5 Must-Watch Movies And TV Shows Of Maia Kealoha: The Rising Star Of Disney's Live-Action Lilo & Stitch

The entertainment world is currently captivated by Maia Kealoha, a young Hawaiian actress who has quickly become one of the most talked-about child stars of the year, thanks to her breakout role in a major Disney live-action adaptation. As of today, December 12, 2025, her career trajectory is accelerating rapidly from her film debut to major action features and a confirmed sequel, making her a crucial figure to watch in Hollywood's next generation of talent.

This article provides an in-depth look at every confirmed movie and TV show in Maia Kealoha's burgeoning filmography. From her critically anticipated role as Lilo Pelekai to her upcoming work alongside some of the industry's biggest names, we detail the projects that are cementing her status as a global star while maintaining her deep connection to her Native Hawaiian roots.

Maia Kealoha: Full Biography and Profile

Maia Kealoha is a rising American child actress from Hawaii, known globally for portraying the beloved character Lilo Pelekai in the 2025 live-action adaptation of the Disney animated classic, Lilo & Stitch. Her casting was celebrated for honoring the authenticity of the character's heritage.

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• Full Name: Maia Kealoha
• Date of Birth: December 14, 2016
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 9 years old
• Place of Birth: The Big Island of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Native Hawaiian
• Known For: Lilo Pelekai in the live-action Lilo & Stitch
• Debut Role: Lilo Pelekai (Lilo & Stitch, 2025)
• Parent: Brittney Kealoha (Mother, who actively manages her career)
• Notable Honors: Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda proclaimed June 3, 2025, as "Maia Kealoha Day" to honor her achievements.

The Confirmed Filmography: Movies and TV Shows

Though her career is just beginning, Maia Kealoha has already secured roles in several high-profile projects, demonstrating her versatility across major studio films and television. Her filmography is small but impactful, focusing on quality over quantity in her early years.

1. Lilo & Stitch (2025) - The Blockbuster Debut

Maia Kealoha’s career exploded with her casting as Lilo Pelekai in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. This role is not just her film debut but a monumental responsibility, portraying one of Disney's most unique and complex characters.

• Role: Lilo Pelekai (Main Role)
• Release Year: 2025
• Platform: Disney+
• Significance: This is her first major acting role. The film centers on the bond between Lilo, a lonely young girl from Hawaii, and Stitch, an extraterrestrial experiment. Kealoha's authentic Hawaiian heritage was a key factor in her casting, ensuring the story’s cultural accuracy was respected.
• Co-Stars: She stars alongside Sydney Agudong (Nani Pelekai), Zach Galifianakis (Jumba), and Chris Sanders (voice of Stitch).

2. The Wrecking Crew (Upcoming Action Feature)

Moving quickly from a family-friendly Disney role, Kealoha has already completed filming for a major action-comedy movie, confirming her ability to work across different genres. This project signals her ambition to be more than just a "Disney kid."

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• Role: Unspecified, but a confirmed cast member
• Status: Completed filming (Post-production)
• Genre: Action / Comedy
• Director: Angel Manuel Soto
• Significance: This is a massive step for the young actress, as she appears in a project starring A-list talent. The film is described as an action-comedy about two half-brothers who are loose cannon cops.
• Co-Stars: Jason Momoa, Morena Baccarin, Dave Bautista, and Temuera Morrison.

3. Electric Bloom (TV Series) - Guest Star Role

Maia Kealoha’s television experience, though brief, shows her willingness to participate in the Disney Channel ecosystem. This guest role allowed her to gain experience in a fast-paced episodic format.

• Role: Kaia
• Type: Guest Star (Episode 14)
• Platform: Disney+ (Disney Channel Series)
• Significance: In the series, she played Kaia, the younger sister of the character Tulip. The episode focused on sibling rivalry, pranks, and eventual reconciliation, giving Kealoha a chance to showcase her comedic timing and emotional range in a smaller setting.
• Co-Stars: She guest-starred alongside Dara Reneé.

The Future is Bright: Upcoming Projects and Sequels

The success of her debut has already paved the way for future work, with the biggest news being the fast-tracked development of a sequel to her breakout film. This indicates that Disney sees Maia Kealoha as a long-term star for the franchise.

Lilo & Stitch 2 (Live-Action Sequel)

In a major piece of news announced in June 2025, Disney confirmed that a live-action sequel to Lilo & Stitch is officially in development. This is a rare move for a Disney live-action remake, confirming the studio's confidence in the film's performance and Kealoha's portrayal of Lilo.

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• Status: In Development
• Role: Lilo Pelekai (Expected)
• Details: Original Lilo & Stitch co-director and co-writer Chris Sanders, who also voices Stitch, has been tapped to write the script for the sequel.
• Maia's Hopes: Kealoha herself has expressed excitement, stating she hopes to see more alien characters and expanded relationships in the sequel, particularly between Lilo and her sister Nani.

The Topical Authority of a Rising Star

Maia Kealoha is more than just an actress; she is a cultural ambassador for her home state. Her connection to Hawaii has been a central theme in her early career, with her mother, Brittney Kealoha, actively managing her career to ensure her well-being and cultural representation are prioritized.

The proclamation of "Maia Kealoha Day" in Hawaiʻi County on June 3, 2025, speaks volumes about the pride and recognition she has earned in her community. This level of local support and recognition is highly unusual for a child star just making their debut, underscoring the significance of her casting as Lilo Pelekai. Furthermore, her early success has coincided with the introduction of new Hawaiʻi laws designed to protect the earnings and prevent the exploitation of child performers, a timely and relevant topic in her home state.

As she continues to balance her burgeoning film career with her Hawaiian roots, Maia Kealoha is quickly becoming a role model. Her upcoming roles in The Wrecking Crew and the highly anticipated Lilo & Stitch 2 suggest that her filmography will continue to grow with diverse and high-profile projects. Fans of the young star can look forward to seeing her evolve from a breakout sensation to a seasoned professional on both the big screen and Disney+.