He was born in 1845. His father was High Chief Jonah Piʻikoi, descended from the ancient Kings of Kauaʻi. His mother was Kekahili, the daughter of High Chiefess Kamokuiki and High Chief Alapaʻimaloiki. Through his mother, he was the nephew of Kapaʻakea and first cousin of Kalākaua, Liliʻuokalani, Likelike and Leleiohoku World War II
They had three sons: David Kawānanakoa, named after himself, Edward Abnel Keliʻiahonui, named after Prince Keliʻiahonui of Kauaʻi, and Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, named after Piʻikoi"s father and Kekaulike"s father. David"s descendants would use the name Kawānanakoa, Edward"s descendants would use Keliʻiahonui, and Jonah"s would use Kalanianaʻole. Piʻikoi died in October 18, 1878 at Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi.
Piʻikoi Street in Honolulu is named after him or his father.
The name translate as "lofty aspirations.".
