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Honolulu, Hawaii has a rich tattoo culture with roots in traditional Kakau body art. Honolulu tattoo shops are famous for their traditional Hawaiian tattoos; however, the resident tattoo artists are also proficient in contemporary styles.
Back in the days, Honolulu tattoo shops were frequented by motorcycle club members, sailors, eccentric musicians, and rebellious youths. The evolution of tattoo designs has helped Honolulu residents accept tattoo culture.
It is not uncommon for riders to get a tattoo in Honolulu during an adventurous motorcycle trip or a relaxing vacation. Honolulu’s tattoo shops have acclaimed artists, state-of-the-art tattoo amenities, high-quality customer service, and respect for hygiene.
In this article, Viking Bags provides a list of the best tattoo shops in Honolulu. From creating tattoos designs to providing aftercare instructions, these Honolulu tattoo studios strive to satisfy all of their clients.
Also Read: 10 Best Tattoo Shops & Parlors in America
1. Bespoke Tattoo Studio
Photo Credit: @Bespoke
Established by Lee Maxwell in 2011, Bespoke Tattoo Studio is a one-of-a-kind tattoo and piercing shop in Honolulu, offering tailor made free hand tattoos and precise piercings to its customers.
The resident tattoo artists specialize in American, Neo-Traditional, Asian, portraits, and custom tattoos. In their reviews, customers always praise Bespoke Tattoo Studio’s friendly staff, clean atmosphere, and affordable rates.
Bespoke Tattoo Studio actively participates in promoting body art by organizing tattoo shows and tattoo conventions in Hawaii.
Walk-ins are welcome at Bespoke Tattoo Shop but they are subject to the artists’ availability. Make sure you call beforehand to confirm availability before visiting.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 5⭐
- Yelp Rating: 5⭐
- Facebook Rating: 4.8⭐
| Bespoke Tattoo Studio | |
|---|---|
| Address | 655 Keeaumoku Street Suite 201 Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.888.4648 |
| Hours | Monday-Thursday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Official Website | BESPOKE TATTOO STUDIO |
| Instagram ID | BESPOKE TATTOO STUDIO |
| Facebook ID | BESPOKE TATTOO STUDIO |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo artist and designs |
| Tattoo Styles | Custom Tattoos Americana Portraits Asian Free-Hand Realism Traditional Neo-Traditional |
| Shop Minimum | $100 |
| Payment Method | Cash |
| Walk-Ins | Subject to artists’ availability |
| Deposit | Required |
| Appointments | Call for appointments |
| Other Services | None |
2. Chopstick Tattoo Shop
Photo Credit: @Chopstick Tattoo Hawaii
Chopstick Tattoo Shop is a great place if you like illustrative tattoos, Neo-Asian, dot tattoos, and dark imagery. Chopstick Tattoo Shop is run by a team of six professional tattoo artists.
Matt Cox is a custom tattoo specialist who creates aesthetic body art based on the clients’ artistic input.
Matte Hanson specializes in horror tattoos inspired by the occult and mystical phenomenon. His tattoos are for tough guys and motorcycle owners who are fascinated by dark themes, gloomy motorcycle parts tattoos, skulls, and spooky characters.
The other tattoo artists at Chopstick Tattoo Shop practice a variety of tattoo styles ranging from anime, floral, and colored tattoos to American and Neo-Traditional designs.
Chopstick Tattoo Shop only accepts appointments and does not accept walk-ins. Contact the tattoo artist you want via email or send a message via Instagram to book your appointment.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 5⭐
- Yelp Rating: 5⭐
- Facebook Rating: 4.6⭐
| Chopstick Tattoo Shop | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1001 Waimanu Street, Suite C Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.366.0991 |
| Hours | Monday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: Closed |
| Official Website | CHOPSTICK TATTOOS |
| Instagram ID | CHOPSTICK TATTOOS |
| Facebook ID | CHOPSTICK TATTOOS |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo artists |
| Tattoo Styles | Custom Tattoos Black & White Colored Tattoos American Traditional Floral Dot Black Black & Gray Realism Micro Realism Surrealism Neo-Traditional Illustrative Neo-Asian Anime |
| Shop Minimum | Will be disclosed at the time of appointment |
| Payment Method | Cash Credit Cards |
| Walk-Ins | Not Accepted |
| Deposit | Required |
| Appointments | By direct emails to artists |
| Other Services | None |
3. 434 Custom Tattooing
Photo Credit: @434tattoo
Established by Adam Siehr in 2003, 434 Custom Tattooing is one of the most prominent tattoo shops in Honolulu. They accept walk-ins and provide free consultation sessions.
Adam Siehr is a world-renowned tattoo artist and a member of the National Tattoo Association and Alliance of Professional Tattooists.
