If you’ve been captivated by Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, you might be wondering: just how old is Maia Kealoha? Born on December 14, 2016, Maia is currently 8 years old (as of September 2025), and she’ll turn 9 this coming December. In this blog, we’ll explore her early life, her age during key milestones, and how her Hawaiian roots and natural charisma are shaping her journey in Hollywood.
Maia Kealoha’s Age at a Glance
- Birthdate: December 14, 2016
- Current Age (September 2025): 8 years old, turning 9 in December 2025
Her young age makes her achievements extraordinary. Landing the lead role in a beloved Disney remake before even reaching double digits is nothing short of impressive.
Early Life & Culture: A Foundation in Hawaiian Roots
A Hula Heartbeat
Growing up in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Maia was immersed in her cultural roots from the start. She began dancing hula as a toddler and even picked up Tahitian dance at just two years old. These traditions gave her a natural sense of rhythm, confidence, and connection to her heritage that shines through in her performances.
Little Miss Kona Coffee
At just five years old, Maia won the Mini Miss Kona Coffee title at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. This annual event celebrates Hawaiian culture and community pride, and Maia’s poise on stage foreshadowed her bright future in the spotlight.
Acting Debut and Key Milestones
Auditioning at Age Five
In 2023, when Maia was just five, she auditioned for Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake. Her natural charm, confidence, and authentic Hawaiian background made her stand out among countless hopefuls.
Filming at Age Seven
By the time filming started, Maia was around seven years old. Playing the iconic character Lilo Pelekai wasn’t just a role—it was a chance to bring her culture and personality to the big screen.
A Red Carpet Debut
In May 2024, Maia appeared at the Gold Gala, becoming the youngest presenter and attendee at the event. She lit up the red carpet and even danced the night away, proving she had as much star power off screen as she did on screen.
Honored at Home
On June 3, 2025, Hawaiʻi County declared it “Maia Kealoha Day,” recognizing her as an inspiration and a proud representative of her hometown. This honor highlights not only her achievements but also the pride her community feels in her success.
Real-Life Moments That Show Her Personality
- One-Take Wonder: During the filming of a restaurant water fight scene in Lilo & Stitch, Maia nailed the performance in one take. The crew joked that it had to be perfect—no one wanted to dry everything and start over!
- Playful Pranks: On set, Maia loved placing googly-eye stickers on the director’s clothes. He didn’t always notice right away, often discovering them later thanks to his wife’s laughter.
These anecdotes remind us that despite her rising fame, Maia is still very much a playful child enjoying every moment.
Why Maia’s Age Matters in Her Story
At only 8 years old, Maia represents the spirit of possibility and resilience in young talent. Her journey—from hula competitions and cultural festivals to Hollywood film premieres—shows how passion and community support can propel even the youngest performers toward success.
Her age also highlights something bigger: representation. Having a young Hawaiian actress take on the role of Lilo ensures that the character stays authentic and connected to the culture that inspired the original story.
Conclusion
Maia Kealoha, born on December 14, 2016, is just 8 years old today, yet she’s already captured hearts worldwide with her role as Lilo. From dancing hula as a toddler to being honored with her own day in Hawaiʻi, her story is both inspiring and heartwarming.
As she prepares to celebrate her 9th birthday in December 2025, it’s clear Maia’s journey is only just beginning maia kealoha age . With her talent, cultural pride, and undeniable charm, she’s set to become one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars.
