongside her younger brother, Micah. Brittney was born on December 14, 1990, and lives in Hawaii with her family.
Palani’s exact ethnic background is publicly unknown, though his name suggests he may be of Native Hawaiian descent. Brittney’s specific ethnicity is also undisclosed.
What is Maia Kealoha’s nationality?
Maia Kealoha is American by nationality, with Native Hawaiian heritage and a mixed cultural upbringing, as noted by Screen Dollars and Wikipedia. She proudly embraces her Hawaiian identity and frequently shares hula dancing and beach life from Hawaii on social media.
Is there a Wikipedia page for Maia Kealoha?
Yes, she has an official Wikipedia page titled Maia Kealoha with details on her birth, career, and notable works. The page is regularly updated.
Maia Kealoha’s Career: Movies and the Lilo & Stitch Role
What movies has Maia Kealoha been in?
Kealoha’s most prominent role is Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch. She auditioned at age 5 and was cast in 2023, according to People magazine. Her performance earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in 2026, per Wikipedia.
Beyond Lilo & Stitch, she has several other projects:
- The Wrecking Crew (2026): She plays Lani in this action comedy starring Jason Momoa, according to Wikipedia and IMDb.
- Electric Bloom (2025): A Disney musical series where she appears as Kaia, per Wikipedia.
- Nutmeg & Mistletoe (2026): Announced in February 2026, she will star as Alma, according to Wikipedia.
- Lilo & Scratch (2026): A short film where she voices Lilo, per Wikipedia.
- Moana 2 (2024): Listed as a known work by Screen Dollars and IMDb, though her specific role is not detailed.
- Lilo & Stitch 2: Listed as pre-production on IMDb.
Maia Kealoha is one of the few Native Hawaiian actors to portray Lilo in a live-action adaptation. The original Lilo & Stitch was set in Hawaii, making authentic representation a key priority for Disney during the casting process.
What is Maia Kealoha’s role in Lilo & Stitch?
She plays the lead character Lilo Pelekai in the 2025 live-action adaptation of the 2002 animated classic. The film brings the story of a young Hawaiian girl who adopts a genetically engineered alien she names Stitch to a new generation.
Her background gives her a natural connection to the character. Like Lilo, Kealoha grew up in Hawaii and practices traditional Hawaiian dance. This authenticity was noted in media coverage of her casting.
Maia Kealoha Net Worth and Current Status
What is Maia Kealoha’s net worth?
Maia Kealoha’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. As a minor, most of her income is managed by her parents. No reliable figures are available in public sources, according to Tuko and Screen Dollars. Estimates remain speculative and should be treated as such.
Because Kealoha is a child actress, her earnings are not subject to public financial disclosure. Any net worth figures circulating online are unverified. The film’s success will likely influence future opportunities and earnings.
What is Maia Kealoha doing now?
She is actively promoting the 2025 Lilo & Stitch film and managing her social media presence. She shares hula performances, family moments, and Hawaii scenery on Instagram and TikTok. A TikTok video titled “#MaiaKealoha pranked her parents” confirms her activity on the platform, per a video by Good Morning America.
Post-Lilo & Stitch, Kealoha may pursue other acting roles or focus on education. The film’s success will likely determine her long-term career trajectory. Continued social media growth is expected.
Maia Kealoha’s Rise to Fame: Timeline
- December 14/15, 2016: Born in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
- 2023: Cast as Lilo in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch after auditioning at age 5
- 2024: Appeared in Moana 2 (role not specified)
- 2025: Lilo & Stitch releases in theaters; Electric Bloom premieres as a Disney musical series
- 2026: Earns Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer; The Wrecking Crew and Nutmeg & Mistletoe premiere
What is Known and What Remains Unclear About Maia Kealoha
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Age confirmed via Wikipedia and multiple sources | Exact net worth (no verified financial disclosure) |
| Role as Lilo in 2025 film | Exact release date of Lilo & Stitch |
| American nationality and Hawaiian upbringing | Future film projects beyond currently announced |
| Active Instagram and TikTok accounts | Specific details about her parents’ ethnic backgrounds |
Several websites may publish speculative net worth figures for child actors. As of mid-2026, no credible source has confirmed Maia Kealoha’s earnings or financial status. Readers should treat such claims with skepticism.
Why Maia Kealoha’s Casting Matters for Hawaiian Representation
Disney’s trend of producing live-action remakes of animated classics has been ongoing for over a decade. The original Lilo & Stitch, released in 2002, was notable for its Hawaiian setting and cultural elements. Authentic representation became a priority for this adaptation.
Kealoha’s background gives her a natural connection to the character. She grew up practicing hula, a traditional Hawaiian dance, and Tahitian dance from age two. This upbringing aligns closely with Lilo’s cultural context.
Comparisons to other child actors cast in major franchise roles are inevitable. Walker Scobell – Age, Height, Movies and 2026 Facts is similarly a young Disney+ star who landed a prominent role. Kealoha’s trajectory may follow a similar path depending on the film’s reception.
Sources and Statements on Maia Kealoha’s Career
The primary sources of information about Maia Kealoha come from her Wikipedia page, IMDb, and media coverage from People magazine. The Disney casting announcement in 2023 provided initial details, but no direct interviews with the actress or her family have yielded substantial quotes about her personal life.
No direct quotes from Maia Kealoha, her family, or director Dean Fleischer Camp are available in the referenced public sources at this time.
What’s Next for Maia Kealoha?
With multiple projects already completed or in production, Kealoha’s immediate future appears busy. Nutmeg & Mistletoe was announced in February 2026, and Lilo & Stitch 2 is listed as pre-production on IMDb. The trajectory of her career will depend heavily on the commercial and critical performance of the 2025 Lilo & Stitch film.
For context on other actors with strong Disney connections, readers may find Scar Jo – Scarlett Johansson Life, Career and 2026 Plans relevant for understanding how major franchise roles can shape an actor’s career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maia Kealoha
What is Maia Kealoha’s full name?
Her full name is Maia Kealoha. No middle name is publicly recorded.
Where was Maia Kealoha born?
She was born in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA.
Does Maia Kealoha have siblings?
Yes, she has a younger brother named Micah.
How did Maia Kealoha get the role of Lilo?
She auditioned at age 5 during an open casting call and was cast in 2023.
Has Maia Kealoha won any awards?
She earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in 2026 for her role in Lilo & Stitch.
Is Maia Kealoha on social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram and TikTok, with content managed by her parents.
What is Maia Kealoha’s height?
Her height is not publicly available.
Will there be a sequel to the live-action Lilo & Stitch?
A project listed as Lilo & Stitch 2 is in pre-production, according to IMDb.
Related stories
Charlotte Foster is Business & Economy Correspondent at BritainNow.uk, covering markets, the UK economy and corporate affairs.