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Best Tattoo Shops in Honolulu

2023

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Website
53-534 Kamehameha Highway, Hauula, HI 96717
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Monarch Tattoo is a Hauula-based custom tattoo studio that serves the Honolulu area. It is founded by two artists, Laura and Mike Naylor, who create custom designs for clients. They also work on Polynesian tattoos which are drawn freehand, and they also provide clients with suggestions based on the designs they are requesting. The professionals accommodate same-day appointments. Former clients describe Monarch Tattoo's studio as clean and relaxing. Furthermore, its team is commended for being patient, accommodating, professional, and talented.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (85)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (59)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (46)

Website
47-46 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

808 Tattoo is a tattoo studio operating in Hawaii for more than 15 years. The studio has gained a reputation in the industry over the years, and clients from near and far places get their tattoos from the Kaneohe-based shop. It is composed of artists with varying styles that allow clients to have a range of design choices. 808 Tattoo was a recipient of the Star Adviser’s People’s Choice award and Honolulu Pulse’s Best Tattoo Parlor of the Year award.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1909 Ala Wai Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96815
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Tattoolicious is a tattoo studio that started in 2000 and caters to residents of Honolulu. It offers both traditional and customized options, with artists discussing design ideas and coloring before each session. This includes photorealistic portraits, large animal designs, floral images, and black-and-white tribal designs. Aside from its permanent staff of artists, Tattoolicious also hosts guest artists for limited sessions. The company primarily sets appointments for its customers, but it also allows walk-in sessions. Its past clients have praised the artists for being their talent, patience, and kindness.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (177)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
841 McCully Street, Honolulu, HI 96826
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Rockstar Tattoo & Piercing has been offering body art services to the people of Honolulu and the rest of the Greater Waikiki area since 1999. Its professional tattoo artists can take on a wide array of styles, such as colorwork, black and gray realism, and watercolor. The shop also offers body piercing services and offers body jewelry. For the health and safety of customers, the staff of Rockstar Tattoo & Piercing are certified and adhere to strict sterilization practices.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (79)
Google
4.9 / 5 (60)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (44)

Website
434 Ena Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

434 Tattoo is a tattoo studio based in Honolulu. It takes on a wide range of tattoo styles and techniques, such as traditional Japanese Tebori, traditional American, colorwork, and tribal. It also offers hand-poked piercings, as well as temporary henna tattoos. It has been in business since 2003. 434 Tattoo’s owner and senior artist, Adam Siehr, is a member of the Alliance of Professional Tattoo artists and was once featured in the Oahu Gold Magazine.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (87)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (40)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (39)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
655 Ke’eaumoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Located in Honolulu, Bespoke Tattoos focuses on providing one-of-a-kind, tailor-made tattoos that suit each client. Founded in 2011, the studio offers body piercing and tattoo services including cleaning and cover-ups. Bespoke Tattoos' artists largely cater to freehand techniques to execute styles such as Polynesian, Americana, Asian, and realism or portraiture. The studio also supports nonprofits, hosts art shows, and participates in tattoo conventions in Hawaii. Former customers have praised Bespoke Tattoos' clean environment and friendly atmosphere.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (53)

Website
1001 Waimanu Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Chopstick Tattoo Hawaii is a tattoo shop that serves clients in Honolulu. Its team is composed of six tattoo artists. Matt Cox specializes in custom tattoo designs that range from black and gray to color. Matte Hanson, meanwhile, has been tattooing since 2015 and draws inspiration from the occult when creating blackwork tattoos. Se Yeon "Christina" Choi, who was born in South Korea, prefers black and grey tattoos and works on neo Asian and anime designs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1750 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96826
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Soul Signature Tattoo opened its doors in Honolulu in 2004. Sua Suluape Toeutu'u Aisea, Joel Albanez, and Lucky Olelo are the studio's founders, each with creative specialties and more than a decade of experience in the business. Their team of artists is similarly inspired by different cultures and has been tattooing for years. They work on a multitude of styles, such as new tribal, contemporary Asian, Polynesian, Japanese, and American traditional designs. They accommodate consultations, appointments, and walk-ins.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (259)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (101)
Google
4.9 / 5 (99)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1407 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96805
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1999, Smiling Devil has built its good reputation for quality tattoos and piercings in Honolulu. Its expert services include custom tattoos by appointments and a range of piercing services including ear, body, and facial piercings. With its professional service and comfortable atmosphere, Smiling Devil has developed a loyal customer base within the local community and good standing with travelers to the island. The shop has supported local artists and musicians and participated in local community events.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (63)
Google
4.6 / 5 (14)

