Hawaiian Arm Tattoos

Hawaiian arm tattoos are just one manifestation of a trend that is becoming increasingly prominent. A popular bumper sticker reads, simply, ‘Live Aloha’ – and in that simple statement we can see the appeal of the Hawaiian lifestyle. What precisely is that appeal? Well, it seems to be a combination of traditional culture and a free-living, island lifestyle. Not only does Hawaii have natural beauty, but it is also known for its welcoming spirit. Having been to Hawaii, it is natural that you might want to keep a piece of the islands with you for all time, and Hawaiian arm tattoos are one way of doing so!

In a sense, it’s natural that Hawaiian tattoos are so popular right now. Other Hawaiian designs and styles – like Hawaiian shirts – have had their day and currently have a strong retro appeal. Hawaiian arm tattoos are also a manifestation of the resurgence of ‘Tiki’ culture, so popular in the 1950s and 60s. Tiki is making a great comeback and Hawaiian flower tattoos along with it.

There is also a considerable crossover between Hawaiian tattoos and another very popular tattoo style, the tribal tattoo. Again, this is a very natural association. There’s more to Hawaii than flowers and leis, after all – the Hawaiian islands are part of a larger chain, the Polynesian Islands, which also include other island cultures such as the Maori and the Samoan cultures. All of these people were famous for their tattoo art. Tribal tattoos are based on the traditional tattoo art of the Polynesian islands, and Hawaiian tattoo tribal bands represent both the popular culture of Hawaii and the older tribal traditions.

Hawaiian band tattoos are more commonly found on the arm, but there are also Hawaiian leg band tattoos. Again, these are reminiscent of the traditional Polynesian tribal tattoos, which often covered the legs as well as other areas of the body. Hawaiian arm tattoos and leg tattoos are often a nod to these traditional tattoo styles, though with a decidedly modern appearance. In terms of their appeal they may not be quite as universal as some other designs, like Celtic or tribal tattoos. Tattoos incorporating flower designs – as most Hawaiian tattoos do – don’t appeal to everyone, though it should be noted that Hawaiian tattoos are not particularly feminine despite their floral components. All the same, Hawaiian arm tattoos are one of the hottest growing trends in tattoo art.