About Aloha Tattoo

Our Story

Aloha Tattoo Story

Aloha Tattoo was originally established in 1990 by twin brothers, Larry and Leonard Hanks.  They had made their way out to Hawaii by way of San Diego, California, to tattoo in Waikiki in the mid 80's.  After falling in love with Oahu and the local culture, they decided to plant some roots on the windward side of the island, to service Marine Corps Base Hawaii. 

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.  I would come by on a Wednesday night to find 20-30 Marines milling around the sidewalk waiting for their turn.  We 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.  I have a tattoo by Leonard on my inner bicep that looks as good as it did when I got it in 96'.  Andy is still here with me to this day!!  The shop had a nice sign inside that read:  NO DRUNKS, NO DRUGGIES, NO BARGAIN SHOPPERS, NO PAN HANDLERS, and in a black sharpie marker, Leonard added............"AND NO ASSHOLES". 

Aloha is one of the very few shops that are still open on this island from that era.  Honestly, I think, there might be three left on Oahu.  We welcome you to Aloha Tattoo to get tattooed, and experience authenticity, that can only be found in one of these few remaining establishments.  You can find us in Kailua, Historic Wahiawa, and inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki.  

- Tim Goodrich