"I'm wearing short sleeves, I don't want to expose my tattoos." -Jerry Seinfeld Well now I DO wanna wear short sleeves to let my new honu peek out a bit! Been wanting to get a honu ink'd to remind me of where I came from... where home really is. Everytime I go back, I run out of time or just didn't want to give up the beach day. This time the whole fam was IN... when I explained my design concept, both my wife and daughter wanted their own version, still honu themed. da Scene: Determined to get this done done during the 16 day visit back home on Oahu, I did my research early and narrowed it down to 3 spots initially. After some dm's, email exchanges and finally some voice calls, it was Lai @ Tattoo Hawaii who I connected with most, so we scheduled an in-person consult and then our sessions, with 2 days left on our trip - only lost 1 beach day (it was a perfect one too). da Service: Every contact before our session was courteous and replied to promptly. I did have to be insistent on Lai doing our work, even if it meant spanning multiple days. His work on social media and Yelp! most connected with me. At our consult he explained how he would approach my design concept and adapt it to my wife and daughter. Lai was confident he could get us all done in one afternoon/evening session. The shop is tucked away on the 2nd floor of a little building on the corner of Kapiolani and Piikoi... parking is a challenge, so arrive early to wait out a spot. The shop is comfortable and can accommodate 3-4 artists working, with friends looking on in support. da Work: Kai was up 1st as hers would be the least complicated. She went with 3 petroglyph style honu, each about 3.5" diameter, ink'd fairly heavy - vertically on her upper arm, pretty classic design. She has several tattoos already and was surprised that Lai didn't work with a stencil... he simply free-handed the design with several pens, directly on your body. He's a very cool, confident cat, laid back and within minutes has you chatting it up like you went to high school together. I went next as my wife wanted to see how mine's worked out to help solidify her concept. Lai drew a honu/dragon/shark tooth design on my upper arm and I said "go for it". 2.5 hours later I was stunned at the fine details he added to the shark's teeth encircling the honu shell, as well as tribal accents in the honu, while incorporating the dragon profile. It really was satisfying to see my concept executed closely, while adding style and depth, bringing it to life. Carla was last up and really wanted to stick close to what I had done... just smaller and wanted the dragon to "pop" more. As you can see, Lai nailed it... however subtle, the dragon does appear more prominent on her piece. da Wrap: Really happy all-around, already thinking about how to add to it, maybe add color, grow it further down my arm, how to add to the story. It's a very personal thing and I really suggest you take your time to research and find the right artist. I'm confident that you'll find the right one at Tattoo Hawaii. We were there most of the day and saw several folks and artists' work, there was actually one guy there the whole time getting a large whole body piece worked on with a manual tattoo tool, that's an investment! HUGE shout out to Lai for making our sessions so enjoyable and comfortable... When he found out it was my and my wife's 1st work, he said he was honored to be 1st... such a humble guy, great disposition. We'll see you soon brother! read more

See all

Many things have changed since my 2018 visit so the information in this review can stay relevant. I visited last week for a fairly large piece and Lai took care of it like he did with my two other ones. When you arrive remember to fill out the paperwork provided. This could probably be streamlined if it were made available online. Regardless, you can reach out to the shop via social media or even the shop's webpage too. We took multiple breaks on my last visit. What started out as a request for a pueo turned into a session to catch up since pre-pandemic and get back in the chair. Lai free handed the entire piece. I wanted a poly style piece with Lai's style and that's what I got. Very much appreciated for attention to detail. Reach out to the shop via social media and if you want specifics like cost and time, you better be specific about your request too. (i.e. size, color, design, etc). There are so many shops on Oahu and Tattoo Hawaii was the only one that gave me an accurate cost and time frame, not to mention some awesome conversation. Highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyed! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Wanted a quick tattoo and they were very responsive-- got the tattoo that night and have been loving it ever since!! Lai was super funny and constantly made sure I was happy with the art and placement. Thank you tons ! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I've been crying for about 24 hours now. I wanted a octopus across my lower back to cover up a 15 year old tribal tat (picture included). Searched for a while to find one I liked. I came in with the top picture. "I want this octopus but in blues and purple." When I was asked if I had a specific octopus in mind, even though I'd already I showed the one I wanted, I should have left. I should have. I didn't. That was stupid and it's 100% my fault. When the first line went in, I knew it was going to be much larger than I wanted - I mentioned that. I should have left. I didn't. That was stupid and it's 100% my fault. I paid the money and will pay the price of carrying a large tattoo I don't like. What I wanted was the top picture but in blue and purple. What I ended up with, five hours after coming in, is the second picture. read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo I wanted covered up. - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

