He married the future Princess Poʻomaikelani, and they joined the court of King Kalākaua after he won the royal election of 1874 against Queen Emma.
[1] His paternal grandmother Kahikaheana was a trusted kahu (caretaker) who served the family of Kalaʻimamahū, a brother of King Kamehameha I, and his daughter Kekāuluohi.
[11] After Kalākaua restored the Hawaiian army which had been disbanded by his predecessor, he appointed Kahanawai to the rank of Captain and in the capacity of Commander of the Household Troops.
His funeral was attended on Saturday afternoon from St. Andrew's Chapel, and his remains escorted to Nuuanu cemetery by the infantry troops and numerous personal friends, including members of the royal family.
Among Hawaiians there are few who have left a more pleasant memory.On September 17, 1873, Queen Emma had noted in a letter to her cousin Peter Kaʻeo that Kahanawai was suffering from "Anurism" and, although still resenting his betrayal, prayed for the recovery of her former servant for the sake of her dead husband and son.