Early Western sailors to Hawaiʻi such as Captain James Cook called him Perreeorannee.
At its greatest sizes, during Peleʻioholani's reign, the of Oʻahu island stretched from Niʻihau, in the west, to the District of Koʻolau, on Molokaʻi, in the east; although power were nominal no matter the size.
He ruled as titular chieftain of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and held tributary over Molokaʻi after he conquered that island and slew the Molokaʻian chiefs for killing his daughter Keʻelaniʻihonuaiakama.
The parents of Peleʻioholani were High Chief Kūaliʻi Kunuiakea Kuikealaikauaokalani and his wife Kalanikahimakeialiʻi and he had a sister called Kukuiaimakalani.
A possible granddaughter of Peleʻioholani was Kamakahelei, who succeeded him as Aliʻi nui of Kauaʻi.