My Journey in Hawaiian Tattoo Culture

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 soul. Over the years I have dedicated myself to kakau – the traditional Hawaiian tattooing practice – not just as an art, but as a way of life. My passion and expertise even led me to contribute to the renowned book Polynesian Tattoo Today (collaborating with anthropologist Tricia Allen) in the late 2000s, where I shared insights and examples of my work. This journey has been more than skin-deep; it’s been about connecting with ancestry, community, and the living culture of Hawaiʻi. In this introduction, I want to give you a glimpse of how a young Tongan artist (and yes, an engineering-school dropout turned tattooist!) found purpose and identity through Hawaiian tattoo culture, and how it shaped who I am today.

Embracing an ʻOhana of Ink – Tattooing Kanaka Maoli, Locals, and Haole

One of the greatest honors of my career has been tattooing hundreds of people in Hawaiʻi – from Native Hawaiians (Kanaka Maoli) to local residents of all backgrounds and even haole (foreigners drawn to the culture). Each tattoo session has been a cultural exchange, forging strong family-like bonds. Since 2004, I’ve become woven into a vast Hawaiian ʻohana (family) through my service of tattoo – aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends who welcomed me as if I were born into their family. These relationships go far beyond a business transaction; often I’ll attend their family gatherings, and years later I might tattoo their children or relatives, becoming a trusted part of their life story.

In those early years, before the rise of social media, knowledge about Polynesian tattoos was passed down in person. I took on a mentorship role for younger Hawaiian tattoo artists, sharing what I had learned about traditional designs and cultural protocol. Back then, you couldn’t just watch a YouTube video or scroll Instagram to learn our tribal art – you had to learn shoulder-to-shoulder with your elders and peers. I’m proud to have guided and inspired several up-and-coming Hawaiian tattooists in that period. Together, we kept the flame of tradition alive in a time when it might have flickered out. Our shared experiences built a community of artists who respect each other like family, each of us carrying forward the responsibility to tattoo with integrity and cultural respect.

Kakau – The Art and Culture of Traditional Hawaiian Tattooing

To truly appreciate my journey, one must understand kakau, the traditional Hawaiian tattoo art that underpins everything I do. In ancient Hawaiʻi, traditional Hawaiian tattooing was much more than body art – it was a sacred practice. Kakau (pronounced kah-kau) was performed by master tattooists (kahuna kākau) using tools made of bone and wood, with natural inks. Every mark carried mana (spiritual power) and purpose. As I learned this art, I committed to preserving those traditional forms and meanings in my own work, even as I use modern tools. My approach has always been “education first”: I explain to clients the origin and significance of the Hawaiian tattoo designs and motifs I place on them, ensuring that the symbolism is respected and understood.

Traditional Hawaiian tattoos carried deep meanings that I strive to honor in each piece I create. Some of the cultural significance behind kakau includes:

Identity and Rank: Certain Hawaiian tattoo symbols were reserved for aliʻi (chiefs) or people of high status. For example, the peʻahi niu (Hawaiian coconut-leaf fan) motif was once worn by high-ranking individuals as a mark of rank and leadership. By incorporating such elements appropriately, I help individuals connect to those stories of status and responsibility.
Spiritual Protection: Many designs offered spiritual safeguards. The image of the moʻo (lizard), for instance, was greatly respected as a guardian spirit. When I tattoo a lizard motif or stylized tribal tattoos resembling shark teeth or spearheads, I invoke the ancient belief that these symbols protect the wearer’s health and well-being. In this way, modern clients receive not just an attractive pattern but a Hawaiian tattoo meaning of protection and strength.
Genealogy and Memory: Tattoos in old Hawaiʻi often memorialized ancestors and family lineage. I have tattooed family emblems, totems, and even names in kaona (hidden forms) onto clients, especially Kanaka Maoli who want to carry their genealogy on their skin. This continuation of kakau tradition ensures that their genealogy and loved ones are literally etched into their being, preserving history through Polynesian tattoo art.
Connection to Nature: Hawaiian tattoo designs often mimic the natural world – from stylized wave patterns and taro leaves to braided cord motifs that resemble woven mats. In my pieces, I love using these elements to symbolize the person’s connection to the land ('aina) and sea. It’s a way of saying we are one with our environment. For example, a simple pattern of interlocking triangles might look like a decorative border to outsiders, but to us it can represent shark teeth, the mountains, or the genealogy of a family – each shape a story.

