Kaipo Dudoit
Kaipo Dudoit | |
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| Years active | 2020–present |
Kaipo Dudoit is an American actor, hula dancer and model. Dudoit is best known for his role as David Kawena in Lilo & Stitch (2025).
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
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | My Partner | Pili | [5] | |
| 2024 | Fair | Bryan | short film | |
| 2025 | Lilo & Stitch | David Kawena | [4] |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
- ^ a b c d Osher, Wendy. "Hawaiʻi actor Kaipo Dudoit brings island charm to Disney’s live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch". Maui Now (Interview). Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ "Film on two Lahainaluna boys from separate worlds to debut at LA festival". Maui News. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b Veneri, John (9 May 2025). "Kaipo Dudoit Brings Heart to Disney's Live-Action Lilo & Stitch". KHON2 (Interview). Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Gibson, Bradley (17 September 2024). "My Partner". Film Threat. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ "Meli James and Kaipo Dudoit Co-Host Mana Up Showcase 2024". House of Mana Up. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
External links
- Kaipo Dudoit at IMDb