Due to Siehr’s passion for body art and tireless efforts, 434 Custom Tattooing won the Best Custom Tattooing Studio of the Year Award by the Custom Business Review.
Besides providing all tattoo styles, this five-time award-winning shop takes pride in its exceptional henna and tebori tattoos.
Henna tattooing is an Arabic tattoo style with brown, red, and light orange hues. Temporary, painless, and economical, henna tattoos are best for people who want to get a tattoo for fun.
On the other hand, tebori tattoos are Japanese in origin and are created with a bunch of needles attached at the tip of the tool. Tattoo artists gently poke this tool into the skin to create lines, patterns, and images. If you choose 434 Custom Tattooing, try out either of these tattoo styles.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 4.7⭐
- Yelp Rating: 4.8⭐
- Facebook Rating: 4.5⭐
| 434 Custom Tattooing | |
|---|---|
| Address | 434 Ena Road, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.391.8287 |
| Hours | Everyday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
| Official Website | 434tattoo |
| Instagram ID | horiyume_tattooadam |
| Facebook ID | 434-Custom-Tattooing-109233881572732/? |
| Twitter ID | https://twitter.com/tattooadam?lang=gl |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo size & design |
| Tattoo Styles | Custom Tattoos Japanese Black & Gray Colored Tattoos Realism New-School Tribal Script Lettering |
| Shop Minimum | $100 $150 per hour for custom tattoos |
| Payment Method | Cash Android Pay Credit Cards |
| Walk-Ins | Accepted |
| Deposit | Required |
| Appointments | On phone calls & online Free Consultations |
| Other Services | Piercings Henna Tattoos Tebori Tattoos |
4. 808 Tattoo Shop
Photo Credit: @808 TATTOO
Founded by Billy Whitney in 2004, 808 Tattoo Shop has been providing premium tattoo, piercings, and tattoo removal services in Honolulu for over 18 years.
808 Tattoo Shop has a team of 14 passionate tattoo artists known for their empowering tattoo designs. Even if they don’t have the exact custom design you want, a 808 Tattoo Shop tattoo artist will create a magnificent piece, even with only limited information.
808 Tattoo Shop’s free walk-in consultations allow clients to describe their tattoo designs in detail, get to know the tattoo artists, and learn about tattoo aftercare and the healing process.
If you are a tattoo enthusiast planning a motorcycle tour to Honolulu, make sure you set up your appointment early. Artists at 808 Tattoo Shop have busy schedules and may not be able to accommodate walk-ins.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 4.5⭐
- Yelp Rating: 5⭐
- Facebook Rating: 4.6⭐
| 808 Tattoo Shop | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1430 Kona Street, Suite No. 201, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.946.1715 |
| Hours | Everyday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. |
| Official Website | 808tattoo |
| Instagram ID | 808tattoohawaii |
| Facebook ID | 808-TATTOO-110066689039869/ |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo artists |
| Tattoo Styles | Traditional American Japanese Polynesian Black & Gray Custom Tattoos |
| Shop Minimum | $60 |
| Payment Method | Cash Credit Card |
| Walk-Ins | Walk-in consultations are accepted Walk-in tattoos depend on artists’ availability |
| Deposit | Required Min. $80-$100 |
| Appointments | Free Consultations Call for Appointments |
| Other Services | Piercings Tattoo Removal |
5. Monarch Tattoo Studio
Photo Credit: @Monarch Tattoo Studio
Founded by Laura Naylor and Mike Naylor, Monarch Tattoo Studio is located near Kamehameha Highway in Hauula, about 24.7 miles from Honolulu. Getting a tattoo from Monarch Tattoo Studio can be a good weekend getaway. Along the way, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the Hawaiian landscape and the Pacific Ocean.
At Monarch Tattoo Shop, you will receive great hospitality and find a cozy ambience. The professional tattoo artists at Monarch Tattoo Studio are known for their distinctive custom designs and scar cover-ups. Their freehand Polynesian, neo-traditional, and sea creature tattoos are extremely popular among clients.
Their newest member, Aika Dougherty is a junior artist who draws inspiration from nature and creates beautiful Neo-Traditional tattoos.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 4.9⭐
- Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
- Facebook Rating: 4.7⭐
| MonarchTattoo Studio | |
|---|---|
| Address | 53-534 Kamehameha Highway, Hauúla, Hawaii (24.7 miles from Honolulu) |
| Contact No. | 808.293.7000 |
| Hours | Friday-Monday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday (Appointments Only) |
| Official Website | monarchtattoohawaii |
| Instagram ID | monarchtattoohawaii |
| Facebook ID | MonarchTattooHawaii/ |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo artists and tattoo designs |
| Tattoo Styles | Scar Cover-Ups Polynesian Floral Neo-Traditional Custom Designs Sea Creature Themes Free-Hand |
| Shop Minimum | Will be disclosed during consultation |
| Payment Method | Cash Credit Cards |
| Walk-Ins | Accepted |
| Deposit | Required Non-Refundable |
| Appointments | Book appointments by filling a form on official website Call to set-up consultations |
| Other Services | None |
6. Sacred Art Tattoo Studio Waikiki
Photo Credit: @Sacred Art Tattoo hawaii
Established in 1992, Sacred Art Tattoo Studio has a team of nine top-notch tattoo artists. All of the tattoo artists are proficient in different tattoo styles.
