Nothing much is known about Kalili's early life, although roster of the Lahainalunla School indicate he came from Honolulu, Oʻahu.
[1] Kalili was one of the first generation of Hawaiians to receive a western education by the American missionaries who arrived in Hawaii in 1820.
[8][9][10] American lawyer Charles Coffin Harris ran as his opponent for the candiicay in the district of Palikolau in 1852 and lost.
[11] In the 1852 legislative session, John Kalili served as the chairman of the Committee on Election.
[7][13] His cousin Joshua Kekaulahao was appointed to replace him as the circuit judge of Oʻahu, although he himself would die in 1856.