Aliʻi Albert Kūkaʻilimoku Kūnuiākea was born on June 19, 1851 at his mother's residence at Kuaihelani, on Beretania Street, he was the son of His Majesty King Kamehameha III and the High Chiefess Jane Lahilahi. Even though of Albert's royal blood direct descent of King Kamehameha III, he was not officially named eligible or named as an heir to the throne because he was considered illegitimate.
Kūnuiākea was betrothed to High Chiefess Miriam Likelike, the younger sister of H.M. King Kalākaua & H.M. Queen Liliʻuokalani, but the engagement was later broken off. Another prospected royal bride sought for him was the High Chiefess Theresa Owana Kaʻōhelelani Laʻanui, and also the High Chiefess Elizabeth Keomailani Crowningburg. The royal Tahitian nieces of Ninito Sumner were also considered, but Prince Albert eventually married Mary Lonokahikini, the widow of Reverend Z. Poli.
H.M. Queen Emma had left her trust to support him until his death. Prince Albert Kūnuiākea died on March 10, 1903, in Honolulu, at the age of 51. As a sign of respect to his royal blood rank and a descendant of King Kamehameha III, the Hawaiian Territorial Government held a state funeral. After lying in state in the former throne room of ʻIolani Palace, he was laid to rest at the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ʻAla. His remains were moved along with political advisor Robert Crichton Wyllie and other members of Queen Emma's family to the newly built Wyllie Tomb in June of 1904.