Maia Kealoha is a child actor from Hawaiʻi’s Big Island who made her onscreen debut as Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025). She was selected after an extensive casting search, and the filmmakers have said they shaped her performance as a character rather than simply asking her to play herself.
Who is Maia Kealoha?
Disney identifies Kealoha as the actor playing Lilo Pelekai in its live-action reimagining of the 2002 animated film. Disney’s D23 profile and production notes describe her as from, or born and raised on, Hawaiʻi’s Big Island. The studio calls the role her onscreen debut. Disney D23’s profile and Disney’s production notes provide those biographical and casting details.
How did she get the role of Lilo?
She responded to an open casting call
The Associated Press reported in May 2025 that Kealoha was six when she saw an advertisement for the casting call and told her parents she wanted to audition. AP described her as eight at the time of its report; those are ages reported in 2025, not a statement of her current age. In the same report, Kealoha recalled getting the part: “It was so amazing,” she said, adding, “I was really proud of myself.” The Associated Press report covers her casting story.
Disney says the search reviewed more than 800 tapes
Disney’s 2025 production notes say the filmmakers reviewed more than 800 audition tapes before choosing Kealoha. Producer Jonathan Eirich explained the decision: “After looking at over 800 audition tapes, she was the perfect choice. She embodies Lilo’s personality, spunk, and sense of wonder.” That figure is the producer’s account of the film’s casting search, not an independently audited count. Disney’s production notes contain the account.
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#1 Best Overall
- STITCH STUFFED PLUSH: Kids Preferred presents this super soft, cute, charmingly detailed stuffed animal. Babies, toddlers, and kids love this classic and collectible comfy friend.
- CARING FRIEND: This plush toy is a comforting pal and perfect for get well wishes, birthdays and more! It is a huggable travel friend for kids on road trips & airplanes, or a cute bedroom decoration.
- COLLECTIBLE FUN: Plush animals are fun to collect and trade and make great keepsakes for children, teens & adults. Favorite stuffed toys are soothing for toddlers & make carefree pets! Machine wash.
- PLAYTIME PLUSH: This loveable plush stuffed toy from Lilo and Stitch is sure to become a playtime and bedtime favorite. It’s easy for little ones to hold, making it appropriate for kids of all ages.
- COZY COMPANION: The perfect size for little hands and big cuddles, this ultra soft stuffed toy is as cute as they are soft and warm. For years to come it’ll be the perfect friend for boys and girls.
Is Maia Kealoha playing herself?
No: the filmmakers describe the role as a crafted performance of Lilo, not a portrayal of Kealoha’s own life. Director Dean Fleischer Camp said, “It was clear to me from the moment she and her mom walked in the door that we’d found our Lilo,” while explaining that the team aimed to develop a performance rather than simply put a young actor on camera as herself. The distinction matters: Kealoha and Lilo share a Hawaiʻi connection, but the film’s character remains fictional. The production notes include the director’s comments.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the 2025 film?
Lilo & Stitch is Disney’s live-action reimagining of its 2002 animated original, with Kealoha credited as Lilo. Disney lists the U.S. release date as May 23, 2025; its film page also gives the rating as PG and runtime as 1 hour 52 minutes. These are details listed by Disney for the film, rather than a comparison of its content with the animated version. Disney’s official film page lists the cast and release information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stitch Travel Magna Doodle draws like magic and erases like magic! Stitch magnetic drawing toy includes 1 magnetic drawing board, 1 magic surf-board shaped magnetic pen, and 3 Stitch-themed magic stampers in Stitch, Flower and Leaf shapes
- Magna Doodle magnetic drawing boards are the ultimate magnetic drawing toy for creating fun artwork that erases like magic! Now you can enjoy classic Magna Doodle play patterns with the whimsy of Stitch!
- Perfect for on-the-go fun, Stitch travel Magna Doodle magnetic board is the perfect size to grab and fit in your bag. Draw your favorite Lilo and Stitch movie scenes and add whimsical Stitch-themed stamps for a finishing touch to your creation
- Stitch Travel Magna Doodle is super easy and fun to use; simply use the attached surf board-shaped magnetic pen to draw, doodle and stamp, then swipe to erase for endless fun
- Stitch Travel Magna Doodle magnetic drawing toy is a great Stitch present to gift, it's so much fun to play with, and perfect for ages 3 and up
Rank #4
- Includes: Lilo doll, removeable dress, 2 shoes, Stitch toy figure.
- Disney Lilo Doll: Say “Aloha!” to a new best friend. This 14-inch poseable Disney Lilo & Stitch Doll wears her signature, Hawaiian print fabric dress and is ready for all sorts of island adventures—whether it’s playing on the beach or chasing after Stitch.
- Pose, Play, Repeat: Lilo’s articulated shoulders, neck, and legs make it easy to create action-packed poses inspired by Disney's Lilo & Stitch.
- Beautiful Hair: Lilo’s long, rooted hair is perfect for styling and brushing, making her a wonderful companion for creative hair play.
- Disney Stitch Figure: The 5-inch Stitch toy figure is ready to join the fun and stir up some mischief with Lilo.
Rank #3
- Includes: Disney Stitch plush toy.
- LCD Visual Effects and Sounds: Inspired by Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch film, the Many Moods of Stitch interactive plushie brings Stitch's lovable personality to life with light-up, LCD animated eyes and over 50 sounds and phrases.
- Out-of-This-World Fun: Crafted with soft plush and mixed materials, this 14-inch Stitch toy features expressive, LCD screen eyes that respond to touch and motion for unpredictable, engaging play.
- Interactive Features: Slide the switch from TRY ME to ON to activate Stitch’s full range of emotions. Rub his head, press or tickle his belly, move him around—his reactions change with each interaction.
- Silly Alien Antics: Hold Stitch upside down or jiggle him to hear fun sound effects and see animated eye reactions—but don’t overdo it, or he might get grumpy!
Rank #2
- Includes: 6 toy figures, 5 accessories.
- Disney Stitch 11-Piece Toy Figure Set: The Disney Stitch Collectible Figure Set includes 6 Disney Lilo & Stitch character figures and 5 fun accessories for tropical-themed adventures.
- Inspire Imaginative Play: Create imaginative scenarios with Disney Stitch, Angel, Hula Stitch, Scrump, Lilo, and Love Stitch toy figures. Mix and match a surfboard, lei, sunglasses, hula skirt, and record player for creative fun.
- Take-Along Stitch and Friends: Built for little hands and big imaginations, these 2-inch toy figures are great for on-the-go adventures! Tuck them into a kid’s backpack for playdates and road trips.
- Perfect for Play and Display: Kids and collectors alike will love the character details and dynamic poses. The set makes an exciting addition to any collection of Disney Stitch toys.
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