They assumed power after the last king of the House of Kamehameha, Lunalilo, died without designating an heir, leading to the election of Kalākaua and provoking the Honolulu Courthouse riot.

The torch that burns at midday symbolizes the dynasty, based on the sacred kapu Kalākaua's ancestor High Chief Iwikauikaua.

The dynasty was founded by Kalākaua when he ascended the Hawaiian Kingdom throne in 1874 and included his brothers and sisters who were children of Analea Keohokālole (1816–1869) and Caesar Kaluaiku Kapaʻakea (1815–1866).

The family traces their descent from Keaweaheulu and Kameʻeiamoku, two of the five royal counselors of King Kamehameha I during his conquest of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

The House of Kawānanakoa survives to modern times and at least two of its members have claims to the throne should the Hawaiian monarchy be revived.