If you want nature-inspired tattoos that are broad yet delicate, you can opt for Hawaiian tattoo designs. these designs are perfect to show your identity and personality. In ancient times, almost all Hawaiians had tattoos on their bodies, which represented their rank and status in society. These tattoos consisted of geometric patterns and were done in shades of black to mark a person’s heritage, martyrdom, religion and the like.
Over time, Western culture began to impact these tattoo designs and meanings, now including dolphins, crabs, lizards, tropical flowers, and other elements from the region. now they are also more colorful. So if you’re interested in these tribal and nature-inspired tattoos, check out our list of some Hawaiian designs. keep scrolling!
reading: maui tattoo ideas
amazing hawaiian tattoo designs for women
1. old Hawaiian tattoo
Vintage Hawaiian tattoos are all black and feature bold designs in geometric patterns, such as triangles and swirls. These designs are great if you like big, bold artwork on your body.
2. hawaiian hibiscus tattoo
Hibiscus is the regional flower of Hawaii and is often a preferred design by women because it adds a touch of femininity. You can get a hibiscus tattoo on your shoulder, chest or even in the leg.
3. Hawaiian tribal tattoos
Hawaiian tribal tattoos are similar to ancient Hawaiian tattoos, but feature more swirling patterns and intricate detail, as opposed to the bold patterns of traditional Hawaiian tattoos.
4. hawaiian flower tattoo
This gorgeous piece of floral art showcases the perfect beach scenery along with the classic Hawaiian hibiscus flower tattoo. a touch of Hawaiian wanderlust!
5. small hawaiian tattoo
Traditional Hawaiian tattoos are huge and bold, but you can also get tattoos just as small and artistic if you’re not a fan of the big ones. We recommend getting one on your hands or near your ankles.
6. hawaiian sleeve tattoo
Who said only men could tattoo their sleeves? This 3/4 sleeve Hawaiian tribal tattoo is very well done. the tattoo artist clearly knows how to make tribal tattoos stand out as a form of modern body art.
7. the hula dancer tattoo
hula dancing is a Polynesian folk dance popular among Hawaiians. We can’t think of a better ode to Hawaiian culture than this beautiful and colorful hula dancer tattoo.
8. the Hawaiian god tattoo (lono)
lono is the Hawaiian deity of music and peace. this lono tattoo is an amazing representation of the Hawaiian culture of worship and tribal life.
9. the Hawaiian animal tattoo
Polynesians and Hawaiians loved to paint their bodies with ink from native flora and fauna. This small but aesthetic tattoo of a snake is perfect for lovers of wildlife.
10. ohana tattoo
ohana means “family” in the Hawaiian language. Many people write this word to themselves to show their love for their family and pay tribute to them in the form of body art.
11. hawaiian gang tattoos
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Hawaiian tribal tattoos look wonderful as armbands or leg bands on women. This band tattoo features a black tribal design that looks great on the calf.
12. hawaiian black ink tattoo
If you want to go for the original Hawaiian-style tattoo, stick with an all-black tribal design like the one above for the classic Polynesian aesthetic.
13. crab tattoo
Crab tattoos are very popular in Hawaiian culture, as the state has coastlines where crabs abound. This geometric crab pattern looks great and is symbolic of sea adventures.
14. hawaiian flower tattoo
This floral tattoo looks extremely elegant and can be sported on the ankle, forearm, neck, or upper back.
15. hawaiian swirl tattoo
Hawaiian tattoos have lots of triangles and geometric shapes, making this spiral tattoo design stand out from the rest. the design represents the waves of the sea in an intricate pattern.
16. hawaiian map tattoo
If you love Hawaii and want a tattoo that pays homage to its rich heritage, get the outline of the Hawaiian Islands on your hand.
17. honu’s impressive tattoo
honu refers to the Hawaiian green sea turtle that represents unity, faith, good luck, and wisdom. get a tattoo of this turtle for good fortune.
18. the fire shark
Sharks are considered powerful and sacred creatures in the Hawaiian culture. they also symbolize protection for the wearer.
19. Hawaiian gecko (lizard) tattoo
gecko or lizard tattoos are an integral part of Hawaiian tattoo art and symbolize good fortune, mobility and flexibility.
20. the fierce hawaiian dragon tattoo
Dragon tattoos are quite popular in tattoo art and are an equally important part of Hawaiian tribal tattoos. In Hawaiian culture, the dragon represents an important source of life.
21. the beautiful orchid tattoo
Orchids symbolize love, luxury, beauty and strength. This simple floral design looks elegant and classy.
22. Hawaiian tribal tattoo on the back
Hawaiian tribal tattoos look great on the back. this particular design has very delicate swirls and flows naturally down the back.
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23. tribal tattoo on the leg
This Hawaiian tattoo features tribal Polynesian swirl patterns and looks wonderful while being bold yet traditional.
24. Hawaiian tattoo on the back
a Polynesian shoulder tattoo with a mixture of ancient and modern elements looks wonderful. the flower at the front gives it a feminine yet edgy look.
25. Hawaiian tribal tattoo behind the ear
This small but attractive tribal neck tattoo starts behind the ears and goes down to the middle of the nape. the intricate and colorful design sets it apart from the rest.
If you look closely, many Hawaiian or Polynesian tattoos have a trope that is evident in all designs. Do you want to know the meaning behind those tattoo symbols? Read on to learn more about Hawaiian symbols and meanings.
the meanings behind Hawaiian tattoo symbols
- geckos: Geckos play an important role in Hawaiian culture. These lizards were considered sacred and the reincarnation of ancestral spirits.
- Sharks: Sharks represent protection, guidance, strength and ferocity. triangular patterns in Hawaiian tattoo designs often represent shark teeth.
- tiki: tiki refers to the depiction of various Hawaiian deities, each representing values particulars of life. there are various deities like lono, kane, namaka, papa, etc. that appear in tribal tattoo designs.
- shells: In ancient times, shells were used as a form of currency. they are also symbols of prosperity and abundance in Polynesian culture.
- sea turtles: honu, green sea turtles are important creatures. Honu designs are used in tattoos to symbolize long life and fertility. they also represent the idea of united families.
- orchids: orchids are colorful and exotic flowers that are native to the island of hawaii. free-spirited people opt for orchid tattoos as they represent beauty, luxury and love.
- anthurium: anthurium is a red flower that symbolizes hospitality , kindness and friendship. . This popular floral design is often seen in Hawaiian flower tattoos.
- Hibiscus: As the state flower, the hibiscus often appears in traditional Hawaiian tattoos. symbolizes beauty and also summer (when it blooms).
- hula dancers: hula is the traditional folk dance of hawaii, and hula dancers are part of the rich heritage culture of hawaii they are seen with hibiscus flowers around their necks and a flower crown on their heads.
- leis: A leis is a garland or crown of flowers worn by Hawaiians. symbolizes affection, honor and friendship between two people.
- volcanoes: volcanoes are a symbol of the local deity, pele, known as the goddess of fire and the volcano and creator of the Hawaiian Islands.
frequently asked questions
What do the triangles mean in Hawaiian tattoos?
A single triangle in Hawaiian tattoos represents shark teeth. the stacked triangles represent a spear signifying both life and death.
is it illegal to get a tattoo behind the ear in hawaii?
yes. Getting a tattoo behind the ear or on the eyelid in Hawaii is illegal unless supervised by a licensed physician.
what is the legal age to get a tattoo in hawaii?
The legal age to get a tattoo in Hawaii without parental consent is 18.
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