Whether you want a large complex Polynesian tattoo or a small dainty floral tattoo, you are assured a great tattoo design at Sacred Art Tattoo Studio.
Sacred Art Tattoo Studio’s best works are portraits, black and gray realism, and American traditional and Chicano tattoos. Guest artists also frequent this tattoo shop, expanding the variety and styles offered at Sacred Art.
If you want piercings, this shop offers a service for safe and painless piercings. For tattoos and piercings, walk-ins are welcome. But if you have a favorite artist, it is recommended you fill out an appointment form on Sacred Art Tattoo Studio’s website.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 4.8⭐
- Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
- Facebook Rating: 4.7⭐
| Sacred Art Tattoo Studio Waikiki | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1831 Ala Moana Boulevard No. 204, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.955.0323 |
| Hours | Everyday: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. |
| Official Website | sacredartwaikiki |
| Instagram ID | sacredartwaikiki |
| Facebook ID | sacredarttattoohi |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo placement, design, complexity, and hours |
| Tattoo Styles | Portrait Japanese Realism Polynesian Chicano Traditional Fine Lines Black & Gray American Traditional Geometric Custom Tattoos Floral |
| Shop Minimum | $100 |
| Payment Method | Cash Credit Card Apple Pay |
| Walk-Ins | Accepted Depend on availability Free Consultations |
| Deposit | Required |
| Appointments | Fill an appointment form on official website |
| Other Services | Piercings (will be available soon) |
7. Tattoolicious
Photo Credit: @tattoolicious_hawaii
Tattolicious has a comfortable setting, creative artists, and advanced tattooing techniques. Established in 2000 by Sean McCready, Tattoolicious has never failed to deliver quality art to its customers.
Their cover-up tattoos, black & gray realism pieces, complex Japanese designs, and custom tattoos are popular among tattoo aficionados. Though this studio already has a team of 11 resident tattoo artists, Tattoolicious hosts guest artists during certain months that provide an array of new designs for customers. Resident artists learn new techniques from these guest artists, improving their skills.
Each resident artist has an impressive portfolio showcasing examples of their body art styles. Clients love Tattoolicious for the simple appointment process, responsive staff, patient tattoo artists, and inspiring designs.
Tattoolicious accepts walk-ins and appointments. If you have to wait longer than expected, get some refreshments at the studio’s coffee shop.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 4.8⭐
- Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
| Tattoolicious | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1909 Ala Wai Boulevard C1, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.949.8287 |
| Hours | Monday-Saturday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday: Closed |
| Official Website | https://www.tattoolicious.com/ |
| Instagram ID | https://www.instagram.com/tattoolicious_hawaii/ |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo artist and tattoo design |
| Tattoo Styles | Japanese Custom Tattoos Traditional Black & Gray Realism Cover-Ups |
| Shop Minimum | $100 |
| Payment Method | Cash Credit Cards |
| Walk-Ins | Accepted |
| Deposit | Required |
| Appointments | Call to set-up consultations Fill online form or send email to book an appointment |
| Other Services | None |
8. Electric Paradise Tattoo
Photo Credit: @Electric Paradise Tattoo Waikiki
Established in 2008, Electric Paradise Tattoos specialize in aseptic tattooing methods. At this shop, the safety of the clients is a priority. The tattoo artists use single-use ink cartridges, needles, and tubes, all of which is sterilized before being used.
Electric Paradise Tattoo Shop has a team of four creative tattoo artists. Each artist enjoys creating custom designs for their clients, each one having a distinct speciality. Nathan is great at creating Neo-Traditional and fine line tattoos, Tomo specializes in depicting dragons, flowers, and turtles. Consult Danny if you want a black & gray realism or a bright colored American traditional tattoo. Contact Bryan if you prefer Japanese, American, and big lettering tattoos. All of the tattoo artists at Electric Paradise Tattoo Shop are equally talented and dedicated to their work.
