The Beloved Story of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Returns to the Big Screen
Disney’s live-action remake of the animated classic features a local cast excited to share more of Hawaiʻi with the world.
In 2002, Disney introduced “Lilo & Stitch,” a quirky but heartfelt story set in a small town in Hawaiʻi. Filled with vibrant scenery and homages to Hawaiʻi, the animated movie is imbued with strong themes of ʻohana and community, which resonated—and still does—with audiences around the world.
Based in a town inspired by Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi, the movie follows Lilo, a lonely young girl who adopts an alien she mistakes as a dog. Lilo names her furry friend Stitch, and they get into mishaps and cause mayhem—all while two alien agents are searching for Stitch, who they call 626. Only 18 years old, Nani is responsible for taking care of her sister Lilo—and Stitch—in the wake of their parents’ deaths.
(L-R) Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Agudong as Nani in Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch.”
Photo: Matt Kennedy. © 2025 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Rather than a movie about a princess or one based on mythology, “Lilo & Stitch” wove contemporary Hawaiian culture with a colorful mix of sci-fi, becoming a unique classic in Disney’s anthology of films.
On May 23, Disney’s live-action version hits theaters nationwide. Still set in the Islands—this time on Oʻahu— the cast includes a fresh crew of talent from Hawaiʻi. Lilo is played by Maia Kealoha from Hawaiʻi Island and Nani is played by Sydney Elizebeth Agudong from Kauaʻi. Kaipo Dudoit from Oʻahu plays David, Nani’s love interest.
Kaipo Dudoit as David in Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch.”
Photo: Zach Dougan. © 2025 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
“I’m excited to see our home on screen and for people to see ‘Lilo & Stitch’ all over again, but in a much more nuanced way.” Sydney Elizebeth Agudong says. “You pay more attention to Nani’s backstory in this and the severity and the weight of the familial circumstance. It’s going to be special to see that on screen and I’m excited for people to see it again.”
Family, of course, remains paramount to the film. “ʻOhana is a very important theme that ʻLilo & Stitch’ holds,” Kaipo Dudoit notes. “I think it’s very true in all areas of the world that family—not just biological families—are the people that support and love you and are considered your ʻohana. Relying on those people to get you through tough times is very important and I hope people remember that.”
