[1]: 320 Her father, along with his brother Kameʻeiamoku, were known as one of the "royal twins" who helped Kamehameha I come to power and served as advisors.

In the book, Elizabeth Kekaaniau stated that Piʻipiʻi Kalanikaulihiwakama and Peleuli were the daughters of Keōua and Kekuʻiapoiwa II, therefore full-blood sisters of Kamehameha I.

[4][7] Hawaiian historian Samuel Kamakau stated that Peleuli was the aunt of Keōpūolani, whom she served as an attentant.

[3]: 311 [8]: 11 [9] According to Kamakau, she was considered his fifth favorite wife, behind Kaʻahumanu, Kalākua Kaheiheimālie, Kahakuhaʻakoi Wahinepio, and Keōpūolani, his highest ranking consort.

Her progenies with Kamehameha were his eldest children, with the exception of his illegitimate son Pauli Kaʻōleiokū by his aunt Kānekapōlei, but they were passed over in the line of succession in favor of his descendants by Keōpūolani and Kalākua Kaheiheimālie because of their superior rank.