Discover Authentic Hawaiian & Polynesian Tattoos in Waikiki – Aloha Tattoo’s Master Artists at Hilton Hawaiian Village

Tim Goodrich • August 6, 2025

If you're searching for the best tattoo shop in Waikiki, look no further than Aloha Tattoo at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We are proud to be home to Hawaiʻi’s most respected indigenous tattoo practitioners—masters of both traditional Hawaiian kakau tattooing and Polynesian tatau. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or a service member stationed on Oʻahu, our shops are your destination for authentic Hawaiian tattoosPolynesian sleeve tattoos, and walk-in tattoos near Waikiki Beach.


At Aloha Tattoo, we honor culture, lineage, and legacy through skin and ink. Meet our four extraordinary artists—Kaina from LahainaBamRoyce, and Gabi—all born and raised in Hawaiʻi, all steeped in the art of indigenous Polynesian tattooing.


🌺Kaina from Lahaina – Master of Hawaiian Tattoos 

Raised on Maui, Kaina brings his deep roots in Lahaina’s cultural traditions to the skin of every client he tattoos. A true master of Hawaiian tattoos and traditional kakau tattoo, Kaina uses symbols like honu (turtles)niho mano (shark teeth)kalo, and ʻohana glyphs to tell stories of ancestry, resilience, and aloha. His tattoos are more than ink—they’re visual chants that carry mana.


Kaina specializes in spiritual Hawaiian tattoos—bold, clean, and meaningful. Each line he pulls is deliberate, just like the ancestors did. Clients looking for authentic Hawaiian tribal tattoosocean wave tattoos, and symbolic Polynesian designs won’t find a better guide than Kaina. You can find him at both Aloha Tattoo locations inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village—Rainbow Bazaar and Diamond Head Tower.


🌀Bam – Master of Polynesian Tattoo Design 

Bam is a generational practitioner and revered for his custom Polynesian tattoo designs. He specializes in Polynesian full sleevesleg pieces, and back panels that fuse Samoan tatauMarquesan, and Hawaiian patterns. Each design is hand-drawn to fit the individual, incorporating ancestral protection motifs, spiritual enata symbols, and mana-infused tiki tattoos.


Clients often travel from around the world to receive a custom tatau design from Bam, who blends ancient meaning with clean modern execution. Whether you’re searching “Polynesian tattoo artist Hawaii” or “Hawaiian tribal tattoo near me,” Bam is the name to know.


🌊Royce – Local Boy, Global Talent 

Royce brings 20+ years of experience and is one of the most versatile artists in Waikiki. A local boy raised on Oʻahu, Royce is fluent in traditional Polynesian tattoo history, but can also execute modern interpretations of kakautribal shark tattoos, and ocean wave motifs that wrap around the body in powerful visual motion.


Whether you’re searching for a walk-in tattoo Waikiki, a custom sleeve Polynesian tattoo, or a symbolic turtle or spearhead piece, Royce delivers with skill, speed, and soul. He works at both of our Hilton Hawaiian Village locations and is known for his friendly demeanor and incredible storytelling through ink.


🌺Gabi – Fine Line Meets Ancestral Flow 

Gabi is both a leader and an innovator. As the crew manager of Aloha Tattoo’s Diamond Head Tower location, she blends fine line tattooing with deep-rooted Hawaiian symbolism, perfect for those seeking modern Polynesian tattoos with subtle meaning. She often incorporates kuleanamalama, and aloha ʻāina into her work, expressed in graceful patterns, floral accents, and kakau-inspired linearity.


She’s an expert in custom Polynesian tattoos for women, and her designs often speak to identity, femininity, and heritage. If you’re searching “tattoo shop near me in Waikiki” and want someone who can tell your story through clean, meaningful tattooing—Gabi is the one to book with.



  • Intricate tattoo with crown and cross details on arm by Aloha Tattoo.

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🏝 Why Aloha Tattoo is the Top Tattoo Studio in Waikiki 

With two convenient walk-in tattoo studios inside Hilton Hawaiian Village,  Aloha Tattoo is not just another tourist stop. We are home to the highest-rated Polynesian and Hawaiian tattoo artists in Honolulu. Our artists don’t copy and paste designs—they custom craft your story using traditional and modern symbolism. 


We specialize in: 


  • Hawaiian tattoos 
  • Polynesian tattoo designs 
  • Custom tatau 
  • Tiki tattoos 
  • Samoan Pe’a and Marquesan-style tribal sleeves 
  • Honu, shark, and ocean wave tattoo motifs 
  • Fine line cultural tattoos 
  • Spiritual Hawaiian tattoos with mana 


🌺Walk In. Get Tattooed. Carry Hawaiʻi With You. 

When people search for:

  • “Tattoo near me in Waikiki”
  • “Waikiki walk-in tattoo shop”
  • “Hawaiian tattoo artist Honolulu”
  • “Polynesian sleeve tattoo Hawaii”
  • “Best tattoo shop Hilton Hawaiian Village”


...they find Aloha Tattoo.  And when they walk in, they leave with more than a tattoo—they leave with a legacy.


