I made some calls trying to find a tattoo artist, preferably a female. Laura was amongst the first to communicate. I am staying at a hostel in Pūpūkea. I wanted a tattoo representing my travels to the North Shore and my new, baby granddaughter. When I entered Monarch Tattoo Mikey and Laura were there setting up for the day. They are both direct and about the business (if you want silly characters, go to Disneyland). Don't let the professionalism fool you. They are lovely. Laura is a talented artist with a Master's degree to back it up. She is extremely talented. We changed the design because SHE found legitimate flaws in the photo I provided. We decided on color and size. I LOVE MY TATTOO. It's my 5th tattoo and my husband said it's my best and his favorite. Excellent line work. Beautiful original design. I wanted super happy and cute. Laura delivered and then some. Advice: Laura is a serious artist and my only criticism (actually a compliment) is that she has a tough demeanor. Tell her what you want and be decisive, but listen to her suggestions because she's a master. "Weak men, fear strong women" She ain't weak. Love you, Laura Services Color ink tattoos Requested style Cartoon sea turtle Cleanliness Very clean Stylist Laura read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - My green sea turtle - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

I live in Cali and been waiting for some time to go to Monarch to get a cover up and finally decided to get it on my birthday. Laura was my artist and she is awesome and down to earth! She made the whole process easy. You will not be disappointed with Monarch-great vibes, professional, and Laura and her husband Mike have a beautiful shop next to local food trucks/stores and beautiful views by the beach. Very happy customer here and I will be back! Thank you so much Laura! read more

I highly recommend Monarch Tattoo while visiting Oahu, if you're looking for an amazing tattoo experience and an artist that takes extreme pride in his work. With my family being polynesian and from Hawai'i, I wanted to make sure this trip was unforgettable and deeply meaningful. Sharing this experience with my wife and it being her first time on Island. I would like to send a huge shout it and mahalo to Mikey for creating this unforgettable and deeply meaningful experience. We'll definitely be revisiting Monarch Tattoo on our next trip out to the island. Me Ka Mahalo, Joe Guerra read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Maholo, Bruddah Mikey and huge Cheehooo...!!!! - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Stopped by last night to get a tattoo while on vacation and they got us right in and drew out exactly what we wanted! Definitely worth going back on our next trip! read more

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This shop is absolutely amazing. Mikey and his wife are the real deal. He stayed open past his closing time on a Sunday to hook up my wife and I with a tattoo on the last day of our vacation. If and when we are back in the area we will absolutely stop by and see Mikey again. One of the best tattoo shops I've been in (and I've been in a few). read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Had the best experience at Monarch! (Looked online like everyone else) Made my appointment about a month before my vacation. Called when I got to the island to confirm and spoke with Mikey, the artist doing my piece, my confidence increased hearing his chill vibe on the phone. Upon arrival I was greeted by the shop pup Shaba! Mikey had my art drafted and it was perfect! Our conversation was calm yet insightful, an all around great experience was had! I now have my Honu ....and a reason to return to Hauula! Mahalo Mikey and crew y'all were amazing. read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - My Honu - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

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Amazing work done by Laura at Monarch Tattoo! Absolutely LOVE the new art. Appreciate her time, focus, dedication and detail. The shop is clean, everyone is friendly and I felt so welcomed and comfortable throughout the process. Definitely coming back for more work in the future! Go check them out!! read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

I did a good amount of research before coming to the islands for vacation/work. I have been wanting this tattoo for at least 5 years, and Mike's talent is unmatched. His patience, creativity, and ability to communicate thru ink is impeccable. His ability to add dimension to the tattoo and bring to live the vision of this work is incredible. I will be back and would send any family member/friend to Monarch Tattoo. Mahalo Mike, Laura, and Aika for your hospitality. read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Mad Skills by Mike - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Was on the island for only a few days and decided last minute to try and get a tattoo. Requested an appointment through the website and fortunately Mike was able take me. I can not be happier with the work I had done. Mike is a true artist. He puts thought into his work and takes his time. The shop is clean and they took all safety precautions. Can't wait to come back to the island and get another one from Mine. read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Great shop and great artists! My family went during our vacation and all three artists were amazingly talented and great to work with on all of our different tattoos! Definitely will go back next time we're ok the island! read more

