Image of Lilo & her sister surfing with Stitch

Maia Kealoha (above, center on surfboard) surfs in a re-created scene from the 2002 animated version of Lilo & Stitch.

Shutterstock.com (background); © 2025 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved. (surfing); Cinematic/Alamy Stock Photo (2002 Lilo & Stitch)

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Bringing Lilo to Life

May 12, 2025
By Cailin Loesch

When Maia Kealoha heard that Disney was going to make a new version of Lilo & Stitch, she was buzzing with excitement. Unlike the animated original movie, this film would be live-action. Maia couldn’t wait to try out for the title role of Lilo Pelekai.

Lilo and Maia have a lot in common. They’re both from Hawaii and love surfing and hula, a traditional Hawaiian dance. After several auditions, Maia got the part. It’s her first movie role.

Lilo & Stitch is set to arrive in theaters on May 23. Maia says shooting in Hawaii was one of the best things about making the film.

“I am really honored I get to be in something that includes my home and my culture,” the 8-year-old says.

Across the U.S.: Hawaii
Watch a video about the sights, history, and culture of the U.S. state of Hawaii.

Keeping It Real

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

Maia makes a shaka, a popular hand gesture in Hawaii.

The Lilo & Stitch filmmaking team worked hard to make sure Hawaii was shown as accurately as possible. Todd Cherniawsky was the film’s production designer. His job was to make sure every visual detail was just right.

Before filming began, he traveled to Hawaii to learn more about the state. He attended a luau (LOO-ow), a Hawaiian celebration with traditional food, music, and dancing. There, he says, he truly understood the meaning of ‘ohana, a Hawaiian term for family. 

“Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about respect, love, and being welcomed into each other’s communities,” Cherniawsky explains. “I wanted the movie to make viewers feel that same sense of belonging.”

He and his team created more than 70 sets for the film. They found locations that both showed the beauty of Hawaii and stayed true to the original movie.

The Aloha Spirit

Maia is excited to see her home state and its people on the big screen. She’s also grateful to spread aloha. The famous Hawaiian greeting also represents a deep kindness and respect for all people. 

“I’m glad I get to share the aloha with everyone because that’s what Lilo & Stitch is all about!” Maia says.

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