A nine-year-old girl from Hawaii has become the face of one of Disney’s most anticipated live-action remakes. Maia Kealoha, a young actress with a deep connection to her Native Hawaiian roots, was cast as Lilo Pelekai in the 2025 film Lilo & Stitch. Her journey from a video audition at age five to starring alongside Hollywood veterans is a story of talent, culture, and timing.
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kealoha brings authenticity to a role that has been beloved by audiences since 2002. Her casting came after a nationwide search, and director Dean Fleischer Camp has described her as the clear front-runner from the start. The film, produced on a reported budget of $150 million, is expected to be one of the summer’s biggest releases.
Beyond the Disney spotlight, Kealoha is a hula dancer, an ocean enthusiast, and a young actor already building a varied career. Here is a look at what is known about her age, family, filmography, and current activities, drawn from public records, media reports, and official social media accounts.
How Old Is Maia Kealoha? Age, Nationality, and Family
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | December 15, 2016 |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Hawaii, USA |
| Known For | Lilo Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch (2025) |
- Maia Kealoha is a very young actress cast as Lilo in the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025). Born December 15, 2016, she is 8 years old as of 2025. Her casting was widely covered by media outlets.
- Her family background and Hawaiian roots played a key role in her selection. She is from Hawaii, which aligns with the setting of the original film. Her mother, Brittney Kealoha, is often mentioned in social media posts, but the family generally keeps a low profile.
- Maia has a growing social media presence on Instagram, managed by her parents. The account shares behind-the-scenes content, beach outings, and hula videos.
- Net worth is not publicly disclosed, and any estimates are speculative. Some celebrity websites suggest a figure, but no official sources confirm it. This should be treated as unverified information.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maia Kealoha |
| Date of Birth | December 15, 2016 |
| Age (2025) | 8 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Place of Birth | Hawaii, USA |
| Known Role | Lilo Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch (2025) |
| Other Works | The Wrecking Crew (2026), Electric Bloom (2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram @maiakealoha |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known (estimates unverified) |
What Movies Has Maia Kealoha Been In? Her Breakout Role in Lilo & Stitch
Maia Kealoha’s filmography is short but already notable. Her first major role is the lead in Disney’s live-action/animation hybrid Lilo & Stitch, scheduled for release in 2025. She was seven years old when filming took place, as reported by People magazine.
Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Kealoha plays Lilo Pelekai, a spirited Hawaiian girl who adopts a mischievous alien experiment named Stitch. The film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and co-stars Zach Galifianakis as the voice of Stitch. The project has a budget of $150 million, according to Screen Dollars.
Other Projects
Kealoha is also set to appear in The Wrecking Crew, an action comedy slated for 2026, alongside Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. The film is produced by Amazon MGM Studios. In 2025, she had a guest role in the TV series Electric Bloom, playing a character named Kaia. Additionally, she is listed as additional crew for Moana 2 (2024), though that credit is not an acting role. An untitled Lilo & Stitch 2 is listed as in pre-production on IMDb.
Maia Kealoha’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. As a child actor with a nascent career, her earnings are not reported in public databases. Estimates found on celebrity websites are speculative and should not be considered reliable.
What Is Maia Kealoha Doing Now? Latest Updates and Social Media Presence
As of 2025, Maia Kealoha is actively promoting the upcoming Lilo & Stitch release. She attended the Toy Story 5 premiere earlier in the year, making public appearances alongside other Disney talent. Her social media activity, primarily on Instagram, gives fans a window into her daily life.
Social Media Activity
Her Instagram account, @maiakealoha, features photos and videos of hula dancing, beach outings, and family moments. The account is managed by her parents and reflects her Hawaiian upbringing. She also shares comedy clips and behind-the-scenes content from her film projects.
Upcoming Projects
Beyond Lilo & Stitch, Kealoha is confirmed for The Wrecking Crew (2026). No further acting roles have been announced. Industry observers note that her future career will depend on the success of the Disney film and whether additional opportunities arise.
Kealoha’s casting continues Disney’s trend of hiring actors with cultural ties to the settings of their stories. In a May 2025 interview, she said of her character: “We’re both from Hawaii.” This connection to place and heritage is a key part of the film’s marketing.
From Casting to Premiere: A Timeline of Maia Kealoha’s Career
- December 15, 2016 – Maia Kealoha is born in Hawaii. Some sources list her birthplace as Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, while others mention Honolulu.
