Leilani’s story doesn’t start on a stage or in front of a camera—it begins in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. By the age of 16, she was already deep into her professional dance career, mastering ballet, jazz, Latin styles, theater, and more. But that was just the beginning.
Broadway Beginnings and Big-Time Auditions
As a teen, she appeared in musicals like Annie and The Nutcracker. Her passion for performance led to callbacks for roles like Moana in Disney’s live-action adaptation, Anne Frank in London’s Diary of Anne Frank, and Juliet in an indie Romeo and Juliet film. She was also considered for commercial work with Spotify (featuring Bad Bunny), Hawaiian Airlines, and PSA campaigns for Hawaii’s health department. While she hasn’t heard back on these just yet, the industry has already taken notice.
An Artist With a Voice—and a Vision
Now an independent recording artist, Leilani is releasing music that speaks from the heart. Her latest single, Bleeding Heart, is raw, emotional, and unforgettable. With a five-octave vocal range, she’s not just singing—she’s storytelling. Her performances during BET Awards Week, Big Game Weekend, and events during New York and Brooklyn Fashion Weeks have left lasting impressions.
Fashion Week Favorite
Leilani is a force on the runway. She’s walked in New York, Milan, Paris, LA, and Miami Swim Week. She’s been featured in Elle, Savoir Faire, Hype, Maxim (Australia, New Zealand, Destinations, Next), The Hollywood Magazine, and more. She’s also worked with celebrated photographers like Udo Spreitzenbarth and Krissy King, with her face lighting up Times Square billboards.
Beyond Beauty: A Global Advocate
Off the runway and outside the studio, Leilani is an award-winning advocate. She’s a three-time Anthem Award winner for her work supporting survivors of gender-based violence, human trafficking, and Aboriginal communities. Her activism is not a side note—it’s part of her core identity.
Acting, Training, and Stage Presence
Leilani continues to hone her craft, training in acting through Soho Shakespeare Co. and LS Studios, and in dance with legends like Kathryn Morgan and Ballet Hispanico. She recently took the stage in Nanyehi: The Musical alongside Wes Studi, adding yet another layer to her multi-dimensional artistry.
Setbacks and Still Soaring
Recently, she competed in the Maxim modeling contest and advanced to the quarter-finals of the America’s Next Top Hitmaker competition, ultimately landing at number 7. Though she’s no longer in the running, the exposure only adds to her growing momentum. She’s still aiming high—with new projects, performances, and opportunities on the horizon.
A Name to Know
Leilani isn’t just multi-talented—she’s multi-dimensional. Singer. Model. Dancer. Actress. Advocate. And with representation from ADR Agency, Listed Management, and Urge Management, she’s only getting started.