After having many compliments on my first tattoo on my lower leg by Lai, I had to see him to get the upper part completed. He has amazing skills integrating the tattoos. I appreciate his artistic eye in rendering all the elements I wanted. Thank you, Lai, for making these dream pieces come alive!! read more

See all

My Mrs and I decide to get a piece each right before we go back to the mainland. Lai did the wife piece, and I got Nick. They both were great. Draw up stencils base on our ideas and was done quickly. They both adjusted the stencils after the first draft and edited in new ideas amazingly quick. Nick was very intuitive and draw up my stencil better I thought it would be in my head (awesome). We would definitely come back to this shop if Lai n Nick is still around. read more

See all

I gotta start by saying that Lai is one badass tattooer. I am shocked that on a walk-in you can get such a high quality tattoo. I'm fairly new to this, so I needed some guidance. I shared my budget with Lai and he was not pushy or reluctant because it wasn't a sleeve or a$1000 tattoo. He created something that we can build on down the road. Lai was very personable and professional, easy to get along with and chill af. I will for sure go back to Lai to get this piece more flare, but he put together some masterful work for the what we did get done with this session. Thanks Lai! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First timer chiming in. Went with Artist Haru. 11/10 would share a beer with. Called the shop to get an idea of the how, when, and what details. Very friendly and informative through out the whole process. Showed him the design, supportive of choice, asked about the how details I wanted to later put .jpg to stencil to skin. Inking day and it was not as bad as I thought. Lining up the stencil with size and orientation was spot on. I was comfortable and nervous but brother man eased any apprehensions I had before and during the process. The shop itself is clean and bright. Places for your entourage to sit and observe you cry gang signs with your face as that sweet needle makes love to your epidermis. I'll be going back to him after this heals so I can allow him to make me more pretty. read more

Second time coming to this tattoo shop and am still in love with their work. Originally, I asked for Dave since he did my first tattoo. Apparently, he is in happy retirement ! Peggy recommended Lai, and he did such a fantastic job !! He took his time and patience with me in deciding the final touches to the tattoo I wanted. He really wanted to make sure that I was happy with placement and the length of the tattoo. He didn't rush and kept me calm during the process. Thank you, Lai !! You are the best !! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Simple, but I love it ! - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I decided on a whim to get a tattoo and read great reviews about Tattoo Hawai'i. Lai was my tattoo artist and was a hella cool and a chill guy!! I have several tattoos already and hands down, Lai has a light hand and did a great free hand hibiscus! To sum it all up: - great conversation - good laughs - minimal discomfort or pain - great tattoo - reasonably priced I highly recommend Lai and Tattoo Hawai'i. Thanks Lai!! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Amazing free hand hibiscus - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I just finished getting my calf tattooed by Lai and I can't describe in words what an amazing experience this has been. I got more than 10 tattooes but the one I got today beats all the ones I have. Lai did my whole calf in less than 4 hours which is incredible. I would highly suggest Tattoo Hawaii to anyone that comes here, and thank you again Lai for the amazing job. Will post a better picture once the tattoo is healed. read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Polynesian tribal with manta ray, turtle, dolphin. - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First time here for a piercing and I had a GREAT experience! I did walk-in instead of booking an appointment and got greeted immediately. I said I wanted to get a conch piercing and all I had to do was fill out the waiver form. My piercer today was Suki! She was super chill, sweet and friendly. I told her I wanted to change out two of my cartilage piercings because the studs from Ink Pit Tattoo were causing issues (tugging on everything, hard finding jewelry that fits, didn't heal fully after 2 years). She gave me interesting feedback and apologized for the issues that I dealt with. She was more than happy to assist me with that! Long story short, she changed out my cartilage piercings and pierced my conch. Very thorough and efficient! She made sure to mark the placement for the conch piercing and felt my ear before piercing. I would 100000% recommend her and Tattoo Hawaii! I tipped her extra cause she was that great haha ^^ As for COVID matters, they thoroughly wiped and sanitized their stations or any surface that may have been touched. All employees wore masks properly. Regardless of COVID, you can tell it's a clean place! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - conch piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