- 2021 (age 5) – She auditions for the role of Lilo by sending a video tape to an open casting call. Director Dean Fleischer Camp later called her tape “really promising.”
- March 2023 – Disney officially announces that Kealoha has been cast as Lilo after a nationwide search.
- 2024 (age 7) – Filming for the live-action Lilo & Stitch takes place. Kealoha is also listed as additional crew for Moana 2.
- Early 2025 – She attends the Toy Story 5 premiere and continues promotional activities.
- Summer 2025 (expected) – Lilo & Stitch is scheduled for release in theaters.
- 2026 – The Wrecking Crew is set to be released, with Kealoha in a supporting role.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear About Maia Kealoha
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Maia Kealoha was born on December 15, 2016, in Hawaii. | Some sources list December 14, 2016, as her birthdate. The exact date is consistently reported as December 15 by most media. |
| She is an American child actress of Native Hawaiian heritage. | The full names and occupations of her parents, aside from her mother Brittney, are not publicly confirmed. |
| She was cast as Lilo in Disney’s 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch. | Her net worth is speculative. |
| She attended the Toy Story 5 premiere in 2025. | Future film projects beyond The Wrecking Crew have not been announced. |
| Her Instagram account is verified and active. | Whether she will continue acting after the current wave of promotions is unknown. |
Why Maia Kealoha’s Casting Matters
Kealoha’s casting fits a broader pattern at Disney: hiring actors who share cultural or ethnic backgrounds with the characters they portray. The animated Lilo & Stitch was set in Hawaii and drew heavily on Native Hawaiian culture, so choosing a Hawaiian actress for the live-action version adds authenticity. This approach has been used in other Disney remakes, such as Moana and The Little Mermaid.
At just eight years old, Kealoha is one of the youngest leads in a major Disney live-action film. Her performance will be closely watched by fans of the original. The film’s success could open doors for more roles, while a lukewarm reception might mean a brief moment in the spotlight. Either way, her casting has already drawn attention to Hawaii’s film industry and the importance of authentic representation.
Where the Information Comes From
This article draws on multiple sources. Basic biographical facts are confirmed by Wikipedia and Screen Dollars. Filmography details come from IMDb. Casting information and behind-the-scenes details were reported by People magazine. Additional context comes from Famous Birthdays, though net worth estimates from that site are unverified. Social media presence is verified through the official Instagram account.
“Her tape was really promising. She was the front-runner from her callback.”
— Director Dean Fleischer Camp, as quoted by People magazine
“We’re both from Hawaii.”
— Maia Kealoha, in a May 2025 interview with People
The Bottom Line: What to Know About Maia Kealoha
Maia Kealoha is a young Hawaiian actress who has landed the lead role in Disney’s 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch. Born in December 2016, she is American, proud of her Native Hawaiian culture, and active on social media. Her filmography includes The Wrecking Crew (2026) and a guest role in Electric Bloom. Her net worth is not publicly known, and future projects beyond the current slate remain unconfirmed. For readers interested in other rising young stars, see the profile of Walker Scobell – Age, Height, Movies and 2026 Facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maia Kealoha have a Wikipedia page?
Yes, a dedicated Wikipedia page exists at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maia_Kealoha. It provides verified biographical details.
What is Maia Kealoha’s net worth?
Maia Kealoha’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Estimates on celebrity websites are speculative and should not be considered reliable.
What is Maia Kealoha’s nationality?
She is American, born and raised in Hawaii.
How old is Maia Kealoha in 2025?
She is 8 years old, born on December 15, 2016.
Is Maia Kealoha on TikTok?
She has an active TikTok account (@maiakealoha) that features comedy and behind-the-scenes content.
Who are Maia Kealoha’s parents?
Her mother is Brittney Kealoha. Her father’s name is not publicly confirmed. She has a sibling named Micah.
What other movies has Maia Kealoha been in?
She appears in The Wrecking Crew (2026) and had a guest role in the TV series Electric Bloom (2025). She also worked as additional crew on Moana 2.
When is Lilo & Stitch (2025) coming out?
The film is expected to be released in summer 2025. An exact date has not been announced by Disney.
Did Maia Kealoha audition for the role of Lilo?
Yes, she auditioned at age 5 by sending a video tape. Director Dean Fleischer Camp said she was the front-runner from her callback.
What is Maia Kealoha’s cultural background?
She is of Native Hawaiian heritage and frequently shares hula dancing and ocean-related content on social media.
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at BritainNow.uk, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.