A young actress from Hawaii is about to become one of the most recognizable faces in family entertainment. Maia Kealoha, a nine-year-old from the Big Island, has been cast as the lead in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Her journey from a small-town kid with a big dream to a major Hollywood role is a story of determination, cultural pride, and a little bit of luck.
Kealoha’s casting has drawn attention not only because of the beloved nature of the original film but also due to her authentic Hawaiian heritage. She brings a genuine connection to the character of Lilo, a young girl navigating family and friendship on the islands. This role marks her debut on the big screen, but her story is already capturing hearts worldwide.
While her future in the industry looks bright, much of her personal life remains private, a common approach for families of young stars. This article separates the known facts from the lingering questions about the rising Disney star.
Who Is Maia Kealoha? Everything About the Young Lilo & Stitch Star
Maia Kealoha
December 14, 2016 (age 9 as of 2026)
American (Hawaii)
Playing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Key Insights About Maia Kealoha
- Maia Kealoha was selected out of hundreds of candidates for the iconic role of Lilo, bringing authentic Hawaiian representation to the character.
- Her young age makes her one of the youngest lead actresses in a major Disney live-action remake.
- She maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and TikTok, managed presumably by her parents, often sharing behind-the-scenes content.
- Despite her rapid rise, detailed biographical information remains scarce, leading to speculation about net worth and family details.
- She has already landed a supporting role in an upcoming action film, suggesting a promising start to her career.
- Kealoha was unusually eager for auditions, often dragging her parents to casting calls rather than the reverse.
Maia Kealoha: Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maia Kealoha |
| Birth Date | December 14, 2016 |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii (raised in Kailua-Kona, Big Island) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2024–present |
| Known Role | Lilo Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch (2025) |
| Heritage | Mixed heritage, including Native Hawaiian |
| Parents | Mother: Brittney. Sibling: Micah (brother). |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Not officially disclosed; estimates vary widely and are unreliable. |
What Is Maia Kealoha Known For? Her Breakout Role in Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch
Maia Kealoha’s claim to fame is undeniably her starring role in Lilo & Stitch (2025). This live-action remake of the 2002 animated classic is her first on-screen acting role, making her introduction to Hollywood all the more remarkable.
The casting process was extensive. Kealoha first auditioned at the age of five, but was called back for the role when she was seven, right as filming was set to begin. Director Dean Fleischer Camp noted that she was the clear “front-runner” after that callback, according to reports from People magazine.
Other Film and Television Work
Beyond her debut, Kealoha has already started to build a small but notable filmography. She has a supporting role in The Wrecking Crew (2026), an action film starring Jason Momoa, Morena Baccarin, and Dave Bautista. She also appeared in a single episode of the TV series Electric Bloom in 2025, playing a character named Kaia.
Interestingly, she was also listed as additional crew on Moana 2 (2024), though this was a non-acting role. She has one award nomination to her name so far, according to her IMDb page.
When asked about her favorite moment from filming Lilo & Stitch, Kealoha mentioned a scene where her character discovers she can use Stitch as a speaker instead of a record player. This detail offers a glimpse into the lighthearted, inventive spirit she brought to the role.
Who Are Maia Kealoha’s Parents and What Is Her Family Background?
Maia Kealoha was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was raised in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Her family has a mixed heritage that includes Native Hawaiian ancestry, a fact that made her casting for the role of Lilo particularly meaningful for many fans.
Family Members
Public records and reliable sources identify her mother as Brittney. She also has a brother named Micah. Beyond these details, information about her father or other extended family members has not been made public.
Kealoha is raised in the Christian faith, and she frequently shares content that reflects her Hawaiian culture, including photos and videos of her practicing hula dancing. She enjoys dancing, singing, crafting, and spending time at the beach with her family, according to her IMDb profile.
Maia Kealoha’s casting continues Disney’s recent trend of prioritizing authentic representation. The studio has sought actors of Hawaiian or Pacific Islander heritage for roles in projects set in the islands, a shift that brings greater authenticity to stories rooted in those cultures. Her young age and genuine connection to the material helped her align with the animated character’s spirit.
What Is Maia Kealoha’s Net Worth and What Is Her Current Status?
There is no reliable public figure available for Maia Kealoha’s net worth. As a child actress with only a few minor roles and one major lead (Lilo & Stitch), her earnings are likely modest and have not been publicly disclosed.
Several celebrity net worth websites offer estimates, but these figures are unverified and often contradictory. The most responsible conclusion is that no credible information exists about her personal finances, as reported by sources like Screendollars and Famous Birthdays.
