These significant symbols are created intricately or can be designed very simply, using only a few lines. This comes down to the owner’s tastes. A simple design might work better for those who want a subtle tattoo, though that tat could hold significant meaning. Others might want a more detailed Hawaiian tattoo that has multiple images and two or more colors.

Traditionally, the tattoos of the Native Hawaiians were done in black only but color has been added to the images in modern times, particularly those of beautiful flowers. Even though each Hawaiian tattoo has a meaning, the flowers can add even more. They can be flowers that are only found in one place in Hawaii, or they could just be flowers that have their own meanings. This is one example of a Hawaiian tattoo holding multiple meanings, making it more unique to the individual.

Hawaiian Tattoo Placement

Because the Polynesian style is so prevalent in Hawaiian body art, there are some rules or beliefs on where these should be placed. It plays and important role and the placement can impact the meaning of the tattoo.

Human beings are said to be the children or descendants of Papa, which is Earth, and Rangi, which is heaven. These two forces were once united and it is the humans quest to reunite these two forces according to Polynesian lore. The top part of the body is connected to heaven and the spirit world while the bottom half of your body is connected to the Earth and the world.

The head is a point of contact where is Rangi is reached. This is represented by traits of knowledge, intuition, spirituality and wisdom

The upper trunk area from the chest down to the navel has traits of reconciliation, sincerity, honor and generosity. It is right in the middle of Papa and Rangi and in order for there to be harmony, there should be balance between these two areas.