The lower trunk goes from the navel down to the thighs. This area of the human body is connected to courage, sexuality, procreation, life’s energy and independence. The thighs represent a strong marriage in particular while the stomach is the area of the body that is symbolically representation of the cutting of the umbilical cord.

In Polynesian society, independence is extremely valued but the idea of individualism is not as accepted. You should always be independent but family should always be a big part of life. This doesn’t just mean your immediate family but those all around you including your friends, neighbors and anyone that is close. They all play an important role.

The shoulders and upper arms are connected with bravery and strength and many warriors and chiefs will have tattoos there.

Hawaiian Flower Tattoo

The orchid and hibiscus flowers are both native to Hawaii and are often incorporated in Hawaiian themed pieces. The orchid often represents strength and beauty, while the hibiscus is seen as a feminine flower representing perfection. Believe it or not, even these Hawaiian tattoos can be black only, but many people decide to color in the flowers while leaving the rest of the tattoo black.

Sea Turtle Tattoo

One animal that you will often see included in a Hawaiian tattoo is the sea turtle. The sea turtle is a common symbol of prosperity and fertility, two very different meanings but ones that can be combined for the right person. The sea turtle is also associated with ancestry and the spirits of the ancestors’ world.

Shark Tattoo

The shark is another commonly revered symbol that emphasizes spiritual protection. When included in a Hawaiian tattoo, the owner can either use it for their own spiritual protection or it might symbolize their protection over their family and friends. The shark is most commonly found on men, but it’s not uncommon for a woman to have a shark somewhere in their Hawaiian tattoo.