The staff at Electric Paradise Tattoo Shop treats walk-in customers with great hospitality. However, it is a busy place and they may not be able to accommodate you right away. It is best to call and check walk-in availability before dropping by.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 4.6⭐
- Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
| Electric Paradise Tattoo Shop | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2146 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.923.6900 |
| Hours | Everyday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
| Official Website | https://www.electricparadisetattoo.com/ |
| Instagram ID | https://www.instagram.com/electricparadisetattoo/ |
| Facebook ID | https://www.facebook.com/electricparadisetattoo/ |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo size, placement, and detail |
| Tattoo Styles | Black & Gray Traditional Custom Tattoos Japanese American Realism Neo-Traditional Colored Tattoos Fine Lines Floral Polynesian |
| Shop Minimum | $100 |
| Payment Method | Cash |
| Walk-Ins | Accepted |
| Deposit | Required |
| Appointments | Book on call or in person |
| Other Services | None |
9. Soul Signature Tattoo
Photo Credit: @soulsignaturetattoo
Established by Suluápe Aisea Toetu’u, Joel Albanez, and Lucky Olelo in 2004, Soul Signature offers some of Honolulu’s finest body art.
Today, Soul Signature has grown to become one of Honolulu’s top-notch tattoo studios, offering exceptional services to residents of Hawaii, visitors from across the United States, and international tourists.
Currently, six versatile tattoo artists work at Soul Signature, best known for neo-tribal, Asian, Polynesian, portraits, and fine line tattoos. For Polynesian tattoos, artists at Soul Signature Tattoo Shop use ancient tattooing techniques unique to Hawaiian islands.
If you want a custom tattoo, your tattoo artist will work with you to create the perfect piece. No walk-ins are accepted, so make sure you book your appointment as soon as possible.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 4.9⭐
- Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
| Soul Signature Tattoo Shop | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1750 Kalakaua Avenue No. 3303, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.330.5612 |
| Hours | Monday - Saturday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: Closed |
| Official Website | http://www.soulsignaturetattoo.com/ |
| Instagram ID | https://www.instagram.com/soulsignaturetattoohawaii/ |
| Facebook ID | https://www.facebook.com/soulsignaturetattoohawaii/ |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo artists |
| Tattoo Styles | Asian Black & Gray Neo-Tribal Portraits Polynesian Fine Line Custom Tattoos |
| Shop Minimum | Will be disclosed during consultation |
| Payment Method | Cash |
| Walk-Ins | Not Accepted |
| Deposit | Required |
| Appointments | Fill appointment form online |
| Other Services | None |
10. Rockstar Tattoos & Piercings
Photo Credit: @Rock Star Tattoo & Piercing
Founded in 1999, Rockstar Tattoos & Piercings has been providing quality customer service, impeccable tattoos, and safe piercings to the residents of Honolulu and Waikiki. Their modern body art techniques ensure that the tattoos heal properly. Having high standards of cleanliness and care, this studio has had many returning customers.
The residents artists and piercers are all experienced and knowledgeable. The tattoo artists create brilliant custom tattoos from different styles, including anime, tribal bands, lettering, portraits, Japanese, and other Asian styles. The cover-up tattoos are a great way to hide scars and unwanted tattoos.
Ratings
- Google Rating: 4.9⭐
- Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
- Facebook Rating: 4.7⭐
| Rockstar Tattoos & Piercings Shop | |
|---|---|
| Address | 841 McCully Street, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Contact No. | 808.791.7879 |
| Hours | Monday-Saturday: 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday: (Appointments Only) |
| Official Website | https://www.rockstarhawaii.com/ |
| Instagram ID | https://www.instagram.com/RockStarHawaiiCom/ |
| Facebook ID | https://www.facebook.com/RockStarHawaii/ |
| Tattoo Rates | Depends on tattoo style, size, and design |
| Tattoo Styles | Tribal Bands Lettering Portrait Custom Tattoos Japanese Asian Body Art Anime Realism Cover-Ups |
| Shop Minimum | Will be disclosed at the time of appointment |
| Payment Method | Cash |
| Walk-Ins | Accepted Depend on artists’ availability |
| Deposit | Required |
| Appointments | Call for appointment |
| Other Services | Piercings |
11. Takeaway
Honolulu, Hawaii is a colorful city known for its beautiful beaches, fair weather conditions, diverse community, and historical tattoo culture.
Hawaiian tribes used to wear Polynesian and Kakau tattoos; this culture is being slowly adopted by the modern Hawaiian people. Contemporary forms of body art quickly became popular, and some artists mixed tribal and modern tattoos to create a unique neo-tribal style.
When it comes to tattoos, Honolulu is the most popular city in Hawaii due to its accomplished tattoo artists and elite tattoo shops utilizing sophisticated tattoo equipment and techniques.
Also Read: Things You Need to Know Before Getting Your First Motorcycle Tattoo
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