On May 7,1855, Kapeau was appointed Judge of the Third Circuit Court., he was succeeded by Ruth Keelikōlani, the widow of Leleiohoku, as Governor of Hawaii.
On May 7,1855, Kapeau was appointed Judge of the Third Circuit Court. Kapeau died in October 1860, and was succeeded by Ruth Keelikōlani, the widow of Leleiohoku, as Governor of Hawaii.