blue and white waves under gray sky
Plan Your Trip

Fall · Monthly Guide

Getting a Tattoo in Hawaii
in November

November signals the return of whales, the start of big wave surfing season, and Thanksgiving aloha-style. Overcast days are actually a bonus for fresh tattoo healing.

Photo by Matt Paul Catalano on Unsplash

November 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

83°/70°F

High / Low

UV Index

7

High - SPF 50+ essential for fresh tattoos

Crowds

moderate

Moderate wait times

Prices

$$

moderate season pricing

9 days

Rain expected

5:50 PM

Sunset time

78°F

Ocean temp

🐋

Yes!

Whale season

Tattoo Tip for November

The return of whale season and slightly overcast days make November excellent for tattoo trips. Cloud cover helps protect healing tattoos outdoors.

November Highlights

Thanksgiving
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
First whale sightings

Best For

Surf competitionsThanksgiving tripEarly whale season

Exploring Hawaii in November

blue and white waves under gray sky
Photo by Matt Paul Catalano on Unsplash
ocean waves crashing on shore during daytime
Photo by Matt Paul Catalano on Unsplash
sea waves during day time
Photo by Sean 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 November 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

Gabi Lowe

Gabi Lowe

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Ivan

available

Ivan

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Spade

Spade

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Noa

available

Noa

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Blake Biggers

Blake Biggers

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Zack Mitchell

Zack Mitchell

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Visiting in November?

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 November Session