Maia Kealoha, a 7-year-old Hawaiian child star, is making her big-screen debut in the live-action remake of the beloved Disney movie 'Lilo & Stitch', hitting theaters on May 23.

About Maia Kealoha

Kealoha was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, and is a proud Hawaiian who frequently shares photos and videos of her hula dancing, embracing her culture, and enjoying the natural landmarks in Hawaii.

Auditioning for Lilo

Kealoha auditioned for the role of Lilo when she was just 5 years old. She sent in a tape, and then walked into the room for her callback, impressing the directors with her confidence and charm.

Relating to Lilo

Ahead of the movie's premiere, Kealoha told PEOPLE that she sees parts of herself in Lilo. "I would say we really love crafts. In terms of our rooms, she has a lot of toys in her room and I don't really have toys," she said. "I would say I'm a crafty girl."

Favorite Scene and Funny Prank

While promoting the film, Kealoha shared her favorite moment in the movie, which is when she discovers that she can use Stitch as a speaker instead of the record player. She also revealed that she thinks the "funniest" scene is a water fight scene where Stitch finds a water dispenser and starts blasting her with water at a restaurant.

Major Red Carpet Debut

On May 11, 2024, Kealoha made her major red carpet debut at the Gold Gala, an annual event celebrating Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander excellence in entertainment, the arts, business, culture, and more.

Dream Co-Stars

Kealoha has listed Olivia Rodrigo, Adam Sandler, Jenna Ortega, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as some of her dream new co-stars. She has already worked with some high-profile celebrities and stars in the 2025 movie The Wrecking Crew alongside Jason Momoa, Morena Baccarin, and Dave Bautista.