In 2025, a young girl from Hawaii stepped into one of animation’s most beloved roles and made history. Maia Kealoha, then eight years old, became the youngest Native Hawaiian actress to lead a major Disney franchise when she portrayed Lilo Pelekai in the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Her performance earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film in 2026.
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kealoha had no prior acting experience before landing the role. She auditioned at roughly age five and was cast in 2023, beating out thousands of other hopefuls. The film marked her first screen appearance.
Her casting drew widespread attention not only for her natural talent but also for what it signified. Disney chose a Native Hawaiian girl to play a Native Hawaiian character, a decision that aligned with the original film’s cultural roots and was praised by critics and audiences alike.
Who is Maia Kealoha? – Biography, Age, Parents & Nationality
December 15, 2016
Hawaii, United States
American
Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Maia Kealoha is an American child actress of Native Hawaiian and AAPI heritage. She was born in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and raised on the Big Island. Several sources list her date of birth as December 15, 2016, though some records cite December 14, 2016. Based on those dates, she turned nine years old in 2025 or early 2026.
- Maia Kealoha is the youngest Native Hawaiian actress to lead a major Disney franchise.
- Her role in Lilo & Stitch marks a significant step for AAPI representation in Hollywood.
- She began acting early and gained attention through social media before being cast.
- She is currently balancing acting with school and family life in Hawaii.
- Her official Instagram account (@maiakealoha) has grown rapidly during the Lilo & Stitch promotional cycle.
- She received a Saturn Award nomination for her performance in 2026.
- She won Mini Miss Kona Coffee in 2022 and has danced hula from a young age.
Her parents are identified in several sources as Brittney Kealoha and Palani “Oni” Kealoha. Further personal details about the family remain private, and the information available comes primarily from social media and biographical sites.
| Fast Facts About Maia Kealoha | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | December 15, 2016 (age 9 as of 2026) |
| Place of Birth | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Native Hawaiian and AAPI |
| Debut Role | Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) |
| Award Nomination | Saturn Award for Best Younger Performer in a Film (2026) |
| Parents | Brittney Kealoha and Palani “Oni” Kealoha (per multiple sources) |
| Social Media | Instagram, TikTok, Facebook (all family-managed) |
What movies has Maia Kealoha starred in? – Her Breakout Role in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch
Maia Kealoha’s only widely documented film credit is Lilo & Stitch (2025), the live-action adaptation of Disney’s 2002 animated classic. She was cast as Lilo Pelekai in 2023 after a global search that began when she was about five years old.
The audition process
According to Wikipedia, Disney conducted a wide-reaching search for a young actress who could embody Lilo’s spirited personality and Hawaiian cultural background. Kealoha’s audition stood out, and she was announced as the lead in 2023.
The film and its reception
Lilo & Stitch was released in 2025 and brought the story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her alien friend to a new generation. Kealoha’s performance was widely praised. The film earned over $100 million at the global box office within its opening weekend, according to industry reports. In 2026, she received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film, as noted on IMDb.
Maia Kealoha’s Saturn Award nomination places her among a small group of young actors recognized for debut performances in a major franchise. The award is presented annually by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.
Other projects
No other confirmed film credits appear in the available records. While some biographical sites mention a project titled “The Wrecking Crew,” that information has not been widely documented or independently verified. Future projects beyond Lilo & Stitch have not been announced.
What is Maia Kealoha doing now? – Social Media and Upcoming Projects
As of 2025 and into 2026, Maia Kealoha continues to promote Lilo & Stitch while balancing school and family life in Hawaii. Her public presence is managed with family support, and she remains active on several social media platforms.
Instagram presence
Her verified Instagram account, @maiakealoha, features behind-the-scenes content from the film, personal photos, and updates about appearances. The account has grown substantially during the film’s promotional cycle.
TikTok and Facebook
She also maintains a verified TikTok account under the same handle, where she shares short videos and clips. A Facebook page is also active, posting family-oriented updates and milestone announcements.
All of Maia Kealoha’s social media accounts are managed by her family, a common practice for young child actors. This ensures her online presence remains age-appropriate and focused on her professional work.
Upcoming projects
No new film or television projects have been officially announced. Given her age and her family’s stated priority of maintaining a normal childhood, any future roles are likely to be carefully considered. Industry observers expect that the success of Lilo & Stitch could lead to more opportunities, but nothing has been confirmed.
What is Maia Kealoha’s net worth?
No reliable, authoritative public figure exists for Maia Kealoha’s net worth. Some lesser-known biographical websites offer estimates, but those numbers are not supported by verified financial disclosures and should be treated with caution.
