Polynesian Tattoo Factory

My middle-​aged tattoo adventure — FANTASTIC!
OK – I was struck dumb by my sudden need to make the leap (one I’d never really considered seriously) while walking around in Waimea Valley one Saturday in November … I suddenly knew WHAT I wanted (an ‘iwa) and where and RIGHT NOW. So I looked up images of ‘iwa and Unilocal reviews back at my B & B … went in on Sunday afternoon, paid a deposit and got my ink the next evening, flew home the following day.
I was treated so well! I was kinda scared, unsure … but the staff and especially Donovan didn’t treat me ANY differently at 55 years old than the cute young things with lots of experience and ink! The guys really cared about me getting a wonderful result — consulted with me about size and we revised it, explained processes and followed the sanitation rules — I was in pain, but very comfortable! Healed up perfectly and I love it, very proud I did it, hope to stop back in next November and say hi – NO, one is plenty but I do think waiting until this advance age means I LOVE LOVE LOVE it and have no doubts — not something that will sag and fade in 20 years! Mahalo, guys!
Oh, and when I showed my ‘iwa to a Portland friend who works in the industry — he’s heard of PTF — and says that, the industry is small, and reputable shops are known. Made me feel GREAT.

Mahalo RiccyBoy for referring keoni! The cover up turned out amazing. Never ever again will I go to another tattoo artist or shop. I’m glad u kinda remembered my old bracelet u did 21 years ago da old Skool style.
ONCE AGAIN fa’afetai

Micah was awesome… took an idea and ran with it. Super clean and laid back shop. If your in North shore and want some ink… come see these guys. #haolefriendly lol

Kudos to Donovan – I love my tattoo of the tribal turtle and plumeria’s. Donovan’s expertise helped me design what will work well in integrating the new tattoos with the ones that were already there. Loved that it was done free hand. I enjoyed listening to all his adventures which reminded me of my adventurous youth (I am a senior now). The place was immaculate, professional and friendly. A friend in California recommended this place and it was well worth the drive from Waikiki. So if you are looking for a place to go this is it. Maybe next time I won’t chicken out and have the tattoo on my foot. from what I have read you can’t go wrong with any of the artists here. Peace Barb

Since I’ve gotten my tattoos by cliff, I find myself always recommending this shop to everyone who stops and compliments me. Even those who already have tattoos are in love with the line work, attention to detail and vivid color and shading.
The shop is in a easy to find place and all the guys are a bunch of cool local guys who are true professionals and take their work very seriously.

I came back for my second tattoo with Donovan. He did the Iolani Palace on my mid section. I love how he’s so professional and accessible. I made an appointment with him probably a week in advance and he had an opening on a Saturday which was perfect for my schedule.
We had to go over a couple of tries to get the sizing right on my body. It was a long session, but I love how it came out! He’s was attentive and throughout the session asked how I was handling the pain.
I will be back for more since I feel like I need to tattoo my whole stomach now because I feel like it looks too bare, lol.
Mahalo Don! See you in another 3 – 6 months, lol.

Went to Cliff for a piece that I’d been thinking about getting. I described what I wanted to him and showed him a few reference pics then he free handed the tattoo. He was more than willing to adjust when I gave my opinion on the sketch. Things were clean and comfortable (as much as it could be) throughout the tattooing process. The dynamic between the other workers in the shop was great as well — I had some fun conversations during the hours I was there. When all was said and done, the piece came out perfect and I’m absolutely in love with it! I would definitely go back again.
The only thing I wish I had was a pamphlet or something to remind me of the aftercare steps. Since this was my first tattoo I didn’t really know how to properly care for my tattoo and quickly forgot the instructions given verbally to me by my artist. These days it’s easy to google instructions and Cliff made himself available by phone if I had any questions, but I’m a sucker for printed reference materials.

Donavan hooked me up with probably my favorite tattoo on me great artist and awesome shop hope I get to revisit in the future

Five stars says it all.
Me and my family took a 10 day trip to Oahu from Michigan. My wife and I wanted to get tattoos before we left. 3 days before we left, Donavan agreed to do both of our tattoos and we scheduled it for the day before we left. He did a beautiful orchid for my wife and designed me a custom tribal wave. Sort of a Polynesian hybrid. We later learned that he scheduled us on his day off just to accommodate our time schedule:)
Donovan and the rest of the staff were all very friendly and made us feel right at home.
Our thanks to you Donovan for completing our vacation. Mahalo:)

I will be coming back here! Made an appointment with Donovan to cover up an old tattoo. He was extremely accommodating and even let me text him some pictures before we met! He had sketches prepared when I arrived and was able to come up with an awesome design for me after a little chat. The location itself is great, everyone is extremely friendly and there’s a huge mirror that is ideal for selfies! There was room for my mom to hold my hand and for a couple of adorable girls in the shop to distract me from the needle– LOVE POLYNESIAN TATTOO FACTORY

PTF is amazing. The staff is awesome, the vibes are all great and they catered to exactly everything a customer would want.
They’re all lively there. Donovan, Cliff and Keoni was there and welcoming. Donovan is a great artist! He did my tattoo. Very professional, did my script on my ribs and made it as painless as possible. My first tattoo was painful and I was expecting the worse, especially since it was on my ribs, but Donovan had a really light hand and works fast! My script was clean and beautiful. Highly recommended shop.

Polynesian tattoo factory is my go to spot for tattoos. The artists are all very welcoming, knowledgeable about tattoos and friendly.
Ryson did my tattoo and I love it, exactly what I wanted with his added artistic flare.
It’s never boring at PTF because these guys are hilarious, always a treat to be in the shop.

First off, the good: my tattoo looks amazing and I am absolutely in love with it! Keoni did a great job.
Now the bad: first of all, I made an appointment with Donovan last Thursday and he totally blew the appointment off for ‘mediocre waves.’ I was really put off by his complete lack of interest in my tattoo. Also, I’m pretty sure everyone at this shop was anticipating me not coming in because the only person working, Keoni, seemingly had booked another appointment as well. The whole situation was totally weird, but I’m only visiting the island for a short time and really wanted a tattoo, so I decided to overlook it. Keoni was awesome, just super quiet, and it was nothing like my usual shop. The last thing that was kind of sketch is that they advertise that they take cards, but changed their minds and decided on only cash, so I had to run to the ATM. I know the boss was out of town, and I really hope that’s why the shop was so lax because it doesn’t seem like customer service really top their list of important things.
Bottom line is-​if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo on the island, this place did a good job, but the awkwardness of the shop is more painful than the tattoo. Personally, I would say move along to find a friendlier staff, but that’s just me.