[3] After his father died in 1824, and following a failed rebellion led by his half-brother Humehume, Queen Kaʻahumanu forced Kealiʻiahonui into a similar relationship.

[4] Physically, he was 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) tall "...considered to be the handsomest chief in the Islands, and was proficient in all athletic exercises".

[4]: 278 After Kaʻahumanu died in 1832, he married for a third time, to Kekauōnohi, a granddaughter of Kamehameha I and former Queen Consort.

In 1845 he served as royal chamberlain, and from 1845 to 1847, he was included in the Privy Council of King Kamehameha III.

Although Kekauʻōnohi had wanted a burial at sea, Kapule and her husband hid the coffin until they were convinced to offer it to the spirits that were thought to inhabit this area.