Kaipo Dudoit Biography

Kaipo Dudoit is a rising Native Hawaiian actor, hula dancer, and model who is fast becoming a familiar face in Hollywood. Known for his deep cultural ties, graceful hula background, and growing filmography, Kaipo has emerged as a voice for authentic representation of Hawaiians on the big screen. His story is one of artistry rooted in tradition, family influence, and a dedication to telling meaningful stories.

Kaipo Dudoit Wiki

Born and raised in ʻEwa Beach, Oʻahu, Kaipo grew up in a home filled with music, dance, and Hawaiian culture. His father is a well-known musician, while his mother is a hula dancer—two influences that helped shape his identity and passions. From an early age, Kaipo was drawn to hula, performing with Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua, a respected hula hālau. His time with the group deepened his connection to heritage and gave him a foundation of discipline and stage presence that would later serve him in acting.

Kaipo didn’t always set out to be an actor. After finishing high school at Kamehameha Schools, he pursued higher education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he earned degrees in both Psychology and Hawaiian Studies. Outside of school, he became a licensed massage therapist, balancing professional wellness work with his passion for cultural performance. But his natural charisma and screen presence eventually led him to acting opportunities. His first breakthrough came with My Partner (2023), a film that gained attention for being one of the first Hawaiian movies to center on a gay love story. This role put him on the radar of casting directors and opened the door to even bigger projects.

Today, Kaipo is best known for landing the role of David Kawena in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch (2025). The role carries cultural weight, as David is beloved for his kindness, aloha spirit, and supportive nature in the original animated classic. Kaipo’s casting was celebrated as a win for authentic Hawaiian representation, especially after Disney faced criticism for earlier casting choices. His natural charm, roots in hula, and Hawaiian upbringing made him an ideal fit for the role.

Kaipo Dudoit Age

Kaipo Dudoit was born on February 7, 1994, making him 31 years old in 2025. Despite being relatively young in the entertainment industry, his career trajectory is moving quickly, with major roles already establishing him as one of Hawaii’s most promising talents.

Kaipo Dudoit Ethnicity

Kaipo is proudly Native Hawaiian, with roots in the culture, traditions, and identity of the islands. His upbringing in Oʻahu gave him a deep appreciation for Hawaiian values such as aloha, ohana, and kuleana (responsibility). His background is not only a personal identity but also an integral part of his professional life, as he has been vocal about the importance of authentic Hawaiian stories in mainstream media.

Kaipo Dudoit Family

Kaipo comes from a family with strong cultural ties. His father, Horace K. Dudoit III, is a musician deeply connected to Hawaiian music, while his mother is a hula dancer who instilled in him the art of traditional dance. Kaipo also has siblings, including Bryson Kumaks and Kalei Dudoit, who have been part of his supportive family network. Together, they represent a household where Hawaiian tradition was not only preserved but celebrated daily.

Kaipo Dudoit Movies and TV Shows

Kaipo’s acting career includes both film and television projects:

Movies

• My Partner (2023) – Played Pili in a groundbreaking Hawaiian LGBTQ+ romance film.
• Fair (2024, short film) – Portrayed Bryan.
• Lilo & Stitch (2025, live-action) – Plays David Kawena, a central role in Disney’s remake.

Television

• Magnum P.I. (2020) – Guest role as Keno.
• Rescue: HI-Surf (2025) – Cast as Andy in the action-drama series.

Kaipo Dudoit Net Worth

As of 2025, Kaipo Dudoit’s net worth is estimated to be around $700,000. His income comes from acting, modeling, cultural performance, and previous work as a massage therapist. With major Disney projects under his belt, his financial trajectory is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

10 Interesting Facts About Kaipo Dudoit

1. He is a trained hula dancer and has performed at the Merrie Monarch Festival, Hawaii’s most prestigious hula event.
2. His father, Horace Dudoit, is an accomplished Hawaiian musician.
3. Kaipo studied both Psychology and Hawaiian Studies, showing his balance of science and culture.
4. Before acting full-time, he worked as a licensed massage therapist.
5. His first feature film, My Partner, gained recognition for spotlighting LGBTQ+ love in a Hawaiian context.
6. He was initially cast in smaller television roles before landing Disney’s Lilo & Stitch.
7. He replaced another actor in the role of David Kawena after Disney recast for cultural alignment.
8. He takes surfing and water training seriously, preparing physically for ocean-related roles.
9. Standing 6 feet tall, he often models in addition to acting.
10. He has spoken about wanting to bring more Native Hawaiian voices into Hollywood projects.

Kaipo Dudoit Tabular Data