Hawaiian Tattoo Meanings

In ancient times, the art of tattooing was referred to as ‘kakau’ in Hawaii. Originally done only in black ink, tattooing was a practice that marked religious devotion and passage into adulthood. Since enduring the tattoo needle can be painful, the act symbolized toughness and bravery. Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of Hawaiian tattoo meanings. Read on, and discover some of the liveliest tattoo designs in existence!

Anthurium Tattoo Design:

this red flower symbolizes hospitality, kindness, and friendship as a tattoo design.

Gecko Tattoo Design:

believed to have supernatural powers, the gecko is a special Hawaiian tattoo design. Usually portrayed in a simple, black geometric style, the gecko is a foreboding symbol of illness and bad fortune.

Hibiscus Flower Tattoo Design:

this flower is the quintessential symbol of Hawaiian women. This tattoo design is also associated with summertime and fun.

Hula Dancers Tattoo Design:

these dancing, ukulele-playing women are an iconic Hawaiian tattoo symbol. They represent a form of dance that’s unique to Hawaiian culture.

Orchids Tattoo Design:

popular in Hawaii, these flower tattoo designs are symbols of love, beauty, and luxury.

Sea Turtle Tattoo Design:

due to their exceptionally long lifespan, sea turtles have come to represent long life and fertility as tattoo designs.

Sharks Tattoo Design:

these fierce sea creatures are a strong symbol of protection. Shark designs are believed to bring protection to the wearer.

Shells Tattoo Design:

thousands of years ago, shells were a form of currency. Due to their historical purpose, they have come to symbolize prosperity and wealth as tattoo designs.

Tiki Tattoo Design:

a mythical ancestor who is remembered as ‘the first human being,’ Tiki is a popular Hawaiian tattoo. Tiki was said to have the power to anticipate danger.

Volcanoes Tattoo Design:

as an island made up of 5 volcanoes, these eruptive natural formations are a central symbol of Hawaiian life. A volcano tattoo can represent a nostalgic connection to the island.

The flora and fauna of Hawaii play a large role in the culture. Life on a tropical island is a life spent outside, and this special connection to nature really shows in Hawaiian tattoos.

Check out our growing list of amazing tattoo designs and their meanings.