Hawaiian tribal tattoos offer a creative way to express yourself and connect with Hawaii’s culture and heritage. They can also empower you spiritually and allow for personal expression. These tattoos often incorporate images of nature and the sea, with definite symbolic meanings.
Honu
Honu, the sacred Hawaiian green sea turtle, symbolizes unity, faith, good luck, and wisdom. They are known for their navigation skills and are essential in tropical ecosystems. According to ancient Hawaiian stories, Honu represents deities transforming into turtles to interact with humans, and they are also seen as protectors of children. Getting a honu tattoo is a great way to show your admiration for Hawaii and showcase your style.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are commonly seen in Hawaiian tribal tattoos and represent beauty, prosperity, love, fertility, and nature’s connection to the ocean. Before getting a tattoo, it is essential to understand the symbolism behind the hibiscus flower to choose a design that genuinely expresses yourself. Each hue of the hibiscus flower carries different meanings, such as red symbolizing strong love and yellow representing friendship and happiness.
Kakau Shark
The Kakau Shark is an iconic Polynesian tribal tattoo with deep cultural significance. It represents power, royalty, and good luck. In the past, getting a Kakau tattoo was a painful process involving cutting the skin and filling it with soot and ash from kukui trees. Hawaiian warriors and chiefs often adorned themselves with Kakau tattoos to showcase strength, courage, and heritage.
Sea Turtle
Polynesians see sea turtles as symbols of peace and long life, while Hawaiians believe they guide deceased loved ones to their final destinations. Sea turtles have hard shells that protect them from predators, symbolizing long-term protection. Ancient Hawaiian tattoo designs frequently featured sea turtles as symbols of health, fertility, and longevity, often accompanied by other symbols like honu (bird), hibiscus (flower), and kaka dolphins.
