Maia Kealoha Age Revealed: 5 Shocking Facts About The New Lilo Pelekai Star
The question of Maia Kealoha’s age has become one of the most searched topics since she was officially announced as the lead in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of *Lilo & Stitch*. As of today, December 20, 2025, the young Hawaiian actress is 9 years old, having recently celebrated her birthday on December 14th. This precise age places her perfectly in line with the character Lilo Pelekai, who is famously known to be a young child navigating life on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The global spotlight on Kealoha is immense, as she takes on the iconic role of Lilo in what is arguably the biggest film debut for a child actress in recent memory. While her age confirms her as a genuine child star, the story of her rapid ascent from a talented local Hawaiian girl to an international movie star is far more compelling than a simple birth date. She represents a new generation of authentic Hawaiian talent bringing a beloved story back to life.
Maia Kealoha: Complete Biographical Profile
Maia Kealoha’s background is steeped in the culture and beauty of Hawaii, an authenticity that played a crucial role in her casting as Lilo Pelekai. Her journey is a testament to the talent nurtured within the local communities of the islands.
- Full Name: Maia Kealoha
- Date of Birth: December 14, 2016
- Current Age (as of Dec 20, 2025): 9 years old
- Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Hometown/Raised In: Kailua-Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity/Heritage: Native Hawaiian
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Parents: Palani "Oni" Kealoha (Father) and Brittney Kealoha (Mother)
- Sibling: Micah Kealoha (Younger Brother)
- Known For: Playing Lilo Pelekai in the 2025 Disney live-action film *Lilo & Stitch*
- Career Debut: *Lilo & Stitch* (2025)
- Estimated Net Worth (2024): Approximately $150,000 (pre-film release)
The Age Discrepancy: Why Her Birth Year Matters for the Role
When an actor takes on a beloved role, every detail, including their age, comes under intense scrutiny. The initial announcement of Maia Kealoha's casting sparked immediate curiosity, with various sources citing slightly different birth years—some suggesting 2017, and others 2016. The most widely accepted and consistently cited birth date is December 14, 2016, making her 9 years old in late 2025.
This age is significant because the character Lilo Pelekai is generally depicted as being around 6 to 7 years old in the original 2002 animated classic. By the time the live-action movie began principal photography, Maia was approximately 7 years old, aligning perfectly with the character's age and demeanor. Her current age of 9 years old, as the film nears its highly anticipated 2025 release, means she is still very much a child star, offering a genuine and authentic portrayal of the young girl who adopts an alien named Stitch.
The Disney casting team specifically sought an actress with authentic Hawaiian roots who could embody Lilo's spirit, rather than just matching an exact age. Kealoha's natural talent, connection to the culture, and age proximity to the character made her the ideal choice to carry the emotional weight of a film focused on the Hawaiian concept of *ʻohana* (family).
The Cultural Significance of Maia Kealoha’s Casting
Maia Kealoha’s role as Lilo is far more than a simple casting decision; it is a major moment for representation in Hollywood. Disney made a concerted effort to ensure the live-action adaptation was rooted in Hawaiian culture and featured authentic talent.
Kealoha is a proud Native Hawaiian, born and raised on the Big Island, and she actively participates in her culture. This includes her involvement in hula, a traditional Hawaiian dance. This cultural fluency is a vital component of the Lilo character, whose life is deeply intertwined with the traditions and environment of her home in Kauaʻi.
The decision to cast a local Hawaiian child actress has been widely praised by fans and critics alike. It ensures that the portrayal of Lilo is respectful, nuanced, and authentic, moving beyond simple stereotypes. Her parents, Oni and Brittney Kealoha, have been vocal about their pride in their daughter bringing this level of cultural integrity to the project, underscoring the importance of *ʻohana* both on and off-screen. The film is expected to be a major cultural event, showcasing the beauty and spirit of Hawaii to a global audience through the eyes of a local child.
Maia Kealoha’s Career Trajectory Beyond *Lilo & Stitch*
While *Lilo & Stitch* marks her major film debut, the impact of the role has already set Maia Kealoha on a path to stardom. Her initial public appearances have showcased a poise and charm that belie her young age.
In May 2024, Kealoha made her first major red carpet appearance at the Gold Gala, an event celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander excellence. This early exposure to the Hollywood machine suggests that her career is being carefully managed to ensure longevity. The success of the *Lilo & Stitch* franchise—which has generated billions in merchandising, largely thanks to the popularity of Stitch—means that Kealoha is now the face of a massive global property.
Her estimated net worth, which was reported to be around $150,000 in 2024 before the film's release, is expected to skyrocket once the movie hits Disney+ in 2025. Future career opportunities will likely include voice acting, endorsements, and potentially sequels or spin-offs related to the Disney franchise. Key entities like Disney, the film's director Dean Fleischer Camp, and her co-stars, including Sydney Agudong (Nani Pelekai) and Zach Galifianakis, are now central to her professional network.
The Future of the Hawaiian Child Star
Maia Kealoha's journey is a rare and exciting one. Discovered from a local community and thrust onto a global stage, she carries the hopes of many who wish to see authentic Hawaiian representation in mainstream media. Her youth, combined with her cultural background, provides a unique foundation for a long and successful career.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the 2025 release of *Lilo & Stitch* to see how this talented 9-year-old actress brings the beloved, quirky, and fiercely loyal Lilo Pelekai to life. The attention surrounding her age confirms that she is not just an actress, but a symbol of cultural pride and a bright new star in the entertainment industry.
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