Hawaiian Tattoo Photo #13795

Traditional Hawaiian tattooing, called kakau, used bone and tusk tools to mark social status, genealogy, and spiritual protection directly onto the skin. Modern tattoos inspired by Hawaiian culture borrow those motifs, but the line between appreciation and appropriation requires thought.

By placing thousands of tiny dots at controlled spacing, dotwork artists achieve smooth gradients and intricate patterns. This labor-intensive method gives tattoos a unique texture that stands apart from traditional line-based work.

The chest is a bold placement choice that stays mostly concealed under clothing. Its proximity to the heart makes it a popular spot for meaningful symbols, text, and portrait work.