He was a usurper to the throne, but was considered a good ruler, one who loved the common people, although there is a story that he was responsible for the death of High Chief Keōua.
After the death of his uncle Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku and the subsequent civil war between Kalanikeʻeaumoku and Kalaninuiamamao, Alapaʻi emerged as the victor and usurped the throne of Hawaiʻi.
He reigned during one of the bloodiest period of Hawaiian history in an era of great warrior king fighting for the domination over the neighboring islands.
After Kekaulike's death, his relations with Maui were friendly, and he helped his nephew Kamehamehanui Aiʻlūʻau regain his throne from his half-brother Kauhiaimokuakama.
Alapaʻi secretly made plans to have the newborn infant killed but was thwarted by the intervention Naeʻole who escaped with the child.