Maia (above, center on surfboard) in a scene re-created from the 2002 Lilo & Stitch movie

© 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Stitch, surfing); Cinematic/Alamy Stock Photo (2002 movie); Shutterstock.com (all other images)

Article Options

Presentation View
Teaching Resources

Language

Bringing Lilo to Life

Meet the 8-year-old star of Lilo & Stitch. 

May 12, 2025
By Cailin Loesch

As You Read, Think About: What are some things that are important to your home state?

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

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

Maia Kealoha

Maia Kealoha was so excited when she heard the news. Disney was going to make a new version of Lilo & Stitch. The original movie from 2002 was animated. This one would feature real people. Maia couldn’t wait to try out for the role of Lilo Pelekai. 

Lilo and Maia have a lot in common. They’re both from Hawaii. And they both surf. Maia was thrilled when she got the part. Lilo is Maia’s first starring role.

Lilo & Stitch will hit theaters on May 23. Maia says filming in Hawaii made the experience extra special.

“I am really honored I get to be in something that includes my home,” Maia says.

Keeping It Real

The Lilo & Stitch filmmakers worked hard to make sure Hawaii was shown in an authentic way. Todd Cherniawsky was the film’s production designer. His job was to make sure everything in the movie looked just right.

Before filming, Cherniawsky traveled to Hawaii. He wanted to learn more about the state. He attended a Hawaiian celebration called a luau (LOO-ow). Luaus are filled with food, music, and dancing. Attending a luau helped Cherniawsky discover the meaning of ‘ohana. That’s a Hawaiian term for family. 

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

The Spirit of Hawaii

Maia is excited for viewers to see Hawaii on the big screen. She’s also grateful to be able to spread aloha. The Hawaiian word represents kindness and respect for all. (It also means “hello” and “goodbye.”)

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

Hula History

Courtesy of Bernadette Kaponookalani Nakamura

One of Maia’s favorite scenes from the movie involves a special Hawaiian dance called hula. Hula dancers sway their hips and move their hands to chants called mele (MEH-leh). Each dance tells a story.

Hula has been important to Hawaii for hundreds of years. Before the 1800s, there was no written language in Hawaii. Hula was a way to pass down stories of the past.

“Without hula, we lose the history,” says Bernadette Kaponookalani Nakamura (above right). She’s a kumu hula. That’s a teacher of hula and Hawaiian culture. “It’s a huge responsibility and very meaningful for me to teach my students respect for hula.”

Shutterstock.com

  1. What are some ways that Lilo and Maia Kealoha are alike?
  2. How did filmmakers make sure the movie showed Hawaii in an authentic way?
  3. Based on the sidebar, “Hula History,” why is hula an important part of Hawaiian culture?
videos (2)
videos (2)
Skills Sheets (2)
Skills Sheets (2)
Games (1)
TEACHER SUPPORT (1)
Text-to-Speech