PIERCINGS REVIEW --- I got my conch and rook done by Kelsey on Dec 2019 and got my doube helix done by her as well on Aug 2020. She is very easy to talk to and is a really good piercer, she make sure you like the placement before she pierce it. Additionally, she will also tell you every steps that she is doing so you don't get nervous. (My rook is still in its healing process, so kinda swollen) Pictures are taken Sep 2020 As for the pricing, this shop does runs on the more expensive side, but you pay for what you get. $30 for each lobe, $40 for each cartilage. I believe they take card as well, i usually pay cash. The studio is very clean, it gives off a very nice atmosphere when your are there. Parking is in the back. It is free a certain time of the day, but you can put a dollar in the pay box if anything. Overall, I RECOMMEND THIS PLACE IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR EARS PIERCE!!!! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Rook piercing by Kelsey pierced on DEC 2019 pic taken on SEP 2020 Still in the healing process $40 - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Decided at the last minute to get a tattoo before flying back home. They accommodated me with no problem at all. Lai did a WONDERFUL job with my plumeria tattoo. Will definitely be coming back for another one. Lai and Suki are amazing! The nicest people for sure! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Literally called in 2-3hrs. ahead to check the status on whether or not they do reservations or walk-in and was instructed to make way after an hour and a half and let me tell you! Great service, price and atmosphere. Great attitudes from the staff and definitely patient with their clients. Definitely will be back for another tattoo on my next visit and will definitely make this a GO TO SPOT when in need of an tattoo with myself, family and friends. Near Waikiki and has its own parking in the back of their business. Mon-Fri is a price for parking so we luckily came Sunday where it was free. The tattoo parlor is on the second floor, it's pretty easy to spot at the corner. You may have to wait a bit, but luckily there are businesses below it if you are thirst or hungry. Besides all of that, love the service this facility provides. read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Yelp reviews definitely helped me choose this shop! We came in as walk-ins and were helped right away. It was mine and my boyfriends first time in Hawaii and we wanted a little art before we left. Nick was amazing! He has a light hand and the experience was great! He was very personable and even gave us some island history. The best thing was we still made our flight lol we will definitely be back during our next trip! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Island tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Got a small script tattoo. Originally scheduled at 7, but I asked to come in earlier which was nicely accommodated. Nick was my tattoo artist. He was very calm and patient. I felt comfortable and the end result was perfect. I have 0 complaints and 100% recommend Nick and this shop for your next tattoo :) read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Thank you Nick! - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Have gotten two tattoos here and both appts were made the same day. Lai and his staff are very talented and friendly and flexible. Great work and would definitely come here to get more tattoos! read more

Originally I went to for an appointment with NICK * for a leg piece. Nick gave me excellent customer service and gave me a good experience. I was even able to squeeze my wife's tattoo in and we appreciate tattoo Hawaii on their hospitality and professionalism courtesy of its owner. Thank you Tattoo Hawaii read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

While in Oahu, we decided to do family tattoos. Tattoo Hawaii did a great job! They were a great group to hang with for a few hours! Funny and very nice! read more

See all

I came in twice to get simple lobe piercings. Sorry I know this is long. To preface, I really don't mean to complain or bring anyone down. I would just like to voice to others my concerns about informed consent and how to improve. The first time, I had a woman and she was great. She made sure to ask me questions and reassured me of everything. I had no problems, didn't even bleed, and the piercings came out even. However, I just hadn't worn my earrings so they healed and I came back to get them repierced. This time, a man did my piercings. It already seemed suspicious when he didn't explain what he was doing and just started (no communication). He also didn't seem to be measuring and just guessed the placement which was different than my experience here before. He was really struggling/fumbling and I gave him the benefit of the doubt because he kept apologizing. After a long time of about 10 minutes (which at this point I should have stopped him earlier but felt too uncomfortable doing so since no one was around) he has tried and failed to pierce one lobe ~four times~. I was in pain and bleeding. He told me that he was actually a tattoo artist and not a piercer. I think this was important information that should have been disclosed in the beginning for me to be able to consent to someone without the proper training to pierce my ears. In the end, I didn't need to pay. I just left with bleeding, unpierced ears, honestly feeling quite embarrassed. He couldn't even really own up to his mistake of not admitting to not being a piercer and just offered a discount for a tattoo from him (which I declined because if I can't trust him to pierce my ears why would I trust him with a tattoo?). Then he just recommended other places for me to get my ear pierced (which I couldn't even do because he had injured my ear so badly I need to let them heal before I got them repierced again). read more

Kelsey is a beast!! I got 8 ear piercings (5 helixes, a tragus, rook, and daith) and she did my double helixes at the SAME TIME and I had no idea. One of the guys there said "there's... 2... needles in your ear right now" and I said "what???" lol the whole process took about 2.5 hours and I had so much fun just talking the whole time. i think by the end they were tired of me talking lmao but the whole shop was friendly and it was such an amazing experience!! i'm definitely going back again for some more lobe piercings in the future! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

