If you grew up in the early 2000s, David Kawena was probably your first "fictional character crush." He was the ultimate supportive boyfriend before that was even a TikTok trope. He surfed, he fire-danced (admittedly with some safety issues), and he didn't pressure Nani when her life was literally falling apart because of a blue alien and a social worker.
But who played David Kawena?
It’s a more loaded question than you’d think. There’s the voice that started it all, the replacement voices for the straight-to-DVD sequels, and now, the new face of the 2025 live-action remake. Honestly, the casting history of this character is a bit of a rollercoaster.
The Original Voice: Jason Scott Lee
Most people hear David’s voice and immediately think of Jason Scott Lee.
He’s the guy who brought that specific "chill but deeply caring" vibe to the 2002 original Lilo & Stitch. Lee isn't just a voice actor; he’s a martial arts powerhouse who played Bruce Lee in Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. Having a Native Hawaiian actor voice a Native Hawaiian character in 2002 was actually a pretty big deal for Disney’s authenticity.
Lee’s performance is why the character works. David isn't a "hero" in the traditional sense. He’s just a guy who shows up with a surfboard when he knows his friends are stressed. He gave David that grounded, slightly clumsy, but incredibly warm personality that made us all root for him.
The Voices You Might Have Missed
While Lee is the gold standard, he didn't do every single project. If you were an avid watcher of the Disney Channel spin-offs, you might have noticed a slight shift in tone.
- Dee Bradley Baker: In Stitch! The Movie and the television series, Baker took over. You probably know him as the voice of every single Clone Trooper in Star Wars, which is wild when you realize he was also playing Nani’s laid-back boyfriend.
- The Cameos: Lee did come back for Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch, keeping that continuity for the "main" film stories.
The 2025 Live-Action Casting: Who Played David Kawena This Time?
When Disney announced the live-action remake, the question of who played David Kawena became the center of a massive internet debate. The casting process was... messy.
Initially, a newcomer named Kahiau Machado was cast. Within days, the internet did what it does best—digging up old social media posts. After some controversial language surfaced, Disney moved on. Fast.
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Enter Kaipo Dudoit
The role eventually landed with Kaipo Dudoit.
Dudoit is a Native Hawaiian actor and hula dancer who honestly looks like the animated character stepped right off the screen. He’s relatively new to the Hollywood scene, though he’s done work in Magnum P.I. and the indie film My Partner.
Talking to local Hawaii outlets, Dudoit has mentioned how much the role meant to him. He grew up watching the original and even admitted to mimicking the "fire knife dance" as a kid. To go from that to being the guy on the surfboard is a pretty poetic arc.
Interestingly, Jason Scott Lee is actually in the new movie too. He isn't playing David, obviously—that would be a bit weird—but he has a cameo as the manager of the luau where Nani works. It’s a passing-of-the-torch moment that most fans are actually pretty happy about.
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Why David Kawena Matters More Than You Think
David isn't just "the boyfriend." He’s a blueprint.
In a world of Disney princes who need to slay dragons or break curses, David’s biggest contribution is emotional intelligence. He understands that Nani’s priority is Lilo. He doesn't get "friend-zoned" because he isn't playing a game; he’s just being a decent human being.
He’s also one of the few people who sees the "aliens" and just... rolls with it. When Lilo asks him for a ride to shore and he’s looking at a giant spaceship, he just says it’ll take two trips. That level of chill is legendary.
Breaking Down the David "Archetype"
Experts in film representation, like those who studied the cultural impact of Lilo & Stitch, often point to David as a rare positive depiction of a local Hawaiian man in mainstream media. He isn't a caricature. He’s athletic, sure, but he’s also struggling to find a job, just like Nani.
He reflects the real economic struggles of the islands while maintaining the spirit of aloha. That’s why the casting of who played David Kawena was so sensitive. It wasn't just about finding a handsome guy; it was about finding someone who could carry that specific cultural weight.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of David and the Lilo & Stitch legacy, here is what you should actually do:
- Watch the 2002 Original First: If you’re preparing for the live-action, go back to Jason Scott Lee’s performance. Pay attention to the "Crying" scene—it's a masterclass in subtle voice acting.
- Look for the Cameos: When you watch the 2025 film, keep an eye out for the luau scene. Seeing the "original" David (Lee) interact with the "new" David (Dudoit) is a cool Easter egg for long-time fans.
- Support Local Talent: Kaipo Dudoit is part of a wave of Native Hawaiian actors getting their shot. Check out his earlier work in My Partner to see his range before he became a Disney star.
David Kawena remains a top-tier character because he represents the best version of a supportive partner. Whether it was Jason Scott Lee’s voice or Kaipo Dudoit’s live-action portrayal, the soul of the character—that quiet, surfer-dude wisdom—stays the same.
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To keep up with the latest on the Lilo & Stitch live-action release and behind-the-scenes casting stories, follow the official Disney production updates or check out local Hawaiian entertainment news outlets for more nuanced takes on the production's impact on the islands.