Kaipo Dudoit on His Breakout Role in My Partner and Embracing Hawaiian Culture

Kaipo Dudoit is no stranger to the screen, with past appearances in Magnum P.I. and an upcoming role in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake. However, My Partner, a film about two high school boys from different social worlds who fall for each other, marks his feature film debut as the lead. In this candid interview, Kaipo opens up about his journey in bringing the character of Pili to life, working on a set rooted in Hawaiian culture, and the deeper significance of this project.

How Kaipo Prepared For The Role

When asked how he prepared for the role of Pili, Kaipo shared how his upbringing in Hawaii served as an inspiration. “Pili, at first glance, is your typical local Hawaiian ‘braddah,’” Kaipo explained. “Growing up in Hawaii and being surrounded by local boys, I had a lot to pool from for inspiration. I’ve seen the array of personalities from ‘hard/no-nonsense’ local boys to rugged on the outside but soft on the inside types, and everything in between.”

He went on to emphasize how Pili’s character resonated with him on a personal level. “People often mistake Pili’s rigidness and quiet demeanor as being cold or unintelligible, but in actuality, he is deeply sensitive and has a hunger for learning,” he says. He further explains that Pili’s, “love for his friends and ‘ohana coincides with his love for his ‘āina and culture. He loves and protects passionately—these are the qualities I feel strongly connected to in my own life.”

Portraying Pili’s personal growth was a critical part of Kaipo’s role, and he approached it with great care. “I tried to approach Pili’s character arc as authentically and genuinely as possible,” he said. “For Pili, he found fondness in being able to share culture and stories with Edmar. Pili was able to be himself around Edmar without feeling judged. It was in this pilina (connection) that Pili began to open up and find himself more.”

Lahaina

As My Partner was the last film shot in Lahaina before the tragic wildfires, the movie now holds even deeper meaning for Kaipo. Reflecting on his experience filming there, he said, “I am so grateful to our director, writers, and producers for the opportunity to have filmed in the location that this movie is based upon. Lahaina has a deeply rooted and rich history for the Hawaiian people, and it was an absolute honor to have worked in that ‘āina. My Partner really shows that through aloha (love) and in sharing that aloha with those around us, we can truly build a community of strength and solidarity.”

The significance of aloha on set was palpable. “Filming on set was no different in the push for carrying aloha throughout production,” Kaipo recalled. “Keli’i Grace was a phenomenal director to work with, and the humility and aloha he brought to each of us really formulated how we worked and interacted with each other. Once you operate from aloha, all that you will receive will be aloha.”

Kaipo On Working With Jayron Muñoz

Kaipo reflected on working with his co-star Jayron Muñoz, who was also making his feature film debut. “Being our first films, we definitely bonded over our nerves and our desire to make our ‘ohana/people proud. We would often discuss where our characters meant to us at that moment and what we wanted to bring to them. It was an honor to have shared that creative space with him,” Kaipo said. “Being the older one with a little more time in acting, I made sure to protect him at all times and ensure that whatever we did on camera, he felt safe and prepared to give it his all.”

When asked how My Partner showcases Hawaiian culture, Kaipo emphasized the importance of ‘āina (land) and ‘ohana (family) in the film. “Within the first shots of the movie, we are taken through landscapes of Lahaina, saying without words, ‘This is the place we are honoring—we invite you to watch and listen,’” he noted. “The connection to our land humbles us, cares for us, and feeds us in more ways than just satiating our physical hunger. This is the basis of our culture, and My Partner beautifully shows that through ‘āina and the exchange of aloha.”

Lilo & Stitch

Looking ahead to his next role in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, Kaipo reflected on how My Partner prepared him for the challenge. “Prior to My Partner, my acting was mainly for the stage. This experience really opened my eyes to the film industry and the intricacies that go into film production—the stamina that an actor has to have on set, knowing where you are in the character even if scenes are shot out of order. I’m so grateful for this experience.”

As the conversation drew to a close, Kaipo shared the message he hopes audiences will take away from My Partner. “Our world has gone through turbulent times, and nothing is more defeating than going through that journey alone. It is my hope that we will all find our community, our ‘ohana, that will help paddle with us. Then, when we reach our destination, we can help those who are also struggling to paddle on their own. Aloha conquers all.”

With My Partner, Kaipo not only delivers a heartfelt performance but also offers a beautiful representation of Hawaiian culture and the importance of love, community, and connection.

My Partner will be available on major streaming VOD platforms, beginning Sept. 24.

Photo Credit: KSG Films