The New Lilo & Stitch Movie

‘Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. 

In May 2025, the new Disney live-action Lilo & Stitch movie was released in theaters.

The long-anticipated film reimagines the classic Disney story with heartfelt moments and a deep connection to Hawaiian culture. 

Maia Kealoha stars as Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts Stitch, an out-of-control alien experiment who’s mistaken for a dog.

The two get into all kinds of mischief and go on wild adventures.

The upbeat music, hula dancing, surfing, and beautiful Hawaiian scenery help create the same island magic as the first movie.

And just like in the original, Lilo’s love helps Stitch understand the true meaning of ‘ohana or family. 

The story sticks pretty closely to the 2002 animated version, but the remake includes a few changes. This time, the film is set on the island of O’ahu instead of Kaua’i.

The ending is also different from the original: Lilo’s older sister Nani moves to the mainland for college, and Lilo stays in the care of their neighbor Tūtū, a warm-hearted woman who becomes part of their hanai, or chosen, family.

The remake also features new characters and a stronger focus on authentic Hawaiian traditions, bringing a fresh take on family, community, and what it means to belong. 

Where Was the New Lilo & Stitch Movie Filmed?

The 2025 Lilo & Stitch movie was filmed on the beautiful island of O’ahu. From the charming town of Haleiwa on Oʻahu’s North Shore to the cliffs near Halona Blowhole, the island shines.
Each filming location highlights Oʻahu’s natural beauty and features a few recognizable landmarks.

For the surfing scenes, filmmakers chose Makaha Beach, a popular surfing spot on O’ahu’s west side.

And no surprise here–some of the movie’s key scenes were filmed at Waikiki Beach, with the iconic Diamond Head crater making a picture-perfect backdrop.

How to Plan Your Own Lilo & Stitch Adventure in Hawaii

Are you a Lilo & Stitch fan heading to O’ahu? Let us help you plan your own Lilo & Stitch Adventure around the island!

From surfing and swimming to shopping or hiking, you’ll find plenty to do at each of the movie’s spectacular filming locations! 

Shaka Guide can take you to most of these movie sites on our self-guided driving tours.

Along the way, you’ll stop at scenic viewpoints, visit O’ahu’s beautiful beaches, get turn-by-turn driving directions, and learn about Hawaii’s unique history and culture. 

Because the filming sites are spread out across the island, we suggest visiting the locations over two days.

That way, you can enjoy the nearby sights and activities on the way to your Lilo & Stitch destination.

A Lilo & Stitch Hawaiian Vacation Itinerary

Day 1 - Waikiki, Diamond Head, and East O’ahu Shoreline

Waikiki Beach 

Waikiki

Staying in Waikiki? Stroll over to the beach where you can surf, swim, or simply soak in the sun.

Featured prominently in the movie, Waikiki Beach is a must-see destination for your Lilo & Stitch adventure! 

Diamond Head

Diamond Head

Did you recognize Diamond Head in the movie? This dormant volcano is one of Waikiki’s most iconic landmarks and is one of the most striking backdrops used in the film.

You can use it as a photo backdrop when visiting Waikiki, and actually climb to the top of this crater.

Enjoy stunning views of Oʻahu’s mountains and coastline—something we highly recommend adding to your Lilo & Stitch adventure!

Visiting Diamond Head requires advance reservations. There are also fees for entry and parking.

If you plan to hike to the top of the crater, we recommend making reservations for a spot early in the morning.

That way, you’ll beat the heat and have the rest of the day to visit other movie sites on the tour.

To make reservations, visit Go Hawai’i State Parks Diamond Head State Monument. 

Kahala Hotel & Resort 

Visit the beachside resort where Jumba and Pleakley stayed while plotting Stitch’s capture and where Lilo sneaks into the hot tub.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, which doubled as the Ho’omaluhia Resort and Spa in the movie, is just a short drive from Diamond Head.

If staying at this luxury resort is not in your budget, you can still visit the hotel lobby and shops, dine at the resort, or stroll along beautiful Kahala Beach.

The beach and grassy area fronting the resort is open for the public to enjoy. You’ll find free parking (and public restrooms) at the adjacent Wai’alae Beach Park. 

