He was named Gideon after his father Gideon Laʻanui I, and Kailipalakai o Kinaʻu Keheananui, after High Chief Kinau II, his name was given because he used to brush the skin of Kinaʻu with a brush, reviling Dr. Judd which almost caused his death.

Under an official order of King Kamehameha III, she was proclaimed eligible to rule the Hawaiian Kingdom.

[2] He and his sister Elizabeth were only part native Hawaiian (hapa) with the same amount of Hawaiian blood as Queen Emma because their mother Theresa Owana Kaheiheimalie Rives was half French, daughter of Kamehameha II's French secretary Jean Baptiste Rives.

[3] By his marriage to Elizabeth Kamaikaopa Ka-o-paikawekiu-o-kalani July 12, 1859, they had one daughter, Theresa Owana Kaohelelani Laʻanui (1860–1944).

It was reported that Gideon killed his wife (who was known for her beauty) with a pickaxe, but his high status prevented any legal action.