By educating clients about these rich meanings, I ensure that the practice of kakau remains a living, educational experience. It’s not just about getting a cool Polynesian or tribal tattoo; it’s about immersing in Hawaiian tattoo culture and carrying forward a tradition that once nearly vanished. Every time I dip needle to skin, I feel the presence of those ancient tattoo masters guiding me, and I do my best to live up to their legacy.

Learning from a Master – Training with Tongan Treasure of Hawaii: Tuione Pulotu

No journey is made alone, and I have been fortunate to train under and learn from a true master in the Polynesian arts: Mr. Tuione Pulotu. Mr. Pulotu, a Tongan master shipbuilder and wood carver, is famed for his craftsmanship – he even helped build traditional voyaging canoes like the Iosepa and carved timeless sculptures at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Under his mentorship in Laie (on Oahu’s north shore), I gained a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all Polynesian arts, from carving to tattooing.

Working with Mr. Pulotu was like attending an ancient school of knowledge. He taught me how patterns carved into a canoe or wooden tiki could translate into patterns inked on skin. The steady hand and patience required to carve a tree trunk are the same virtues needed to create a full sleeve of Polynesian tattoos. More importantly, he showed me the importance of community. Through him, I developed deep ties to the Tongan-Hawaiian community in Laie and throughout the islands. I was embraced by families who traced their roots to Tonga but had made Hawaii their home.

This kainga – the Tongan concept of extended family – became my own. Weekends might find me helping at a family farm, cooking a big Tongan feast in a backyard, or discussing tattoo patterns late into the night with elders who saw in me a bridge between cultures. My training wasn’t a formal apprenticeship in a shop; it was living and breathing the culture daily. Mr. Pulotu would share not only techniques of carving or tattoo design, but also stories of voyages, of kings and chiefs, and of how our ancestors used art to communicate. In turn, I’ve embedded those lessons into my tattoo practice. Whenever I design a traditional Hawaiian tattoo, I carry forward the knowledge from this Tongan master who taught me that art and culture are one. This unique background has given my work a richness that honors both Hawaiian and broader Polynesian heritage.

Cultural Revival and Hawaiian Sovereignty – Empowerment Through Tradition

Living in Hawaiʻi and being so closely involved in its cultural practices, I cannot ignore the historical and cultural tensions around Hawaiian sovereignty and identity. The Native Hawaiian sovereignty movement – seeking recognition, rights, and sometimes independence for Hawaiʻi – is a powerful force. I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Kanaka Maoli friends as they protested injustices and fought to protect sacred lands. I understand the pain and anger stemming from the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the years of marginalization that followed. There are those in the community who point fingers at outsiders (whether it’s the U.S. government or foreign influences) as the cause of all cultural erosion. While there is truth in holding colonizers accountable for history, I offer a respectful perspective: blaming outsiders exclusively can sometimes hold us back from moving forward.

In my view, true empowerment comes from within – by actively reviving and living our culture every day. Rather than dwell in resentment, I believe in pouring our energy into cultural creativity and education. I’ve seen first-hand how cultural revival ignites pride and unity. We are living in a renaissance of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, and it’s happening in many inspiring ways. For example:

Surfboard Revival: Hawaiʻi is the birthplace of surfing. In recent years, artisans and surfers have started carving and riding traditional wooden surfboards (alaia) once again. Reconnecting with this heritage sport is a form of activism – it asserts Hawaiian identity and ingenuity.
Hawaiian Quilting: After the loss of the kingdom, Hawaiian women quietly kept culture alive through beautiful quilts, often embedding symbolic designs (like the Hawaiian flag or national flower) in them. Today’s revival of Hawaiian quilt patterns is more than a craft – it’s an expression of history and identity stitched in fabric.
Storytelling & Language: There’s a growing movement to preserve the Hawaiian language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) and tell old legends to the younger generation. Whether it’s through new children’s books of Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories) or public performances of hula that enact historical epics, this storytelling keeps our ancestors’ voices echoing into the future.
Aloha Attire : The aloha shirt is often seen as casual island wear, but modern designers are infusing them with traditional patterns and symbols. Wearing an aloha shirt with kapa (barkcloth) motifs or tribal patterns isn’t just a fashion statement – it’s a proud display of heritage in everyday life.
Tattoo Renaissance: Of course, I must mention the Polynesian tattoo art revival. Tattoos were once discouraged in Hawaii due to Western influence, but now kakau has returned stronger than ever. Every Hawaiian tattoo design I ink is a small act of cultural preservation, a statement that we are still here, carrying our ancestors’ marks with pride.

