[2] In 1821, his father was forced into exile, and to emphasize their submission, he married Queen Regent Kaʻahumanu.

[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".

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.