Background
He was born c. 1814 to Aliʻi Elelule Laʻakeaelelulu and his wife Poʻomaikelani, daughter of Aliʻi Kanekoa, of Waimea, by his first wife, Kalani-kau-lelei-awi, daughter of Kepoʻomahoe. His father was the son of Keawemauhili, the brother of King Kalaniʻōpuʻu of Hawaii Island, and joint ruler of the District of Hilo with his wife ʻUlulani.