By focusing on these forms of cultural revival, we shift the narrative from victimhood to empowerment. We stop defining ourselves solely by what was taken from us and instead by what we are rebuilding. I never dismiss the struggles for sovereignty or the valid grievances of my Hawaiian friends – rather, I channel that passion into uplifting the culture through my work. In my humble role as a tattoo artist, I choose to be a part of the solution: educating others about our traditions, creating art that has meaning, and fostering unity. In this way, the Hawaiian tattoo culture I practice becomes a unifying force, bridging generational and even ethnic divides. It welcomes outsiders to appreciate and respect the culture rather than be seen as threats. It turns tattoos and other arts into a form of peaceful activism, one that celebrates rather than segregates. This perspective has guided me through delicate conversations and has earned me respect from both Hawaiian nationals and non-natives alike.

The Tongan Immigrant Journey in Hawaiʻi – Lessons in Hard Work and Humility

My perspective is also shaped by the Tongan immigrant experience in Hawaiʻi, a story that I’m deeply connected to through family and mentors. Tongans began moving to Hawaiʻi in significant numbers in the mid-20th century, often with nothing but hopes and a strong work ethic. Many of the elders who embraced me in Laie were part of this generation. They worked long hours at concrete construction, agriculture, and hospitality, literally building modern Hawaiʻi with their hands. Others shared our Polynesian culture through performances at the Polynesian Cultural Center and local shows – dancing with fire knives, singing in Tongan choirs, and educating tourists about island life.

What struck me about these first-generation Tongan immigrants was their unwavering positivity and humility. They carried with them the value of kāinga – an untranslatable word that encompasses extended family, community, and mutual support. In practice, kāinga meant that no Tongan in Hawaiʻi truly walked alone; everyone had “family” to help, even if not by blood. If one family’s roof was leaking, a half dozen Tongan uncles would show up after work to fix it. If someone’s child needed money for school, everyone pooled in what little they had. This spirit of collectivism helped Tongans succeed in a new land without any sense of entitlement or complaint. They didn’t expect handouts or special treatment; they put their heads down and worked, studied, and served others with a smile.

I often reflect on these Tongan values when navigating my own path. As a Pacific Islander in the U.S., I know what it’s like to be seen as an outsider at times. But the Tongan example in Hawaiʻi taught me resilience. Rather than lament what we don’t have, we focus on what we do have – our culture, our community, and our ability to work hard. Over time, the Tongan community earned respect in Hawaii: you’ll find Tongans in every walk of life now, from teachers and business owners to community leaders. They achieved this by living their values daily. For me, whether I’m tattooing a chief’s son or a new client from the mainland, I carry that humility and warmth into the interaction. My studio is a place of creating art and preserving cultural stories as in village gathering – that’s intentional, and it’s directly inspired by the hospitality and unity of the Tongan culture I was raised in.

Carrying the Legacy Forward – My Polynesian Tattoo Art & Services

My journey in Hawaiian tattoo culture has been one of deep learning, cross-cultural friendship, and personal growth. From the sands of Oahu to the streets of Los Angeles, I carry with me the mana of all those experiences. Today, I am proud to share this rich heritage through my Polynesian tattoo services for clients from all walks of life. Every tattoo I create – whether it’s a small Hawaiian tattoo symbol on a wrist or a full sleeve of intricate tribal tattoo patterns – is approached with the same reverence and attention to meaning that I learned back in Hawaiʻi. I invite you to explore my Hawaiian and Polynesian tattoo portfolio to see the stories I’ve been honored to tell on skin.

Each design is unique and custom, reflecting the individual’s ancestry, personal journey, or aspirations, crafted in a style that stays true to the old ways of kakau while also embracing contemporary artistry.

Ready to wear your story?

I would be humbled to help you on your own tattoo journey. Feel free to view my portfolio to witness the diversity of designs and read the meanings behind them. If you feel a connection and are interested in getting a piece done, you can contact me or book a session through my website.

Whether you’re seeking a traditional Hawaiian tattoo design rich with cultural meaning, or any form of Polynesian tattoo art that speaks to your soul, I’m here to guide you through the process with the respect and care that these traditions deserve.

Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for taking the time to read about my journey in Hawaiian tattoo culture. It’s a story still being written with every new tattoo. By choosing to learn about and possibly adorn yourself with this ancient art, you become part of the story too – a living continuation of a beautiful culture. I look forward to sharing the aloha and mana of this art with you, one tattoo at a time. E mālama pono – take care and hope to connect with you soon!