What is Maia Kealoha Doing Now?
As of 2026, Kealoha has a supporting role in the upcoming film The Wrecking Crew and is also listed in pre-production for a Lilo & Stitch 2. Her social media presence continues to grow, giving fans a curated look at her life, though her family maintains moderate control over her public exposure. She is poised to share the “aloha spirit” with global audiences, as noted by her IMDb biography.
Because Maia Kealoha is a minor, many details of her personal life are rightfully kept private by her family. This includes her exact earnings, the identity of her father, and her long-term career plans. She does not have a Wikipedia page that is independently verifiable, and much of what is known comes from social media profiles and casting announcements.
Timeline of Maia Kealoha’s Key Life and Career Events
- : Born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- 2021 (approx.): Auditions for the role of Lilo at age 5.
- 2023: Called back for the role at age 7; cast as Lilo in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch.
- 2024: Listed as additional crew on Moana 2.
- 2025: Lilo & Stitch is released theatrically (May 23, 2025 in the US). Appears in Electric Bloom.
- 2026: Has a supporting role in The Wrecking Crew. Social media following expands significantly.
What Information Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?
Given the limited public documentation available about a young child actress, not everything is known with certainty. Below is a clear breakdown of what has been confirmed by reliable sources versus what remains speculative.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: December 14, 2016 | Parents’ full names and professions (beyond mother’s first name) |
| Place of birth: Honolulu, Hawaii; raised in Kailua-Kona | Exact net worth or earnings from Lilo & Stitch |
| Role: Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch | Details of her early childhood before the audition |
| Heritage: Mixed, including Native Hawaiian | Specific future projects beyond pre-production titles |
| Mother: Brittney. Sibling: Micah. | Has her own Wikipedia page (she does not have a verified independent page) |
What Is the Cultural Context of Maia Kealoha’s Rise to Fame?
Maia Kealoha’s casting is part of a broader, ongoing conversation in Hollywood about representation. For decades, characters in animated films set in Hawaii or the Pacific Islands were often voiced by non-native actors. Disney has made a visible effort in recent years to correct this, casting actors with authentic ties to these cultures.
Her young age also aligns her with the original character’s spunk and innocence. The live-action remake aims to retain the heart of the 2002 film while updating it for a new generation, and Kealoha’s genuine Hawaiian upbringing is seen by many fans as a crucial element of that authenticity.
Because she is a minor, her family has taken steps to manage her exposure. Her Instagram and TikTok accounts, while public, are presumably monitored and run by her parents, providing a controlled connection with fans. This approach raises understandable questions about child privacy in the age of social media fame.
Where Do the Facts About Maia Kealoha Come From?
Most of the verified details about Maia Kealoha come from a handful of reliable industry databases and media reports. Her filmography is listed on IMDb, while basic biographical facts are cited by multiple sources including Screendollars and Famous Birthdays.
“Maia brings the spirit of Lilo to life with her natural charm and Hawaiian roots.”
— Paraphrased from casting announcements and director comments
“She was so excited about the audition that she was actually dragging her parents to the casting calls.”
— People magazine, quoting the Kealoha family’s recollection
What’s Next for Maia Kealoha?
Maia Kealoha is likely to continue acting, potentially in other family films or Disney projects. Her social media presence will almost certainly grow, but her long-term career depends on the roles she lands in the coming years. As of 2026, no official announcements beyond her current projects have been made. Her debut in a major franchise, Moana 2 (2024), provided an early association with the studio that would later give her her big break.
Does Maia Kealoha have a Wikipedia page?
She does not have a verified, independent Wikipedia page as of 2026. Information about her is available on IMDb and other fan-run wikis.
Is Maia Kealoha on Instagram?
Yes, her Instagram handle is @maiakealoha. The account is presumably managed by her parents.
What is Maia Kealoha’s TikTok handle?
Her TikTok handle is @maiakealoha.
How tall is Maia Kealoha?
Height is not publicly confirmed.
Does Maia Kealoha have siblings?
Yes, she has a brother named Micah.
Where was Maia Kealoha born?
She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island.
What is Maia Kealoha’s nationality?
She is American, born in the state of Hawaii.
How old was Maia Kealoha when she auditioned for Lilo?
She was five years old when she first auditioned. She was called back for the role at age seven.
What movies has Maia Kealoha been in?
She has been in Lilo & Stitch (2025), The Wrecking Crew (2026), and had a non-acting role in Moana 2 (2024).
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Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at BritainNow.uk, covering arts, culture, lifestyle and society.