How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo in Waikiki
Tim Goodrich • September 2, 2025
By Sailor Jerry (ghost in the machine).
So you finally walked into the best tattoo shop near me — maybe you found us by searching tattoo shops in Hilton, or you stumbled into the Rainbow Bazaar Waikiki on your vacation. Maybe you came in for a Hawaii tattoo sleeve, or maybe just a little souvenir ink after typing good walk in tattoo shops near me into your phone. Either way, now you’ve got a fresh piece of art carved into your hide.
Let me make this plain: I don’t follow you around with your tattoo telling you how to take care of it. Once you walk out of here, it’s your responsibility. If you want it to heal right, listen up.
Step 1: Respect the Bandage
Your artist wrapped your new tattoo for a reason. Don’t go ripping it off in the elevator at the Hilton. Leave it on for the recommended time — usually a few hours. That’s your tattoo’s first shield against Waikiki grit, sand, and hotel pool germs.
Step 2: Wash It Like a Human
When it’s time, wash gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. None of this harsh scrubbing nonsense. Treat it like you’d treat your grandma’s crystal glassware. A clean tattoo is a quality tattoo.
Step 3: Keep It Moist, Not Soaked
Apply a thin layer of ointment or fragrance-free lotion. Not a gob. Your skin needs to breathe. Think of it like oiling a good machine — just enough to keep it running smooth.
Step 4: Keep Out of the Waikiki Sun
Yeah, I know — you came here for the beach. But if you blast your brand new ink in the Hawaiian sun, you’ll cook it like a cheap steak. Cover it up, keep it shaded. Your tattoo consultation near me wasn’t free — protect the investment.
Step 5: No Picking, No Swimming
Your tattoo is not a scab buffet. Don’t pick, don’t scratch. And keep out of the hotel pool, Waikiki surf, and hot tubs until it’s healed. Saltwater, chlorine, and fresh wounds are a recipe for regret.
Step 6: Own Your Healing
Here’s the truth: you are responsible for its healing. We gave you a masterpiece. Whether you walked in asking for the nearest tattoo parlor, the best tattoo studio near me, or searched “tattoo places open near me,” we delivered. Don’t ruin it because you couldn’t follow directions.
Step 7: No Sex For One Year.
Final Word, No
At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki, we’ve got the top rated tattoo artists in Hawaii. From Polynesian tattoos near me, to realism tattoo artists near me, to cover-ups that hide the past, we do it all. But your part? That’s the aftercare.
If you want your ink to last as long as the stories Sailor Jerry tattoos still tell today, take care of it. Respect the art. Respect yourself.
Because the tattoo will heal — but how it heals is up to you.
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.
About the Author
Tim Goodrich
Founder Aloha Tattoo
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.
When it comes to Disney characters that embody the spirit of Hawaii, Lilo and Stitch are in a league of their own. Created by Walt Disney Animation Studios and set on the island of Kauai, this iconic duo has become a worldwide favorite. With hundreds of thousands of pieces of Stitch merchandise sold through Amazon, Walmart, and official Disney stores, it’s no surprise that fans want to take their love one step further — with a permanent, custom Lilo & Stitch tattoo. At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki, located in the prestigious Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort in Honolulu, we specialize in bringing Disney’s Hawaiian icons to life through ink. Whether you’re visiting Oahu on vacation, stationed on the island with the military, or a local celebrating your roots, there’s no better way to remember “ʻOhana means family” than with a Stitch tattoo that you’ll cherish forever. Why Choose a Lilo & Stitch Tattoo in Waikiki? Cultural Connection – Lilo & Stitch symbolize Hawaii’s warm spirit, Ohana, and resilience. Getting this tattoo in Waikiki means connecting directly with the place where the story was born. Vacation Souvenir That Lasts Forever – Instead of another T-shirt or mug, you’ll leave Hawaii with artwork on your skin — an unforgettable keepsake. Expert Artists at Aloha Tattoo – Our team can tattoo Stitch, Lilo, Scrump, or full tropical scenes with flowers, surfboards, and Hawaiian landscapes. From fine line pieces to bold, colorful works, we do it all. Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Why We’re #1 ⭐ We are the first and only tattoo shop inside a Hilton resort property worldwide. ⭐ Over 7,900 verified five-star Google reviews make us the top-rated tattoo studio in Waikiki and all of Hawaii. ⭐ Our artists are Disney tattoo experts, capable of drawing Stitch tattoos from memory and creating one-of-a-kind designs. ⭐ We make tattoos accessible with financing options through Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay — so you can enjoy your tattoo today and pay later. Located inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village – Diamond Head Tower and Rainbow Bazaar, we are just steps away from Waikiki Beach. Many visitors walk in spontaneously while on vacation, and others book ahead to ensure they leave Hawaii with the tattoo of their dreams. Tattoo Financing – Make Your Disney Tattoo Affordable Larger tattoos — such as full-color Stitch sleeves, Hawaiian tropical back pieces, or detailed family-themed tattoos — take time and investment. At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki, you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. With our partners Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay, you can: Get approved for tattoos from $300 up to $30,000. Pay in manageable installments. Leave Hawaii with a masterpiece, even if you didn’t plan for it in your budget. This makes us the only Waikiki tattoo shop offering financing on Disney tattoos — a game-changer for vacationers and military personnel. Book Your Lilo & Stitch Tattoo in Waikiki If you’re visiting the Hilton Hawaiian Village or anywhere in Waikiki, come see why Aloha Tattoo is known as the best tattoo shop in Waikiki. Our talented team is ready to design your perfect Disney tattoo. Whether it’s Stitch surfing a wave, Lilo dancing hula, or a subtle fine line reminder of ʻOhana, we’ll make sure your tattoo is as magical as your trip to Hawaii. 👉 Don’t leave your Disney dreams behind — make them permanent at Aloha Tattoo Waikiki.
You’ve worked hard, maybe treated yourself to a new car, new clothes, or even a dream trip to Hawaii. But here’s the thing—why roll around in style if you’re still walking around with an old, unwanted tattoo from years ago? At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower , located inside the iconic Hilton Hawaiian Village , we specialize in cover-up tattoos in Waikiki that erase bad ink and replace it with world-class designs. Whether you’re a visitor looking for the perfect souvenir from Hawaii, stationed on Oahu with the military, or a local ready for an upgrade, we’ll make sure your tattoo is something you can wear with pride. Why People in Waikiki Choose a Cover-Up Tattoo A great tattoo can boost your confidence, improve how you see yourself, and change the way others see you. A bad tattoo has the opposite effect—it can be a daily reminder of a mistake, a past you’ve outgrown, or simply bad workmanship. At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki , our artists have mastered the tattoo cover-up process . We take tattoos you don’t want and transform them into beautiful, custom designs you’ll be proud to show off on Waikiki Beach, at a luau, or anywhere else life takes you. Whether your old tattoo is: Faded and outdated Poorly executed by another artist A design you no longer connect with Something that never should have been there in the first place …we can make it disappear. What Makes Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower Different? There’s no shortage of tattoo shops in Waikiki , but we’ve built our reputation as the best tattoo shop in Waikiki by delivering unmatched cover-up results. Here’s why we stand out: 1. Master Cover-Up Artists Our team includes some of the top cover-up tattoo artists in Hawaii , each with years of experience creating seamless, professional transformations. 2. Custom, Client-Focused Design We don’t just cover the old tattoo—we design something you’ll love for life, built around your personal style, skin tone, and placement. 3. Location, Location, Location We’re inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village , steps away from Waikiki Beach. Whether you’re staying at the resort or nearby, you can get your tattoo done in a clean, professional studio known worldwide. 4. Payment Plans That Make It Easy We offer tattoo payment plans in Waikiki through Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay. Start your tattoo today, pay later. No credit check, no stress. The Cover-Up Tattoo Process at Aloha Tattoo Waikiki Here’s how we take your old tattoo and turn it into something you’ll love: Step 1 – Free Consultation Bring your unwanted tattoo to us. We’ll examine the size, color, and placement, then talk about the styles and ideas you’d like for your new piece. Step 2 – Custom Design Our artist creates a custom design that completely hides your old tattoo while incorporating your vision. Step 3 – Precision Tattooing We apply your new tattoo using professional techniques, advanced shading, and expert color placement so the old ink disappears. Step 4 – Aftercare Support We guide you through healing to ensure your tattoo stays vibrant for years to come. Why Waikiki Tourists Love Our Tattoo Shop If you’re visiting Hawaii, getting a tattoo in Waikiki is a one-of-a-kind experience. Here’s why travelers book with us: Convenience – Located in the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort, we’re close to hotels, shopping, and restaurants. Memorable Souvenir – Forget the T-shirt—take home a tattoo that lasts forever. Trusted Quality – With 5-star reviews and decades of combined experience, we’re the shop