Awesome experience!! I was on vacation and sent a request to get a tattoo and Mikey responded super quick and was able to fit me in before I left. I sent a picture over of what I was thinking and he tweaked it perfectly to make it individualized. It looks amazing, awesome shop and Mikey did a great job on the tattoo!! I would recommend this place to anyone on the Island looking for a tattoo!! read more

On vacation, wife and I riding motorcycles to North Shore. I saw the shop, thought we might see if they had time to do a couple commemorative pieces for us. There's a sign on the door that says "By Appointment Only." Thought I'd chance it and see if we might get in. I enter and see they are busy with a couple folks. Two artists, both are doing ink. One of them gets me. "Hey there." "Hi," I say. "I know the sign says 'by appointment only' bu I thought I might see if you could do a drop in. But you guys look busy." Terse response from one of the artists: "Yeah, that's why it says 'by appointment only." A little more rude small talk convinces me I don't want these guys doing my ink. They explain they're from New York. Ah - that explains it. Don't look for Aloha here. Just straight up, east coast lack of civility. From what I can see the ink is also mediocre - generic tribal stuff, flowers, butterflies. I would not recommend this place. These are the kind of people I come to Hawaii to fuggett abowt. Hard pass. read more

I heard good things about monarch tattoo till I went here with my gf to see if I could get a touch up and possibly turn a existing tattoo into a sleeve because my artist moved off island and he told me he doesn't want to go over others work which is understandable but what made me mad was my gf was looking a Mikey's portfolio and saw something she really liked and want to show her mom the tattoo as reference of what she wants so she could come back a tattoo from Mikey but as soon as she pulled out her phone Mikey and another artist proceeded to shame her saying that they are custom and not for copy and paste and that if she like the art then get a tattoo don't take others ideas and once me and my gf got Into the car she began to cry he could have simply said hey please don't take pics of the art work if you would like we can draw something up for you but he chose not to. As someone who is from north shore I highly DO NOT recommend coming here looking for aloha... as it's seems they brought over their attitude from New York! read more

Customer service is 100. I came here randomly with my friend to get a finger tattoo. I showed the tattoo artist (Mike) what I wanted and rather than taking my money he was honest and told me finger tattoos don't last. I really appreciated his honesty and great customer service even though I didn't end up getting a tattoo. If I ever get a tattoo I will definitely come back to Mike. read more

Laura was amazing! I told her what I was thinking but gave her free rain to pretty much do whatever she thought.

Could not be more happy. Wife and kids came to celebrate our 15yr wedding anniversary. With only a couple days left we noticed a tattoo shop next to where we were staying. Took a shot and messaged them to see if there were any openings. Mike immediately contacted me and said they were unfortunately booked and offered an alternate date but we'd be gone by then. He messaged shortly after and said he could see me same day. Needless to say I took it. Super professional and friendly. This tattoo holds special meaning to me and represents so much. Thank you Mike for making our trip even more special. read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Mikey did my tattoo today and I couldn't be happier with the turnout! This tattoo is so sentimental for me and he really listened as I changed my tattoo idea the day of. The shop is so clean and even though there's COVID everything was heavily sterilized and masks were used by all in the shop. No guests are allowed at this time. I can't wait to come back and get my next piece by him! Highly recommend to come here for your tattoo! read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

I began investigating in tattoo studios a few weeks before arriving on the island. Initially I corresponded with Aaron (believe he is co-owner) regarding my desire to get a Polynesian tattoo but unfortunately he wasn't going to be able to do my tattoo. He quickly put me in contact with Rick Coito who is also at the studio and boy am I glad he did. Rick did an amazing job. He took his time with my tattoo and the detail he put into the tattoo was simply brilliant. If you are coming to Oahu for work or pleasure and are thinking of getting in the chair for some ink, make sure it's Rick's. You will be glad you did. Thanks for the awesome work Rick. rickcoito.com Rkcoito.tattoos.com@gmail.com read more

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Came to Monarch to get my second tattoo. Mike did a fantastic job. Very professional and spotless studio. All fantastic artists. I will be back!!! read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

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Could not be happier with our results. Mikey was able to get me my wife, son, and myself all on relatively short notice. We all 3 wanted a Honu (sea turtle) to commemorate are vacation. He was able to fit all 3 of us on the same day due to a last minute change. His apprentice did my wife's and absolutely killed it. My son and I both went with Polynesian style and the results are excellent. 100% recommended. Remember to book in advance far ahead. It was an unlikely chain of events that got us all in on the same day. read more

