As you can see, there are a few different things we can say about the rainbow tattoo meaning in terms of Hawaiian lore. It is the mascot and symbol of the University of Hawaii.

Makau Tattoo

You can probably tell there is an ocean theme in many of these tattoos and that is because the Hawaiians have a deep connection to the sea. The Makau is a pendant made of a fish hook and it was used to find food many years ago. Hawaiians would craft these fishhooks out of many materials including stone, coral, bones and wood to name a few. You can either have this fishhook put on a pendant for you or get a Makau tattoo. The Makau tattoo represents good luck, prosperity and strength.

Guardian Spirits Tattoo

Guardian spirits are very important to Hawaiian culture and they come in animal or natural form. They are also known as “Aumakua”, or in other words, a spirit guide. A spirit guide is a family an ancestor who has passed away and taken the form of something else to come back and help guide you through life. You will often see many locals with one or all of their guardian spirits tattooed on their body. The gecko, owl and shark are very popular images to see tattooed as a guardian spirit. The shark is said to be a protector while the owl is one of the oldest symbols and is said to have flown over the Hawaiian lands before the land was even settled. Finally, the gecko is said to the guardian of homes and is able to communicate with the Gods

Circle Tattoo

The circle is an image that is often seen in Hawaiian jewelry, petroglyphs and artwork. The Hawaiian people believe that a circle that is closed off is a symbol of having a seamless life. It is a life that has no end or beginning so that circle of life is prevalent. It is said the circle is connected to the stars and planets and therefore it contains sacred knowledge. The Koru is a fern that symbolizes purity and new life and when coupled with the circle, the artwork symbolizes love, the beginning of the circle of life or new life.