
They are mostly nature-inspired tattoos with geometric patterns depicting heritage, religion, and martyrdom. Hawaiian tattoo designs are cool, dainty, yet expansive. Volcanoes: Volcanoes are a symbol of the local deity, Pele, who is known as the goddess of fire and volcano and the creator of the Hawaiian islands.It symbolizes affection, honor, and friendship among two individuals. Leis: Leis is floral garland or wreath worn by the Hawaiians.They are seen with hibiscus flowers around their neck and a floral wreath on their head. Hula Dancers: Hula is the traditional folk dance in Hawaii, and Hula dancers are a part of Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.It symbolizes beauty and also summer (when it blooms). Hibiscus: As it is the state flower, hibiscus often makes an appearance in traditional Hawaiian tattoos.This popular flower design is often seen in Hawaiian flower tattoos. Anthurium: Anthurium is a red flower that symbolizes hospitality, kindness, and friendship.People with a free-spirited nature go for orchid tattoos as they represent beauty, luxury, and love.


For creating permanent tattoos, an intense black ink would be made of the burned soot of the kukui nut. Certain Hawaiian plants produced a highly acidic juice, which was used as ink to create a temporary tattoo, marking the death of a loved one, which would last anywhere between six months to a year.

Sometimes, even the bones were split to form needles to create such body art. They were also often made out of sharp barbs that existed on the sides of the tails of certain fish, such as Palani, Kala, and Pualu. Hawaiian tattoos were done with needles made out of the beaks and claws of birds.Outcasts and slaves would also be permanently marked with tattoos on their faces. Such tattoos would make the Hawaiian warriors stand apart from the others. Pahupahu was a form of body art done specifically by male warriors, where they covered one half of their body entirely with tattoos.Hawaiians referred to the art of tattoos as ‘kakau.’ Both men and women in Hawaii would get body art done to mark specific moments in their life or beliefs.
