The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch is more than just a nostalgic revival, it’s a tribute to Hawaii’s people, language and way of life. To stay true to the story’s roots, the filmmakers chose to shoot on location and cast actors with deep ties to the islands.
Filming took place on Oahu, though the story remains set in Kauai. The production team, led by director Dean Fleischer Camp and original Lilo & Stitch creator Chris Sanders, was intentional about honouring Hawaiian culture, a choice reflected in every detail, from the scenery to the accents.
At the heart of the film is Maia Kealoha, a young newcomer from Hawaii’s Big Island, who plays the spirited Lilo. Her on-screen sister Nani is portrayed by Sydney Agudong, originally from Kauai. Kaipo Dudoit, who takes on the role of David, is from Oahu, while Hawaii-raised actor Jason Scott Lee, who voiced David in the 2002 animated original — returns to play a luau manager in the new version.
Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original film, also returns in a new role as Mrs Kekoa. For her, the commitment to cultural authenticity was a vital part of joining the project.
“It’s important because it’s something you feel when you’re there,” Carrere said. “And if it’s missing, you notice, something feels off.”
She recalled a dinner with Camp and Sanders, where she felt reassured by their determination to get the cultural details right. “That’s why I was so excited when I met them,” she said. “I even asked, ‘Can I use pidgin English for my part?’”
Carrere believes characters like Lilo, Nani and their neighbours should “sound like locals” — not just for accuracy, but for respect. “It’s who they are,” she added.
Lilo & Stitch is now playing in cinemas.
