​The rich martial traditions of Tonga and Fiji have led to the creation of distinctive war clubs, many of which are now housed in...

The famous Polynesian tattoo pattern spearhead (ulutao in Samoan and Tongan ) is one of the most powerful symbols in Polynesian tattoo...

A Lifelong Passion Since 2004 I began my journey with Hawaiian tattoos  in 2004, diving deep into an art form that felt like home to my...

Welcome to Kalia Tattoo Studio , a private creative art studio in Los Angeles led by American Tongan Polynesian tattoo artist King ‘Afa....

With over 20 years of experience as a tattoo artist, my journey has been guided by two core principles: safety and respect . Whether...

When considering getting a Polynesian tattoo, Micronesian tattoo or Melanesian tattoo, it is crucial to assess the condition of your skin...

Some Asian Americans are bullied by Samoan and Tongan for wearing Polynesian tattoos—called culture thieves, known as culture appropriation, while the real culture thieves are those who ignore their own ancestral values. I stand with those who seek knowledge, not trends. Cultural appreciation is not theft—it’s respect. As a Tongan artist from Tonga, I share Polynesian tattoo with those who honor it, regardless of race. Gatekeeping is not protection—it’s division.

Discover why Polynesian tattoo artist King ‘Afa of Tonga, refuses to practice the Samoan tatau ritual. This blog article explores the sacred differences between Tongan tatatau and Samoan tatau, the Tongan chiefly system (Ha‘a Houeiki), and the Samoan Matai Chief system, and each cultural protocols protecting ancestral traditions. A powerful call for authenticity and cultural respect in Tagata Pasifika tattoo art.

By King ‘Afa | Polynesian Tattoo Artist & Pacific Island Cultural Ambassador Over the past two decades, tattoos have surged into the...

Polynesian tattoos have been an integral part of cultural expression in the Pacific Islands for centuries. These complex designs, filled...