Bright yellow hibiscus flowers in full bloom.
Plan Your Trip

Spring · Monthly Guide

Getting a Tattoo in Hawaii
in May

May kicks off dry season with long sunny days and intensifying UV. Lei Day celebrations add cultural depth. An excellent month for a well-planned tattoo trip.

Photo by Jolea Schwindt on Unsplash

May Weather & Conditions

Here's what to expect on the ground. Use these numbers to decide when to schedule outdoor adventures (early in your trip) and when to book your tattoo (toward the end).

Temperature

84°/70°F

High / Low

UV Index

11

Extreme - SPF 50+ essential for fresh tattoos

Crowds

moderate

Moderate wait times

Prices

$$

moderate season pricing

6 days

Rain expected

7:00 PM

Sunset time

78°F

Ocean temp

🐋

No

No whales

Tattoo Tip for May

UV is near its peak. Schedule all beach and water activities for the first part of your trip. After your tattoo, stick to indoor attractions and sunset dining.

May Highlights

Lei Day (May 1)
Memorial Day
Dry season begins

Best For

Dry weatherLei Day celebrationsShoulder season pricing

Exploring Hawaii in May

Bright yellow hibiscus flowers in full bloom.
Photo by Jolea Schwindt on Unsplash
macro photography of white and yellow flower
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
a white flower with a red stamen on it
Photo by Brandon Karaca on Unsplash

Tattoo Inspiration

polynesian tribal geometric tattoo on forearm

By Kaina

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black and grey buddha skull forearm tattoo with dotwork shading

By Ryan Murphy

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black and grey realistic portrait tattoo of woman with forest and bird on upper arm

By Ryan Murphy

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virgin mary sacred heart forearm tattoo

By Ryan Murphy

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biomechanical full sleeve tattoo with robot eye and mechanical parts

By Ryan Murphy

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polynesian tribal calf tattoo with geometric patterns

By Mike Shapiro

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traditional style tattoo of wolf and ram heads on calf with red and blue accents

By Mike Shapiro

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japanese dragon forearm tattoo with flames and sword

By Ryan Murphy

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hibiscus flower forearm tattoo with botanical leaves

By Mike Shapiro

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traditional american style hula girl playing ukulele on forearm

By Mike Shapiro

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color japanese traditional forearm tattoo of oni demon mask with cherry blossoms

By Mike Shapiro

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black and grey hammerhead shark tribal tattoo on forearm with water droplets

By Kaina

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Explore Full Gallery →

Recommended May Itinerary

Stack your surf sessions, snorkel days, and hikes at the front of your trip. Schedule your tattoo toward the end, then keep things low-key while you heal. Here's a sample 7-day layout:

Day 1
SUN
Adventure
Day 2
SUN
Adventure
Day 3
SUN
Adventure
Day 4
SUN
Adventure
Day 5
INK
Tattoo
Day 6
HEAL
Healing
Day 7
HEAL
Healing
Beach, surf, hikeTattoo sessionHealing (no sun/water)

Before Your Tattoo

Do these activities first

Surfing & ocean swimming

Saltwater irritates fresh ink

Hiking Diamond Head

Sweat + sun exposure on fresh tattoos

Snorkeling & diving

Submerging a fresh tattoo risks infection

Beach sunbathing

UV damages fresh tattoo pigment

After Your Tattoo

Tattoo-safe activities

Shopping at Ala Moana

Indoor, air-conditioned, tattoo-safe

Food tour & restaurants

No sun or water exposure

Luau & cultural shows

Evening events, minimal sun risk

Photography & sightseeing

Gentle activity, stay in shade

Meet Our Artists

Mr.T

Mr.T

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Leo

available

Leo

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Brit Haynes

Brit Haynes

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Charlie

Charlie

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Mike Shapiro

Mike Shapiro

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Blake Biggers

Blake Biggers

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Visiting in May?

Share your travel dates and your tattoo idea. We'll help you pick the right day for your session and pair you with an artist who matches your style.

Book Your May Session