Maia Kealoha is an American child actress from Hawaii who stepped into the spotlight as Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. At just eight years old during filming, she became the first Native Hawaiian actress to portray the beloved character, sparking conversations about authentic representation in Hollywood. This article brings together verified facts about her age, family, career, and the moments that have defined her early journey.
Born in late 2016, Maia had no prior on-screen experience before landing the lead role in a major Disney production. Her casting was announced in 2023, and the film’s release in 2025 turned her into one of the most talked-about young performers of the year. Beyond the red carpet, she has used her platform to highlight her Hawaiian heritage and inspire other young actors from underrepresented backgrounds.
While much of her story is still unfolding, the facts that are known paint a picture of a talented child actress who carries a significant cultural responsibility. From her first steps into the industry to the recognition she has already received, Maia Kealoha’s biography is a mix of established milestones and areas that remain private.
Who is Maia Kealoha?
December 15, 2016
8 years old (as of 2025)
American (Hawaiian)
Lilo in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Key Insights
- Maia Kealoha is the youngest Native Hawaiian and AAPI actress to achieve significant box-office success with Lilo & Stitch (2025).
- Her casting reflects Disney’s continued effort to prioritize authentic representation in live-action remakes.
- Despite her young age, she has demonstrated strong public-speaking and branding skills through her social media presence.
- The role is her first on-screen performance, making her debut a major studio lead.
- She received a Saturn Award for Best Younger Performer nomination in 2026.
- Her connection to Hawaiian culture, including hula, is frequently noted in media coverage.
Snapshot: Key Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 15, 2016 |
| Place of Birth | Hawaii, USA |
| Known For | Playing Lilo Pelekai in the 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch |
| Parental Background | Parents are of Native Hawaiian descent; specific names are not widely confirmed |
| Active Years | 2025–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated (not officially verified), likely accruing from lead film role and future projects |
Who are Maia Kealoha’s Parents?
Information about Maia’s parents comes from a mix of sources, and not all details are consistent. Some reports name her mother as Brittney Kealoha and her father as Palani “Oni” Kealoha, while others mention only her mother. The family’s privacy appears to be respected by the media, and no official statements from the family have clarified the exact composition.
Is Maia Kealoha from Hawaii?
Yes, multiple sources confirm that she was born in Hawaii, with specific locations given as Kailua-Kona or Honolulu. Her Hawaiian heritage is a central part of her public identity. Coverage often highlights her connection to the islands and to hula, a traditional dance she has performed.
Maia Kealoha is widely described as a Native Hawaiian actress. This background is considered significant because the original Lilo & Stitch animated film (2002) was set in Hawaii and featured a Hawaiian protagonist, yet the voice actress was not of Hawaiian descent. Maia’s casting is seen as a step toward authentic representation.
What Movies Has Maia Kealoha Been In?
Maia Kealoha’s filmography currently consists of a single credited screen role. She played Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025). This film is her debut and her only movie appearance to date.
Maia Kealoha’s Role in Lilo & Stitch
The 2025 film is a live-action adaptation of the 2002 animated classic. Maia was seven years old when filming took place, according to People magazine. Her performance earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film in 2026, as noted on her Wikipedia page.
Filmography List
- 2025 – Lilo & Stitch – Lilo Pelekai (first on-screen role)
Maia’s first-ever acting job was the lead role in a major Disney film. Most child actors begin with smaller parts or commercials. Her leap to a starring role is unusual and has drawn attention to her natural talent.
What is Maia Kealoha Doing Now?
As of 2025, Maia is engaged in press tours, interviews, and public appearances related to Lilo & Stitch. She has an active Instagram presence where she shares updates and interacts with fans. No upcoming film projects have been officially announced.
Maia Kealoha’s Net Worth
There is no reliable, well-sourced figure for Maia Kealoha’s net worth. Some celebrity-bio websites claim an estimate of around USD 500,000, but this number is not corroborated by major or primary sources. It should be treated as unverified.
Net worth figures for child actors are often speculative, especially for those with only one released film. No official financial disclosure exists for Maia Kealoha. Any dollar amount found online is an estimate, not a confirmed fact.
Key Milestones in Maia Kealoha’s Life
- December 15, 2016 – Born in Hawaii, USA.
- 2023 – Cast as Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch.
- 2024 – Appeared at the world premiere of Moana (promotional event).
- 2025 – Lilo & Stitch released, marking her mainstream film debut.
- 2025–present – Engaged in press tours, interviews, and representing her cultural background in the media.
What We Know vs. What’s Unconfirmed
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date and place (December 15, 2016, Hawaii) | Exact net worth figure is unverified; any number is an estimate |
| Her role as Lilo in the live-action movie | Specific names and occupations of her parents are not widely published |
| Her status as a Native Hawaiian actress | Precise future film projects beyond Lilo & Stitch |
| Her presence on verified social media accounts | Details of the casting process for Lilo & Stitch |
Why Maia Kealoha’s Role Matters
The significance of a Native Hawaiian actress playing a character created by Disney is a major talking point regarding cultural authenticity in Hollywood. The original 2002 animated film was set in Hawaii and featured a Hawaiian protagonist, but the role was voiced by Daveigh Chase, who is not of Hawaiian descent. Maia’s casting directly addresses that gap.
Her young age also makes her a unique case study in child actor management and media presence. She has already demonstrated an ability to handle public attention while maintaining a focus on her cultural roots. The success of Lilo & Stitch is pivotal for her career trajectory, and industry observers are watching to see how she navigates the transition from one-hit wonder to sustained career.
What Maia Kealoha Says
“I am proud to be the youngest Native Hawaiian & AAPI actress to reach this box office achievement. I will continue to cherish every opportunity to represent my…”
– Maia Kealoha, via Instagram, reacting to the box office success of Lilo & Stitch
This quote, shared on her official Instagram account, reflects her awareness of the cultural weight her role carries. It also shows a level of maturity and media training that is uncommon for a child her age.
What’s Next for Maia Kealoha?
The immediate future for Maia Kealoha involves monitoring the box office performance of Lilo & Stitch to see if a sequel is announced. She may also be considered for other film or television roles. Her potential to become a prominent voice for Native Hawaiian representation in media remains high, but concrete projects have yet to be confirmed. For updates on upcoming releases, check the Saturn Award for Best Younger Performer category, which often highlights rising stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maia Kealoha on Wikipedia?
Yes, there is an official Wikipedia page for Maia Kealoha (as of 2025), which confirms her birth date as December 15, 2016, and her role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action adaptation.
How did Maia Kealoha become Lilo?
Specific details of the casting process have not been publicly detailed, but she was selected from a search for a young actress capable of embodying the new live-action Lilo.
How old is Maia Kealoha?
She was born on December 15, 2016, making her 8 years old during the 2025 release of Lilo & Stitch. She turned 9 in December 2025.
Where is Maia Kealoha from?
She was born in Hawaii, USA. Sources specifically name Kailua-Kona or Honolulu as her birthplace.
What is Maia Kealoha’s nationality?
She is American. Her cultural background is Native Hawaiian.
What is Maia Kealoha’s net worth?
No reliable figure exists. Some websites estimate USD 500,000, but this is unverified and should not be treated as fact.
Has Maia Kealoha won any awards?
She received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film in 2026 for her role in Lilo & Stitch.
Eleanor Reeves is Managing Editor at readingwire.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.