My tattoo was created by Lai. He was superb. I gave him a general concept of what I wanted and he drew it by hand. Upon finishing I was blown away. He gave me his email and phone number if I had any questions since this is my first tattoo and I was nervous on what to do after the tattoo was finished. His professional manner and style before my appointment, during my tattooing, and especially his after care availability for questions is exceptional. I will ONLY see him for future tattoos or retouching from this point on. The price was phenomenal. It's a custom creation, half sleeve, shoulder, and half right pectoral for 65% the cost of other places. This experience, my FIRST tattoo which is the most important for anyone, was simply AMAZING in all regards. read more

See all

For the longest time, I wanted to get a helix piercing and after much research, my friend and I came to Tattoo Hawaii. Located in the same complex as Ichiriki, this tattoo establishment came well recommended. Our piercer was Satsuki who was so cool and chill! She had some new pieces of jewelry (including really cute gold pieces) which were really cute and I couldn't resist! For standard piercings, I believe it was ~$60, but if you want a gold jewelry it was an additional $15. The entire process went smoothly. We filled out consent forms and Suki took us to the back where piercings are done. Everything was sanitized and COVID precautions were well-followed. Suki also has such a relaxed demeanor which made the experience less nerve-wracking. Something I'd like to emphasize is how approachable she is, even after our encounter. Unfortunately, my piercing got infected (completely a fault of my own), however I was still able to reach out to her via IG and she was more than willing to help me out. The after-encounter interactions is what really sets a business apart for me and I'd highly recommend anyone to get their piercings with Satsuki. Parking: There is a small lot behind the building. I think we paid $1 for the hour which is all you really need! read more

Lai was very helpful to getting my first session done on my leg sleeve. I will need to return to him to get my second session done. Needless to say he was very friendly and detail oriented to picking designs for me. Thanks. read more

Got my first tattoo here and it came out perfect. Nick was incredible and did such a great job. Very professional and talented! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Sea turtles - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Lai and the rest of the shop is AWESOME! My sisters and I came to tattoo Hawaii for a tattoo! Lai did an amazing job on all three of us. I got a little light headed and queasy and the staff was so helpful, kind and professional!!!! I felt so safe and clean at tattoo Hawaii ! We love our tattoos !!!! Thanks tattoo Hawaii for making us feel so comfortable. read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Beautiful tattoo !! - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I had gotten a helix piercing by Peggy a couple of years ago, which was great. With the semester over I thought I'd treat myself to a few new piercings and since I was going to be in the area, I thought I'd stop by Tattoo Hawaii. I called to ask if the piercer was in, to which the man on the phone replied that Kelsey was in today. I've never been pierced by her, but I knew it was a good shop, so I made my way down. Kelsey is literally so sweet, I wouldn't even had been able to tell that she had only been piercing for about a year. Letting me & helping me choose my jewelry to begin with was great since some shops don't even give you the option. She made it a very comfortable experience and made relatable conversation. She took her time on my tragus which I appreciated because she really wanted that precision :-) Seriously so happy with my new conch, tragus, and second lobe! Thank you, Kelsey! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - New conch, tragus, second lobe piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Went in for two tattoos today with Nick since it's Friday the 13th. He did my first simple line tattoos back in August 2021, too. As soon as I got to the shop, Nick was there to welcome me along with one of the either girls in their shop. He made sure that I was satisfied with the size and placements. Super awesome service. I don't have many tattoos, especially not intricate ones, but for the few simple ones i've done, i've gone to Nick and loved the end result! read more

See all

First of all, Mahalo Lai! I had my tattoo before I left the beautiful F'n island of Oahu! Lai the owner of Tattoo Hawaii Studios nailed it 1000% I'll be back in the summer for my astronaut and Milky Way tatts bro! Mahalo! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Lai's masterpiece! - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

I came in for a tattoo with Nick. While I sent some inspo pics, had a couple loose ideas, he brought it all together. Absolutely ~love~ this lil forearm banger and will for sure be back, Thank you Nick! :) read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I wanted to take a second to thank Lai and his whole team. I was visiting Hawaii and I wanted to get a tattoo to remember the trip. I did a lot of research on studios in the area and decided to go with Tattoo Hawaii. We had no trouble getting an appointment and a few of us walked into the studio and were welcomed by his team. They were all warm and thoughtful which I think goes a long way when you are about to get some work done. He went through each of our requests with care and worked with us to get what we wanted. He checked in throughout the process to make sure we were comfortable. I think the most important sign of a great artist is the healing after. Ive had many tattoos now at this point and the sign of a great artist is how you scab/heal. The larger and deeper the scabs the more likely the ink will fall off with it. Lai had a feather touch and there is light scabbing meaning he didn't jab his needle deep into the skin to cause large scabs! Awesome job and thank you again for the experience! read more