Child actors of her age, particularly those with a single major credit, typically do not have publicly disclosed earnings. Industry standards for child performers in California and Hawaii require a portion of earnings to be placed in trust accounts (Coogan accounts), which are not publicly reported.
Several sites speculate on Maia Kealoha’s net worth, but none of those estimates are backed by court filings, official statements, or reliable financial data. Readers should treat any specific number as unsubstantiated.
Maia Kealoha’s Career Timeline
- 2016 – Born on December 15 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
- 2022 – Wins Mini Miss Kona Coffee, a local pageant in Hawaii.
- 2023 – Cast as Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch after a global search.
- 2024 – Films Lilo & Stitch on location in Hawaii and on soundstages.
- 2025 – Lilo & Stitch is released worldwide. Kealoha gains international recognition.
- 2026 – Receives a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Maia Kealoha was born on December 15, 2016, in Hawaii. | Exact net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary widely. |
| She is an American child actress of Native Hawaiian descent. | Details of her parents’ names and professions are not fully confirmed (only available via social media). |
| She was cast as Lilo in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, released in 2025. | Future projects beyond Lilo & Stitch have not been announced. |
| Her Instagram and TikTok accounts are verified and managed by her family. | The exact premiere date of Lilo & Stitch in all markets is pending confirmation from Disney. |
| She received a Saturn Award nomination for her performance in 2026. | Whether she has additional film or television credits is not widely documented. |
Why Maia Kealoha Matters: Representation and Impact
Maia Kealoha’s casting as Lilo represents a landmark moment for Native Hawaiian and AAPI visibility in mainstream cinema. Disney’s decision to cast a young Hawaiian girl mirrors the original film’s cultural setting and has been widely praised by critics and audiences. According to People, her background and connection to the islands added authenticity to the role.
At just eight years old at the time of release, she joined a growing list of young actors who have leveraged social media to build a following prior to major roles. Her Instagram and TikTok accounts, managed with family support, have become tools for engaging fans and sharing behind-the-scenes content.
The success of Lilo & Stitch (2025) could open doors for more diverse casting in future Disney live-action remakes, particularly for Pacific Islander talent. Industry observers have noted that the film’s box office performance and the positive reception of Kealoha’s performance may encourage studios to seek authentic casting for culturally specific roles.
Notable Quotes and Sources
“I am proud to be the youngest Native Hawaiian & AAPI actress to reach this box office achievement.”
– Maia Kealoha, via her Facebook page (as seen in search results)
“Maia Kealoha, a young actress from Hawaii, gained international recognition for her breakout role as Lilo in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch.”
– IMDb biography
“Maia Kealoha (born December 15, 2016) is an American child actress from Hawaii. She is known for playing Lilo Pelekai in the 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch.”
– Wikipedia
What’s Next for Maia Kealoha?
Maia Kealoha continues to promote Lilo & Stitch through premieres and events in 2025 and 2026. No future film or television projects have been announced. Her family has stated that they prioritize her education and a normal childhood. Her social media presence is expected to grow, and she may pursue brand partnerships or a YouTube channel in the future, though nothing has been confirmed. For readers interested in similar profiles, see the biography of Javon Walton – Age, Height, Family and Boxing Career and Sydney Chandler – Biography, Age, Height and Career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maia Kealoha
What is Maia Kealoha’s nationality?
Maia Kealoha is an American child actress from Hawaii. She is of Native Hawaiian and AAPI heritage.
How old is Maia Kealoha?
Maia Kealoha was born on December 15, 2016, making her 9 years old as of 2026.
Who are Maia Kealoha’s parents?
Several sources identify her mother as Brittney Kealoha and her father as Palani “Oni” Kealoha. Further details remain private.
What movies has Maia Kealoha been in?
She is best known for playing Lilo in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025). No other widely documented film credits exist.
What is Maia Kealoha’s net worth?
Her net worth is not publicly verified. Estimates are speculative; most young actors of her age do not have disclosed finances.
Is Maia Kealoha on social media?
Yes. She has an Instagram account (@maiakealoha), a TikTok account (@maiakealoha), and a Facebook page. All are verified or official.
Did Maia Kealoha win any awards?
She received a Saturn Award nomination in 2026 for Best Younger Performer in a Film for her role in Lilo & Stitch.
Where was Maia Kealoha born?
She was born in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii.
When was Maia Kealoha cast as Lilo?
She was cast in 2023 after auditioning at about age five. The film was released in 2025.
What is Maia Kealoha’s heritage?
She is of Native Hawaiian descent and has been identified as a Native Hawaiian and AAPI actress.
Eleanor Reeves is Managing Editor at readingwire.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.