Kaipo Dudoit

Last updated
Kaipo Dudoit
Born (1994-02-07) February 7, 1994 (age 31)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • hula dancer
  • model
Years active2020–present

Kaipo Dudoit (born February 7, 1994) is an American actor, hula dancer and model. Dudoit is best known for his role as David Kawena in Lilo & Stitch (2025).

Contents

Early life and career

Dudoit's father worked as a musician and his mother as a hula dancer. Growing up in ʻEwa , he was a hula dancer for Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua. He graduated from Kamehameha Schools and received his bachelors degrees in psychology and Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. While in college, Dudoit was part of the Kumu Kahua Theatre. He is a student of Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero and performed at the Merrie Monarch Festival in 2025. [1]

After a brief role in the TV series Magnum P.I. , Dudoit made his feature film debut with My Partner (2023), which was shot in Lahaina in western Maui. [1] The film is notably the first Hawaiian gay film and the last film to be shot on Lahaina due to the 2023 wildfires. [2] [1] He played David Kawena in the 2025 live action remake of the animated film. The original choice for the role was Kahiau Machado, who Disney had to recast after he had used racial slurs on his Spotify and Instagram accounts. [3] To prepare for the role, Dudoit had water safety training and refined his surfing skills. [4]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2023 My Partner Pili [5]
2024FairBryanshort film[ citation needed ]
2025 Lilo & Stitch David Kawena [4]

Television

YearTitleRoleNetworkNotesRef.
2020 Magnum P.I. Keno CBS Episode: "A Game of Cat and Mouse" [6]
2025 Rescue: HI-Surf Andy Fox Two episodes: "Riptide" and "Sea Change" [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Osher, Wendy. "Hawaiʻi actor Kaipo Dudoit brings island charm to Disneys live-action Lilo & Stitch". Maui Now (Interview). Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  2. "Film on two Lahainaluna boys from separate worlds to debut at LA festival". Maui News. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  3. "Disney recasts role of David in 'Lilo & Stitch' remake after past racial slurs surface". Hawaii News Now . April 28, 2023. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  4. 1 2 Veneri, John (9 May 2025). "Kaipo Dudoit Brings Heart to Disney's Live-Action Lilo & Stitch". KHON2 (Interview). Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  5. Gibson, Bradley (17 September 2024). "My Partner". Film Threat. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  6. "Meli James and Kaipo Dudoit Co-Host Mana Up Showcase 2024". House of Mana Up. Retrieved June 29, 2025.