A traditional Polynesian tattoo is one of the most fascinating inks you can get on Maui. The tattoo is native to the Polynesian culture and it includes various unique signs and symbols used to express personality and identity.

More so, traditional Polynesian tattoos are used to showcase status in a hierarchical culture and indication of genealogy, rank, and sexual maturity. This is why almost everyone in Polynesian society has at least one tattoo. However, the Polynesian culture cut across several Southeast Asia tribes including Hawaiians, Tahitians, Maori, Tongans, Cook Islanders, Marquesans, Samoans, and Niueans.

Types of Traditional Polynesian tattoos on Maui

Here’s how each traditional Polynesian tattoo on Maui differs:

Hawaiian tattoos

Tattoos play a significant role in Hawaiian culture as they carry a noteworthy meaning to their wearer. Traditional Polynesian tattoos in Maui are also popular because people believe tattoos can prevent them from impending danger. Also, traditional Polynesian tattoos are well-known for their decorative purposes. Even more, some Hawaiians get the traditional Polynesian tattoo on Maui to honor their departed loved ones.

Samoan Turtle and Shells Tattoo

One of the key designs in the traditional Polynesian tattoo on Maui is the turtle. Turtle tattoos are often made when a tattoo artist places two enatas together. Several Hawaiian legends have it that turtles are the methods departed souls used to reach the afterlife.

Also, turtles are symbols of long life, fertility, good health, family, and unity, etc.

Tiki tattoo

This tattoo art is one of the most popular types of traditional Polynesian tattoos on Maui. Polynesian folklores described Tiki as the very first human on earth. This explains why lots of people on Maui and across several islands in Hawaii built temples and carve statues to honor him. Several depictions of Tiki have been spotted in geometric patterns and tribal tattoos. If you’re looking to get your first tattoo, read this.

Ocean and waves

Most Samoans rely on the ocean to earn a living. Polynesian people believe that many souls depart for the ocean after death. Oceans are typically implied by an arc or an incomplete circle that is moving outwards. In many cases, a line is often added to the circle, indicating the waves that Samoan natives usually see whenever they are out at sea. This is one of the well-known traditional Polynesian tattoos on Maui.

Samoan tattoo

The pe’a is one of the common traditional Polynesian tattoos on Maui. Since this tattoo belongs to the Polynesian culture, a lot of people seem to consider it. You can easily spot the pe’a on lots of Samoan natives because it’s usually a part of their initiation rites.

The pe’a tattoo is often placed on a wearer’s midriff, from the knees up to the waist. The pe’a design often involves lots of lines winding around the wearer’s body. Otherwise known as shark teeth, the niho mano is one of the most common traditional Polynesian tattoos on Maui. About half of the tattoos in Polynesia have inks of shark teeth embedded in them.