The best place to get ink on the island. Nick was our artist and took great care of me and my girlfriend. During our consultation, he was very patient listening to our ideas and created a unique design to tell our story for us -- will be back in the future. Thank you for our Māori ta moko, bro! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Māori Wave - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Customer service was awesome, shop was very clean and sanitize . Prices are great. Artist Nik made sure I was comfortable and was satisfied with his wrk he explained how to care for my tattoo and the healing process . It was a amazing experience and I can't wait to go back and get another tattoo. read more

Kelsey was my piercer and was amazing! I was actually looking forward to get pierced by Peggy but was not in at the time. Although Kelsey was trained by Peggy. I got my nose pierced. I explained to Kelsey that I haven't gotten any other piercings done except my first holes on my ears. She was so excited to be apart of my second piercing. She was very patient and knowledgeable when it came to placement and best starter jewelry. Very personable and sweet! Thank you! Pro tip: usually they say 1 month is enough to swap out a nose piercing. But Kelsey advised me 2 months and I'm so glad I did it! It healed better and felt more comfortable when I swapped out my post for a ring. 2 months jewelry swap: I was able to get my jewelry swapped out by Peggy! She is just as kind and rad as everyone said on Yelp. Very knowledgeable. I wanted my new hoop to sit more snug, Peggy advised that I kept the hoop how it is and to come back in a month. This would make sure the hole would heal nice and clean to prevent the hole from becoming a slit. It is healing nicely and I'm looking forward to going back soon! Jewelry: Bought a 14k gold hoop from the shop. I was debating on different hoops/materials. Peggy was great at helping me pick the best on for my lifestyle and aesthetic! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Ring was bought at the shop for $20 real 14k gold! Peggy was great when it came to answering my questions on which jewelry to get. - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I've been here two times and both times were THE BEST. My first time was a few years ago, where I decided to get an industrial piercing by Peggy. She knew exactly what she was doing and have been doing this for decades, she also has such a great personality. My second time was about a month ago when my friends and I decided to get some new tattoos. I got a tattoo from Ramon, whose been in business for years and his work is so clean I'd never wanna go to someone else on island. He was very interacting and I always say it's dope to see a tattoo artist get as excited as you are to get a tattoo. I plan to go in sometime this month and work on finishing my tattoo and adding some things in. Overall highly recommend this place, it's a hole in the wall. read more

See all

It only took me 49 years but I finally got my first tattoo. I couldn't have walked into a better place. The artist was knowledgeable, and very patient with me, I only had a general idea of what I wanted and he brought my idea to life with his artwork and design. I admire his approach to his craft as well as his technique. If I ever get another tattoo I will be getting it done at Tattoo Hawaii. read more

This review is for Peggy--one word: awesome! Came here for a piercing with a gf and al though they were super busy, she and the staff acknowledged us and said they'd be right with us (numerous times.) We filled out a pretty concise release/medical hx form and Peggy made sure to go over any that were checked with a "yes." The room that piercings are done in is cozy but clean. Peggy again reassured me and made me feel at ease with my questions and hesitations (I usually get ink vs piercings.) The actual process was pretty quick, pain"less" and sterile. It's a little on the pricier side but def worth it. So happy with my piercing and my piercer, Peggy! read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Partial studio - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place was clean and the staff here was very friendly & professional. My husband has been wanting a Shaka tattoo forever and knew before we left Hawaii he needed to get it done here. He chose this place for the good reviews and we are glad he did! The owners are so nice and he did an amazing job on his tattoo! Since we've returned home he gets so many compliments and it healed nicely. They also recommended we check out the Mai Tai Bar nearby and we loved it! Thank you for the ink, Mahalo! read more

We called in ahead of time to see if we could get an appt for that day. We went in yesterday with a friend to get our tattoos done. When we got there, Peggy was very nice and was patiently helping us decide what we were going to get as our tattoo. They were very accommodating and nice. We got Dave to do our tattoo. He was very nice and funny. This would be my third time getting a tattoo with Dave. Couple years ago, I got an arrow and a quote on my elbow and he did a good job of it too. My tattoo was originally wrong, as I wasn't paying attention to the lettering before we started and when I called them to say it was wrong letter, they told us to come back to get it fixed. Thankfully it was just two letters that were easily fix and got it fixed before I head home. They are amazing and friendly and super nice. read more

Tattoo Hawaii - Fixed version of my tattoo. - Tattoo Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all