vacationers trust. Payment Flexibility – Vacation budgets can be tight. Our payment plans let you get your dream tattoo now and spread out the cost. Military Clients – Why Service Members Choose Aloha Tattoo Stationed on Oahu? We’ve worked with thousands of service members from Schofield Barracks , Wheeler Army Airfield , Pearl Harbor , and Marine Corps Base Hawaii . Military clients choose us because: We understand military schedules and time constraints. We offer large-scale work and detailed custom designs. We make it affordable with military tattoo payment plans . Before & After – The Power of a Professional Cover-Up Before: Old, faded tattoo with uneven lines and poor color saturation. After: Vibrant, perfectly shaded design that matches your style today. Our before-and-after results speak for themselves. Every cover-up we do is built to last—and designed so no one will ever know what was underneath. Tattoo Payment Plans – No Excuse to Wait Why put off your cover-up when you could start today? At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower , we make it easy with: Klarna – Flexible installments Affirm – No hidden fees Afterpay – Pay over time with no credit check You get your new tattoo now, and pay for it later while enjoying it every day. Visit Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower Today Whether you’re replacing old ink, upgrading your look, or getting your first tattoo, there’s no better place in Hawaii to do it. 📍 Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki, Oahu 💡 Specialty: Tattoo Cover-Ups, Custom Tattoos, Polynesian, Japanese, Traditional, Fine Line 💳 Payment Options: Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay Why We’re #1 for Tattoo Cover-Ups in Waikiki Best location in Waikiki for convenience and visibility. Award-winning artists with decades of experience. High sanitation standards and professional atmosphere. SEO-proof online presence so clients find us first. Don’t let old ink hold you back. Visit Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower today and see why we’re the top-rated destination for cover-up tattoos in Waikiki . Upgrade your tattoo. Upgrade your confidence. Upgrade your life.
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.
Discover authentic Hawaiian & Polynesian tattoos in Waikiki by master artists at Aloha Tattoo, Hilton Hawaiian Village. Meet the artists & explore their styles.
Guest artist Eder Neroz brings bold realism to Aloha Tattoo Waikiki, Aug 11–29. Book now for world-class ink in paradise at the best tattoo shop in Hawaii.
Explore 100+ tattoo flash designs at Aloha Tattoo Waikiki—traditional, Polynesian, Japanese & more online now.
Guest artist YUDEL brings ultra-detailed black & grey realism tattoos to Aloha Tattoo Waikiki, July 21–24. Book your appointment now!
Experience bold tattoo artistry in Waikiki! Guest artist Ricky Pantera inks custom designs at Aloha Tattoo, July 20–30, Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Browse Hawaiian tattoo flash designs and book your tattoo flash in Waikiki. Walk-ins welcome. Top tattoo studio Hawaii with the best artists.
Well… I was there. I ain’t one for tall tales or temple stories, but I saw it with my own two eyes—right out past the rice terraces where the bamboo grows thick, where the mountain wind howls like it’s got a score to settle. They said the Tiger was comin’ down from the hills. A real brute. Golden eyes, jaws like a vice. Called himself king of beasts. He was fast, proud, and mean. Meaner than a snake in a wheelbarrow. And the Ox? He wasn’t fast. He wasn’t flashy. Just stood there in the field, hooves sunk in the mud, eyes like stone. Carried the world on his back every day and never asked for applause. But that Tiger wanted something. Wanted the respect the Ox had… the kind you can’t steal — only earn. The sun was high. The villagers scattered. The earth trembled with every step the Tiger took. He roared loud enough to make the birds fall outta the trees. The Ox didn’t flinch. Tiger circled him, lips curled back. He lunged. Claws out. Fast as lightning. But the Ox… he didn’t even bother with speed. Just lowered his head, turned his body, and took the hit like a stone wall. Then he shifted… slow, steady… and drove his horns right into the Tiger’s ribs. The Tiger shrieked. Blood in his teeth. He went again, three more times, each time faster, slashing, biting. The Ox? Never blinked. He bled, sure. But he stood taller. Then came the finish. Ox planted one hoof square in the center of that striped chest and drove the Tiger to the dirt. Hard. Final. He didn’t gloat. He didn’t roar. He just stood over the broken beast, steam rising off his back, breath calm as a monk’s prayer. I lit a smoke, spat in the dust, and said: “That… is why strength without pride always wins.” You don’t mess with a creature that suffers every day and shows up anyway. That Tiger never came back. And the Ox? Still out there. Still plowin’. This tiger never actually showed up. It sent others to suffer its inevitable fate. The OX always shows up.