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I gave Mikey free range for my 1st tattoo and he exceeded my expectation, I walked out with exactly what I wanted. Monarch studio is clean, safe and very professional. read more

I have nothing but great things to say about this entire shop. Booked Laura for my 1st ever tattoo after seeing her work,I went with some larger lily flowers on my forearm and they came out more beautiful than I could've ever expected. Everyone in the shop was professional, easy to talk to and Laura made me feel very comfortable with the entire process as id never done this before. Such a good environment with great people working there, i look forward to getting my next tattoo here. They did the damn thing and I couldn't be happier! read more

Wrong fill in on tattoo done (opposite of drawing). Not centered. Not sure if the haole guy was drunk or high when he tattooed me but lines look shakey and who fills in the opposite of what was pictured?!! Charged me $400 for 1 hr of actual tattooing for a design I created that was mostly lines and very little ink fill. Not very skilled imo. Maybe da wahine better but idk I wouldn't trust read more

HIGLY RECOMMEND! Had the pleasure of getting tattooed by Aika! Shes super sweet and does amazing work. I really loved the detail she put in to make my small tattoo to make it pop! If you are on the north shore and looking to get a tattoo, I'd recommend monarch tattoo! read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Highly recommend Monarch Tattoo for your next tattoo. This shop is a stones throw from the Polynesian cultural center and should not be overlooked. I walked in for a consultation and met with Laura. I gave her a reference and what and why I wanted my tattoo and she ran with it. I couldn't be more stoked with the end product. The atmosphere of the shop was great, with Aaron and Mike hanging out with engaging conversation while Laura was tattooing. I will absolutely go back for any more tattoos I get while living here. read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Polynesian Ram's Head. - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Aaron Kia is a professional with passion. He did a wonderful job on my tattoo that he sketched right on my leg. He is personable and friendly. He didn't bullshit and promised a beautiful tattoo that he 100% provided. If you're looking for the best, you found him. Thanks again to Monarch Tattoo and Aaron Kia for a great experience on Oahu! read more

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After 7ish years of planning and waiting to get a tattoo, I finally decided to take the plunge! One thing I knew for sure was that rather than get the cliche Hawaiian Island Chain tattooed on my body like everyone else, I was going to get 'ōhia lehua flowers to symbolize my home - Hawai'i Island. Now, if you've ever even thought about getting this flower, you'll know that literally NO ONE knows how to do them justice. Usually, 'ōhia lehua tattoos look like little twigs with some curved red lines at the top, when the blossoms actually look very full. After doing my research, I stumbled upon Laura from Monarch Tattoo Studio's work and I immediately knew she was the one! I messaged her on Yelp and Instagram, since I was unsure how to get a hold of her to figure out what I had to do... She messaged me back very quickly, telling me exactly what it was I needed to do. 1. Consult, in-person (No appointment necessary) Since my boyfriend and I are up on the North Shore every day, we went up to Hau'ula that weekend and I got to meet with Laura. I told her what I envisioned and how I wanted to get it on the back of my neck. Seeing how tan I am, she advised me to go with a different spot that's not as exposed to the sun, so that the work would last longer and look just as nice! I trusted her judgement, set up my appointment, put down a $60 deposit. When I went in to get the work done about two weeks later, Laura was very accommodating and kind. It was my first tattoo AND a large one at that. Through the entire process, she made sure that I was doing okay and told me every step of the way what she was doing - i.e., working on the outline, coloring in the outline, starting with the color. After 3 hours, I wanted to stop because I felt like I was going to pass out! She happily obliged and we wrapped up. My second session was exactly the same. She (along with everyone in the shop) made me feel very comfortable. We jumped right into it and 3.5 hours later, we were done. Again, she was very accommodating and made sure that I was doing okay the entire time. It helped because she would give me these little pep talks (at least that's what I like to call them) that really helped my psyche, in turn helping me to NOT PASS OUT. Laura is AMAZING. She absolutely killed it with my tattoo, from the 'ōhia blossoms to the freehanded tribals, everything was absolutely PERFECT. I got only positive comments on my tattoo and most of the people who saw it have even said, "It's the nicest tattoo I've ever seen in my life, and I mean that." MAHALO LAURA and Monarch Tattoo Studio for all the aloha and for sharing your talent! read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Laura did such a great job on executing my tattoo. I couldn't be happier! - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Incredible work and experience at Monarch ! Mikey did my tattoo and I'm obsessed! His line work is perfect! Highly recommend this studio. Great atmosphere. read more

