kīnaʻu died on september 9, 1859 in kapaʻau, kohala district on the island of hawaiʻi. the cause of his death was said to be an accident, although the details are unknown. an accusation of poisoning was forwarded by a noted priest and the whole of kona became outraged over the rumors. one source claimed he was killed in a riding accident. while his obituary in the hawaiian newspapers "the polynesian" and "the pacific commercial advertiser" claimed it was consumption.