Website
1831 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96815
  • Body Art
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1992, Sacred Art Tattoo is a custom tattoo and piercing studio located in Honolulu. Offering a wide variety of different tattoo designs and piercing options, they also frequently host guests artists and offer microdermal and various body piercings. They welcome both walk-ins and appointments and offer discounts to military personnel, groups, and kama’aina. Customers have frequently commented on their warm, professional, and clean atmosphere.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (263)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (120)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2146 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Electric Paradise Tattoo Waikiki is a tattoo shop located at the heart of Waikiki and has been serving the Honolulu clientele since 2008. It specializes in fine-line, neo-traditional, script lettering, watercolor, and Polynesian design tattoos. The shop can work with clients to create custom tattoos as well. Electric Paradise prides itself in its aseptic techniques, ensuring tattoos are clean and equipment is sterilized. Aside from being a tattoo specialist, it also provides body piercing services and has a professional, in-house piercer.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (90)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (52)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    A tattoo is body art that leaves permanent designs or pictures on the skin. They're applied via needle by depositing ink onto the second layer of skin. While the first tattoos were applied manually with a single needle that was first saturated in ink, today's tattoos are done by a machine. These machines feature multiple needles that pierce the skin simultaneously, speeding up the process and creating tattoos that are more visually appealing.

    Tattoos are usually done in licensed tattoo shops. These shops adhere to health and cleaning standards and are typically regulated by state and municipal governments. While tattoos are generally safe, there are associated risks, including skin infections. Any person getting a tattoo is legally required to be at least 18 years of age. It's also inadvisable for anyone who isn't in good health to get a tattoo, as the body requires time and energy to heal and prevent infection.

  • What should you know before getting your first tattoo?

    Before getting tattooed, it's important to think about design and placement. A tattoo is a permanent fixture on the body, and it's important not to rush into things. You should also consider the artist's background and take time to look into their portfolio to ensure their style best suits the tattoo you want.

  • What are some examples of tattoo styles?

    There are many types of tattoo styles, and it's important for a person to familiarize themselves with them before they select a design. Styles include:

    • Americana: Bold lines, vivid colors
    • Japanese: Large images that cover the back, arms, and legs
    • Black and Grey: Colorless grayscale designs
    • Stick-n-Poke: Thick, bold, black lines and small designs
    • Blackwork: Bold black lines and larger geometric shapes

  • Is tipping expected & how much to tip on your tattoo?

    While most tattoo artists don't expect tips, it's often appreciated. If you're happy with the work your tattoo artist has done, consider tipping between 15% and 25%. If the tattoo requires multiple sessions, a flat amount per session is appropriate.

  • What are some basic tattoo aftercare tips?

    It's important to follow all aftercare directions provided by the tattoo artist. Usually, artists will advise clients to ensure that tattoos are kept clean and dry. After showering, the tattoo should be gently patted dry and treated with Vaseline or another tattoo aftercare product.

  • What are the best practices for healing a tattoo?

    After removing the dressing, it's important to keep the tattoo clean, dry, and uncovered. Applying Vaseline or another recommended ointment can help to speed up the healing process. As they heal, tattoos can sometimes itch, but it's vital that you don't scratch or pick at it.

  • What are the most and least painful places to get a tattoo?

    Parts of the body that have the most nerve endings are generally the most painful to have tattooed. That includes the head, ears, and face. Places that don't have a lot of fat, such as the fingers, shoulder blades, and feet, are typically more painful. The least painful parts of the body to get tattooed include the outer arm, buttocks, and thighs.