Sydney Agudong, one of the main actresses in Disney’s live action remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” now has her own day. The County of Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami declared July 2 as “Sydney Elizebeth Agudong Day.”
Agudong, who was born in Kauaʻi, plays “Nani,” the big sister of Lilo, in the 108-minute movie, which launched in theaters on Friday, May 23. Since its release, the movie has generated nearly $1 billion in sales worldwide, making it one of the top-producing movies of 2025, according to boxofficemojo.com.
Disney has since announced a second movie, "Lilo & Stitch 2,” is in development.
Waimea Theatre hosted two free screenings of “Lilo & Stitch,” which offered opportunities for attendees to meet Agudong. Disney sponsored the event.
The Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau also hosted a press trip for national journalists that included a visit to Hanapēpē Town and a hula performance by Miss Aloha Hula 2025 Jaedyn Pavao. Following a luncheon at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Agudong was presented with a surprise proclamation.
The event also featured a 30-minute performance by Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm, the North Shore based duo of brothers who performed the song "Burning Love" in the “Lilo & Stitch” live action movie released a few months ago.
Caleb Aero, the resident artist at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, also created Stitch-themed art for the occasion.
The proclamation of “Sydney Elizebeth Agudong Day” follows a similar one for Maia Kealoha, who played “Lilo,” in the movie. Kealoha was born on Hawaiʻi Island and Mayor Kimo Alameda of Hawai’i County declared June 3 as "Maia Kealoha Day" in her honor.
The Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau is part of the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau, which is contracted for marketing services by the state’s tourism agency, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