It's all about the artist... Find the best ARTIST to be highly pleased with the results.... I took awhile to find the right words to express how amazing and glad I am to have  had the great pleasure of working with Rick Coito and the artists at Monarch Tattoo. To be completely honest, I discovered Monarch by accident. I was heading to Oahu for vacation and decided I wanted to add to a Polynesian leg tattoo. I was looking for the best artist and made arrangements with another shop. They had me text some info but never replied. I got to the island and started looking again and saw Laura Naylor's work. It had the most creative artistry (the best tattoos are all about the artist) I have seen. I checked her out and found she has a MFA (Masters Fine Art). YES! I found her shop and dropped in. She was booked but recommended Rick. He has a portfolio of work on the counter that is equally fine quality art. Getting inked is a huge decision. I am always a "think it over" and "I need to see the final result" person. I have always been a #TeamStencil guy. Rick is an artist and runs with #TeamFreehand. Conflict. But it's about the artist. Looking at his work and meeting him I really felt I could trust him to do right. So I am all in. I was still undecided about placement or design so I showed him a couple pictures of what I thought I might like and let him have at it. We decided to extend the original hip to knee piece down to my ankle. Rick started drawing on me and twenty minutes later all I could say is OH MY GOODNESS! He connected my previous mostly good piece and made a great work. I was on a time restriction and he had my entire piece done in 4.5 hours. Attitude: Very Friendly Talent level: Fine Artist Experienced: Yes Recommended: Definitely Availability: Very fortunate to get him on walk in basis Sterile technique: medical quality Rate: Beyond fair for quality of work One other detail: many tattoo people are unable to do standout work on black skin. He was direct in telling me some of my ideas for fine detail would not look good on my skin tone. BIG THANKS for NOT being politically correct and speaking truth. My only problem: I now need an excuse to get back to Oahu to do an arm sleeve or go full body. Guess I'm hooked now. So now I have fired #TeamStencil and signed a long term deal with #TeamFreehand read more

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Myself and some close friend-family (our chosen ohana) were visiting Oahu and staying nearby in Punalu'u. We decided to take a lasting souvenir home with us in the form of a tattoo we'd all share. Laura listened intently to all of us while we talked and worked out what we'd be interested in having as a tattoo - we decided on a bat in flight with Polynesian motif - to commemorate our love of bats and the place where we were visiting - the culture we felt lucky enough to get a sense of during our visit. The house we rented backed right up to the Sacred Falls trail - and we could feel the intense energy of that place. After our visit, the next day Laura phoned and said she had our tattoo ready for us to look at - we loved it at first sight! We didn't ask for any changes in size, shape or style - she nailed it perfectly. The day before we left we all got our tattoos with the help of Mike working a second gun (Thank you Mike!). One of us even had horrible pain during the tattoo - Mike was a champ and helped her get through it and was able to complete the tattoo. Since arriving home a couple of our local ohana in Portland have said they want to have the bat as well - thanks to Laura saving the design we can make that happen. For the 5 of us who got this tattoo, it was the first tattoo for only one of us. We also felt the the ending price of our tattoo was very reasonable and about on par with what we'd expect. Seriously, this shop has incredible work coming out of it - I'm so glad we took a chance and looked up the shop's work online - a hidden little gem in the country on Ohau. read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - My bat tattoo on my arm and one on my friend's leg. - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

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If you are looking for a clean, friendly, professional atmosphere and some great tattoo artist this where you need to go. Me and my wife got our tattoos on our honeymoon and we booked in advance and monarch got back I. Touch with us right away and got details of what we wanted and booked our appointment in advance before we ever made it to Hawaii. Mike took our idea of what we wanted and put his ideas with it and we got exactly what we wanted and more and also really good pricing compared to a lot of places we checked out. So stay on the north side of the island it's very peaceful with beautiful beaches and your favorite tattoo artist is right there at monarch. ALOHA and Mahalo to all of you. read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

