Veteran-Owned.Tourist-Approved.
Veteran-owned Oahu legend since 1990. Two late-night Waikiki locations inside Hilton Hawaiian Village + our chill Kailua studio. Walk-ins welcome, custom dreams delivered, financing available. Whether you're active duty, a honeymooner, or just here for the week—get island ink you'll brag about forever.
Text (808) 400-9943Military Precision. Island Vacation Vibes.
Aloha Tattoo Company is veteran-owned and island-born—started in 1990 by the Hanks brothers and now led by former Active Duty Marine Tim Goodrich. We've been the trusted spot for generations of service members from Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, and Schofield, but we're just as stoked to welcome tourists looking for that perfect vacation souvenir. With two shops right inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village (open till midnight) and our east-side home in Kailua, we make it effortless to get bold, clean, unforgettable ink—whether it's your first hibiscus or a full sleeve memorial. Military discipline meets island aloha: professional, fun, zero attitude, 100% paradise.
The Journey West
Twin brothers Larry and Leonard Hanks made their way out to Hawaii by way of San Diego, California, to tattoo in Waikiki. Two artists with a shared vision, ready to make their mark on the islands.
After falling in love with Oahu and the local culture, they knew this was more than just another stop on their journey—this was home.
Aloha Tattoo Established
Larry and Leonard Hanks officially established Aloha Tattoo on the windward side of Oahu, strategically positioned to service Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
A legendary partnership was born—two brothers, one vision, and a commitment to excellence that would define an era.
The Marine Connection
Aloha Tattoo became THE shop Marines would come to. Every Wednesday night, 20-30 Marines would mill around the sidewalk, waiting their turn.
They didn't have to wait long. Leonard, Larry, and Andrew "Andy" Deaton would go through that entire list by midnight, and everyone went back to base happy.
"When I was stationed here, I was a trained tattoo artist and an Active Duty Marine. Aloha Tattoo was the ONLY shop Marines would come to."— Tim Goodrich
The Legendary Sign
The shop had a nice sign inside that read:
NO DRUNKS
NO DRUGGIES
NO BARGAIN SHOPPERS
NO PAN HANDLERS
AND NO ASSHOLES(Leonard's addition in black sharpie marker)
This wasn't just a sign—it was a statement of values. Quality work, respect, and authenticity above all else.
Timeless Quality
Tim Goodrich got tattooed by Leonard on his inner bicep—a piece that looks as good today as it did when he got it in '96.
That's the Aloha Tattoo difference: art that stands the test of time. Decades later, the work still speaks for itself.
Quality doesn't fade. Neither do our tattoos.
The Ohana Endures
Andrew "Andy" Deaton, one of the original artists alongside Larry and Leonard, is still here to this day working with Tim.
This is more than a business—it's family. The aloha spirit isn't just a tagline, it's the foundation of everything we do. Loyalty, excellence, and authenticity passed down through generations of artists.
One of the Few Survivors
Aloha is one of the very few shops that are still open on this island from that era. Honestly, there might be three left on Oahu.
While countless shops have come and gone, Aloha Tattoo has remained—a testament to the quality of work, the strength of relationships, and the authenticity that can only be found in these few remaining establishments.
Over 35 years of continuous operation. Still the shop Marines come to. Still doing it right.
Three Island Locations
You can find Aloha Tattoo at three premier locations across Oahu:
Kailua
Windward side location
Historic Wahiawa
Central Oahu location
Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki
Resort location
Each location carries forward the legacy of Larry, Leonard, and Andy—premium artistry, military appreciation, and that no-nonsense dedication to quality.
Hilton Waikiki Grand Opening
🎉 Now Open at Hilton Waikiki Beach!
We're excited to announce the opening of Aloha Tattoo at Hilton Waikiki at Diamond Head Tower, located in the iconic Rainbow Bazaar. Experience world-class tattooing in the heart of Waikiki's premier resort destination.
As we continue to grow, we're proud to be part of a family of exceptional tattoo studios across Oahu. Our sister brands carry the same commitment to excellence:
Wailana Tattoo
Located at Wailana Historic Coffee House
Island tradition meets modern artistry
Ohana Tattoo
Located on Saratoga Street
Family-oriented studio with local aloha
One ohana, multiple locations, endless artistry. We're here to serve Hawaii with authentic tattooing.
Experience Authenticity
We welcome you to Aloha Tattoo to get tattooed and experience authenticity that can only be found in one of these few remaining establishments from Hawaii's legendary tattoo era.
From the twin brothers who started it all in 1990, to Andy who's been here from the beginning, to Tim Goodrich who carries the torch today—the commitment remains the same.
No drunks. No druggies. No bargain shoppers. No pan handlers. And no assholes.
Just honest, quality tattooing the way it's meant to be done.
Quality That Speaks
Real tattoos done at our shop. From traditional American to intricate tribal work, our artists deliver timeless quality that stands the test of time.
Every piece tells a story. Every line is permanent art. That's the Aloha Tattoo standard.
A Legacy ofTimeless Art
Real tattoos from our studios. Every piece tells a story. Every line is permanent art.
Be Part of Our Legacy
Free text consults & artist matching
"Tattoo Now, Pay Later" (Klarna/Afterpay/Affirm)
Sterile gear & vegan inks
Over 9,000 five-star reviews
Join thousands who've trusted Aloha Tattoo since 1990. Experience authentic island tattooing at one of Oahu's last surviving legendary shops.
— Tim Goodrich