Born in the Grey Mountains, and one of the last of Durin's Folk to reside there, Kanili left the Grey Mountains upon reaching adulthood, venturing westward to Ered Luin. There he found a home under the patronage of first Thorin Oakenshield, and later Dwalin. Kanili served as a ranger for the Dwarves, often venturing alone into the wilderness to hunt down roaming goblins. During this time, he befriended many Elves of Duillond, and has since held the Elves in high regard, even learning some Sindarin words, though admittedly not many.

Some time before the War of the Ring began, Kanili chose to begin traveling, leaving behind Ered Luin and venturing across Eriador. To this day, he can be found occasionally visiting Bree, either working in the craft hall or relaxing by the fire in the Prancing Pony. When not in Bree, he is either wandering through the wilderness, or he may be hunting wild Orcs and brigands.

Kanili is known to have few true friends. While he knows many people, he rarely grows attached, after losing the love of his life to a goblin raid early into his stay at Thorin's Gate. While not a sad person, he is nonetheless reclusive at times, despite being outwardly social.