I'm so obsessed with my new tattoo! My sister and I came in for 'matching' plumerias to commemorate our trip to the island together. The tattoos were drawn freehand on our body, and the artists really personalized them to each of us so while they are the same flower it is not the same tattoo. Mike and Aaron were fun and professional and the shop is clean. When I come back to O'ahu this is my shop! read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

Amazing experience. It was my first time getting a tattoo and Mikey walked me through it. He went above and beyond with what I had pictured in my head. Very happy! Once it's healed I'll try and update with a pic! read more

I came in a few days ago to get some work done. I put down 100$ for the deposit and came in the next day. The shop was very clean and the artists were so nice, making the experience way more enjoyable. Aaron was an amazing arartist who worked on me, and he did an amazing job, and he worked with me to figure out exactly what I wanted. I couldn't be happier with the results and I will definitely be back! read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Monarch tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

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In response to Laura's comment , I was not belligerent your other employees at the time and customers in the shop that day saw exactly how I was treated. There were witness so I would advise you not to lie. How contradicting can you be you claim to have offered suggestions yet also state and admit you did not want to do anything to correct the situation as your excuse was " I did not want to make you unhappy "... yet you were the face to face with a broken hearted customer because of coarse this is anyone seeking a tattoo biggest fear , it coming out wrong , badly , not what they wanted ect. As for you stuck on my coming back twice and trying to make it sound as if it isn't normal for people to take more then one day to complete a tattoo is absurd. It is really unfortunate to see you have not changed one bit, I never threatened anything and I left your store crying ( tears down someone face is not belligerent) because I was attacked by your little boyfriend when it wasn't even needed for type of hostility. All I literally said to warrant his actions were " you dont need to be rude " so who really was the belligerent one here ?? I have struggled with anxiety attacks from this experience, it's been over 3 years and to find your new comment is really disappointing. read more

I had this hideous tattoo done 10 years ago. Had attempted to laser remove it several times and it never really disappeared. So I started searching for an artist. After talking with several artist. I found some of Laura's work and fell in love. She made me trust that she could cover it up. Without a doubt. After 2 sessions I feel like " Stella got her groove back" and I am head over heals happy with my tattoo. I honestly would choose this tattoo even without it being a coverup. The shop is so clean and the staff are all so personable. When I'm ready for my next, I'm definitely going back to Monarch. read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

I was in Hawaii for a week and wanted to get my first tattoo! I found Monarch Tattoo Studio that was 5 min away from my Airbnb. I walked in a day before to check price and see if they can do my drawn idea. Mike was super awesome and sweet! He booked me for an appointment the very next day and was the artist who did it. He did an amazing job and gave me the best first experience I could've asked for! Definitely going back to him when I come to visit the island again! read more

Monarch Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Hauula, Hawaii

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I came in to check out the shop while on vacation. Very clean. Professional. Friendly. Aaron did his best to accommodate my minimal availability. His work is beautiful and my session went pretty quickly! Extremely happy with my piece. All artists seem to have great portfolios in this shop! Highly recommend this place versus your "pick me and stick em" shops. True artists create designs for you! Custom shops are the best! read more

I'd been thinking about having my first tattoo for a while. Being relaxed on the island, I decided finally to do it. I looked on the monarch website and saw some fabulously beautiful tattoos. I called to see when would be a good time to come in and got a less than warm response. It seemed like Laura had no interest in whether I came in or not. Nonetheless, I went in the next day to talk to her. Unbelievably, she was even ruder in person. She kind of grunted at me and wasn't really interested in helping me. She tried to pass me off to another artist but I had come in for her work. So I left and wrote this review. This is not a good place for first timers. Maybe a locals only place? I would not recommend this place for newbies or anyone who cares about being in a safe and welcoming environment. read more

My wife has been wanting a certain tattoo for a while, incorporating Hawaiian flowers and we decided we'd find an artist on the islands during our next visit. GREAT DECISION! We did some research and found Laura at Monarch, and it seemed a perfect fit. She was very helpful during the consultation, gave some great ideas to help fill in the concept, then just starting drawing on my wife's ankle with a Sharpie... Less than 3 hours later we are walking out with a WONDERFUL piece of art on my wife's foot and ankle. It's everything and MORE than we imagined. GREAT work, totally reasonable price, and the shop is immaculate. We seriously couldn't be happier. Now we are left to think about what the next one's going to be next time we are on Oahu. Probably my turn next.... read more