Tapu is a graduate of Kahuku High School and later went on to receive his degree in Native American Studies and Public Policy from Dartmouth College. Following graduation, he worked nearly 10 years in the non-profit sector, primarily supporting Pasifika youth and their families. Tapu then attended and graduated from the University of Hawai’i William S. Richardson School of Law and also received a Native Hawaiian Certificate. He published extensively on topics ranging from LGBTQ rights, constitutional law, and Indigenous rights. His work has appeared in publications such as the Arizona Law Review, NYU Review of Law & Social Change, and the UCLA Asian Pacific American Law Journal. He was also honored by the National LGBT Bar Association with the Student Leadership Award for his work as President of the Lambda Law Students Association and Pacific Islander Legal Association. Tapu is a Board of Director for the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation and is currently serving as a law clerk for the Hawaii State Judiciary.