Come see Kaina, Bam, Royce, or Gabi and take home a real piece of Hawaiʻi, tattooed by the people who live it, breathe it, and were born into it. Whether you're looking for traditional kakau, Polynesian tatau, or a modern spin on ancient designs—your journey starts here.


ALOHA TATTOO – Hilton Hawaiian Village 
🏝 Two Locations in Waikiki
🌊 Walk-ins Welcome Daily
🔱 Polynesian Tattoo Masters On Duty 


Welcome to Aloha Tattoo Company, a celebrated tattoo parlor on Oahu since 1990. With locations in Waikiki, Kailua, and Wahiawa, we've been a part of the community for over 30 years, tattooing generations of locals and visitors alike. Our studios, equipped with modern, hygienic equipment, are staffed by some of Hawaii's most talented and experienced artists. Whether you're seeking a custom tattoo, a piercing, or simply some inspiration, our team is ready to create a unique piece just for you. Visit Aloha Tattoo for a truly memorable and professional tattoo experience.

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About the Author

A man with a lot of tattoos on his arms is wearing a hat and a vans shirt.

Tim Goodrich

Founder Aloha Tattoo

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I'm Tim Goodrich, owner of Aloha Tattoo. My tattooing journey began in the Marines, where I first trained as an artist and developed a deep connection to the craft. After my service, I pursued professional tattooing, drawing on a blend of military discipline and diverse artistic influences. Today, my studios, including our prominent location in the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, offer a wide range of styles from traditional to black and grey tattoos. Each piece we create is more than just ink—it's a reflection of a lifelong dedication to the art, designed to resonate with everyone from Navy personnel to island visitors.

Hawaii inspired tattoo by Aloha Tattoo of hula girl playing an ukulele.
By Tim Goodrich August 7, 2025
Whether you’re stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH Kaneohe) , sailing in from Pearl Harbor, or living right here in beautiful Kailua , there’s one place you can count on for authentic traditional tattoos — Aloha Tattoo Kailua . Known for our bold lines, classic flash, and real-deal island style, we’re proud to be the most trusted tattoo shop on the windward side of Oʻahu . 🪖 Marines & Sailors Love Us—for Good Reason Marines and Sailors stationed on Oʻahu know where to go when it’s time to get inked. Aloha Tattoo Kailua is just minutes from base and serves hundreds of active-duty service members every year. Whether you're getting your first piece or adding to your collection, our artists specialize in American traditional tattoos , pin-up girl tattoos , Hawaiian hula girl tattoos , and classic Sailor Jerry-style tattoos —the kind of artwork that has always been part of military culture. Searching for: traditional tattoo Kailua pin up hula girl tattoo Hawaii MCBH tattoo shop near me best traditional tattoo shop Oahu tattoo shop near marine base Hawaii You’ll find Aloha Tattoo Kailua ranking high because we deliver exactly what you’re looking for: timeless art, military respect, and professional service. 🏝 Local Kailua Residents Know: This Is Where You Go We’re not just a tattoo shop near the base—we’re part of the Kailua community . Locals love our welcoming vibe, skilled artists, and ability to turn any idea into a clean, bold, custom tattoo . Whether it’s a traditional flash tattoo , a Hawaiian pinup girl , or a Polynesian tribal piece , we take pride in creating tattoos that honor culture, history, and style. If you’ve searched: tattoo shop near me in Kailua best tattoo artists Kailua Hawaiian traditional tattoo windward side Kailua tattoo walk-ins fine line tattoo Kailua You’re already seeing us in the results—and when you walk in the door, you’ll see why. 💳 Tattoo Now. Pay Later. We understand tattoos are an investment—and we want to make sure you can get the tattoo you really want without financial stress. That’s why we now offer flexible tattoo financing through Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay . You can: Start your tattoo with just $300 down Get approved for up to $30,000 in financing Split your payments into 4 interest-free installments or choose low monthly plans Apply with no hard credit pull Whether you’re planning a full sleeve , a large back piece , or a walk-in traditional hula girl tattoo , our payment partners make it easy to get started today and pay over time. 🎯 Why Aloha Tattoo Kailua? Located in the heart of Kailua town Walk-ins welcome daily Experts in Sailor Jerry tattoos , pin-up girls , bold Americana , and Polynesian art Trusted by Marines, Sailors, and locals alike Now offering tattoo financing with Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay. 🌊 Come Get a Tattoo That Means Something When you're looking for traditional tattoo shops near MCBH , or want a hula girl tattoo in Kailua that feels like a modern classic, come to the place that’s been keeping the windward side inked up for decades. Aloha Tattoo Kailua is where art, history, and local culture meet. Walk in or book now. Get your tattoo today. Pay later—with Aloha.
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