Halona Blowhole, Eternity Beach & O’ahu’s Southeastern Shoreline

Trace Lilo & Stitch’s wild car ride along O’ahu’s rugged southeastern shoreline. Stop at the famous Halona Blowhole, located on Kalanianaole Highway.

When ocean waves hit just right, this natural blowhole, formed from lava tubes, can shoot seawater up to 30 feet in the air!

While you’re there, check out nearby Halona Beach, nicknamed Eternity Beach after the famous kissing scene from the 1953 movie From Here to Eternity.

Travel O’ahu’s Southeastern Shoreline with a Pro!

On Shaka Guide’s East O’ahu Shoreline Drive, we’ll take you to these spectacular movie sites along O’ahu’s southeastern shoreline and beyond!

Enjoy stunning coastal views, hikes, white sand beaches, and entertaining stories. This tour begins and ends in Waikiki, giving you the option of visiting Waikiki Beach at the beginning or end of your day.

Day 2 - The North Shore Loop

Kaneohe Bay and Mokoli’i Island

One of many stunning backdrops featured in the movie is a breathtaking view of Kaneohe Bay on the Windward Side of the island.

From Waikiki, take the Likelike Highway east through the Ko’olau Mountains. When you exit the tunnel, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of this spectacular turquoise bay. Follow the bay’s beautiful shoreline as you head to the North Shore.

On the way, we recommend a quick stop at Kualoa Regional Park for a close-up view of Mokoli’i Island (Chinaman’s Hat), an iconic landmark in Kaneohe Bay.

Kualoa Ranch

When filmmakers were looking for a potential site for Lilo’s house, they scouted out Kualoa Ranch, a popular filming destination on O’ahu’s Windward Side.

They didn’t find what exactly they were looking for at the ranch, but they liked the authentic local feel of one of the ranch manager’s homes nearby.

They ended up building a temporary house in front of his to serve as the exterior of the Pelekai residence. 

While you can’t visit the actual site of Lilo’s house (the building was removed after production and the neighborhood isn’t accessible to the public), you can get pretty close by visiting nearby Kualoa Ranch. 

Haleiwa

The charming small town of Haleiwa sits on Oʻahu’s scenic North Shore, filled with shops, galleries, food trucks, and shave ice.

In the movie, Haleiwa stood in for the fictional town of Kokaua, with many neighborhood scenes filmed there.

Travel the North Shore with a Pro!

Choose Shaka Guide’s Grand Circle Island Tour or our Legendary North Shore Loop to visit these Lilo & Stitch filming spots on O’ahu’s beautiful Windward Side and North Shore.

The tours are very similar in content and stops; they just take you around the island in opposite directions.

No matter which North Shore tour you decide to take, we’ll guide you to each of these movie spots with turn-by-turn directions and engaging storytelling along the way!

Bonus Stops 

Makaha Beach

For the magical Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride scene, filmmakers chose beautiful Makaha Beach, a famed surfing beach with golden sands on O’ahu’s remote west side.

Here, Nani, Lilo, and Stitch catch some waves while the upbeat song, performed by American Idol winner Iam Tongi and the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir, plays in the background.

Germaine’s Luau

End your day with a visit to Germaine’s Luau on O’ahu’s southwest shore. Germaine’s served as the location of Jerry’s Luau from the movie.

You’ll experience the same authentic Hawaiian food, hula performances, and island charm that you saw on Lilo & Stitch–without the chaos! It’s the perfect place to wrap up your Lilo & Stitch Hawaiian adventure!

In Conclusion

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the world of Lilo & Stitch, exploring the movie’s filming locations on O‘ahu is a fun and meaningful way to connect with the story—and with Hawai‘i’s culture and beauty.

So pack your slippers, grab your ʻohana, and let the island magic guide your own adventure, just like it did for Lilo and Stitch. Aloha!

Take the Oahu Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.

Still planning? Check out our guides to prep for an epic day.

Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!

About the Writer: Robin Montgomery

Robin is a former middle school teacher who loves using stories to bring history to life. Born and raised in Hawai’i, she now calls the Pacific Northwest home — but part of her heart will always be in the islands. When not writing or reading about WWII, she’s hiking Mount Rainier, exploring the Olympics, or volunteering as a Volcano Ambassador at Mount St. Helens.

Robin updated and edited the Grand Circle Island Tour, the Legendary North Shore Loop, and the East Oahu Shoreline Drive.