Sharks: Sharks are thought to bring protection to the wearer.A lizard tattoo is thought to bring good fortune to the person and deliver bad luck to his enemies. According to Polynesian culture, the lizard represents the gods and is believed to be able to observe man and talk to the gods about what he sees.

Lizard or Gecko: The lizard is a common symbol used in Hawaiian tattoos.These flowers may be found in whole or part in Hawaiian tattoos. Flowers: The hibiscus flower represents beauty, while the bird of paradise symbolizes magnificence and joy.The rainbow generally symbolizes connecting to the spirit world and seeking abundance in this lifetime. They represent the path Hawaiian gods travel to visit the earth, but are also thought to be a bridge the deceased must travel to reach heaven. Rainbows: Rainbows have a double meaning in the Hawaiian culture.The meaning of the turtle or shell varies according to the other portions of the tattoo. Portions of the shell are often included as part of larger tattoos, but the turtle may appear whole a well. Sea Turtles & Turtle Shells: The sea turtle represents a long life, fertility and peace.The Tiki tattoo may contain portions of Tiki’s features, such as his nose to symbolize sniffing out danger before it approaches. He contains supernatural powers and is typically used as a symbol of protection. Tiki: In Hawaiian culture Tiki represents a mythical ancestor of all humans.Some of the most common Hawaiian tattoos and their meanings are: They can often be found in tattoo parlors far removed from Hawaii, but generally carry the same meaning. Interest in the use of Hawaiian tattoos and their symbolism has grown in recent years. Today, both men and women get tattoos, but they are most commonly symbolic of the wearer’s beliefs, struggles or desires in life. Many had full body tattoos that told the story of their lives. However, it continued to be a way to express the important events in a man’s life.

Overtime, colored ink was introduced and the process became less painful. This ancient form a tattooing, called kakau, was painful and reserved mostly for men. Originally, Hawaiian tattoos were seen as a sign of bravery and power, as the first tattoos were created by cutting the design in the skin and filling it with a mixture of ash and soot which dried to a deep black.

Hawaiian okina symbol