46 Hibiscus Tattoos - Hawaiian Flower Tats Ideas and Meanings (2024)

In ancient times, almost every Hawaiian had a tattoo, which indicated his status and position in society. These tattoos were often accompanied by geometric patterns of dark shades that reflected a person’s experience of religious belief and belonging, as well as Hawaii’s ancient Polynesian heritage.

But over time, Western culture has influenced the cultural development of the islands. People began to use the images of tropical flowers, dolphins, lizards, as well as other elements of the region, as the main themes for their tattoo sketches. If you’re a flamboyant person and you want to emphasize your individuality, please take a look at the unique designs of Hawaiian flower tattoos.

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Hibiscus tattoo meaning

Like Japanese flower in Japan, hibiscus is one of the most recognizable flowers in Hawaii. In traditional Hawaiian culture, the flower serves as a symbol of power and respect. However, these spectacular large-flowered beauties are mostly associated with summer and an unforgettable vacation. At the same time, these tropical flowers are extremely fragile.

The meaning of a hibiscus tattoo is different for men and women. For women, it symbolizes their beauty, grace, femininity, and their power to overcome obstacles in their life. For men, it symbolizes their strength, courage and devotion to their family and friends.

The flower is also associated with love, and is seen as a sign of love, passion, and devotion. It is also widely used as a wedding flower in many cultures, including Hawaii.

In Samoa and other Pacific Islands, it is believed that a hibiscus tattoo brings luck and good health to its wearer. In some cultures, a hibiscus tattoo also represents the cycle of life; birth, death, rebirth.

The meaning of a hibiscus tattoo may vary depending on the culture, but the basic message still holds true: beauty, grace, femininity, and strength. Whether it’s worn by a man or woman, a hibiscus tattoo is a sign of courage and strength in the face of adversity.

Hawaiian flower tattoo designs

1. Tribal Hawaiian flower tattoo

Tribal Hawaiian tattoos are very similar to ancient Hawaiian designs. However, they have more swirling patterns and intricate details as opposed to the bold designs of traditional Hawaiian tattoos.

Most often, a pink or red Hawaiian flower is located in the center of the drawing, and it is surrounded by various geometric shapes.

Source: @jessejamestatoo

Source: @halenuitattoos

Source: @ta_ta_tiki

2. Colorful Hawaiian flower tattoo

Hawaii is famous for its still ocean, rich vegetation, and friendly people. These islands are a real paradise with stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. The watercolor technique is often used to get a realistic Hawaiian flower tattoo. This is a bright and interesting solution: light and smooth colors are perfect for illustrating the warmth of the sun, the brilliance of seawater, and the gentle Hawaiian breeze.

Colored tattoos are full of a variety of patterns and shades. These may be cartoon characters surrounded by flowers and greenery, or exotic fruits decorated with pink hibiscus. Many people choose a red lily or lotuswith a couple of green leaves.

Source: @tromack

Source: @kaib_knight

Source: @kaib_knight

3. Black and gray Hawaiian flower tattoo

If you are indifferent to colored tattoos, a black and gray tattoo (blackwork) would be a great alternative. Also, this version of the Hawaiian flower should be considered by those who prefer minimalism. Anyone familiar with the Hawaiian Islands will appreciate these tattoos that are as beautiful as the region they represent.

Black and gray tattoos usually depict Hawaiian flowers surrounded by butterflies, insects, and stars.

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Source: @sharintattoo

4. Watercolor Hawaiian flower tattoo

Rich in vibrant colors, watercolor has entered the world of tattoos and eventually become a trend. Watercolor tattoos are incredibly bright, colorful, contrasting designs with soft outlines. These are one of the most beautiful styles for your body art. The watercolor tattooing technique is perfect for those who want to achieve the same effect as the paint would have on canvas. Watercolor Hawaiian flower tattoos are widespread among women.

Watercolor tattoos feature Hawaiian flowers in all shades of pink, purple, blue, and orange. Sometimes, if requested by clients, their names and initials are included in the tattoo design. What’s more, the tattoo’s delicate smudges make the image look unusual and unique.

Source: @ane_aleksandra

Source: @skindeeptattoowaikiki

5. Outline Hawaiian flower tattoo

Outline Hawaiian flower tattoos are some of the prettiest and most simple designs to obtain. These tattoos are composed solely of an outline and focus on shape. The outline is predominantly black, although a small amount of color may be present inside the flower. However, in their most basic form, these minimalist tattoos are black and white.

Source: @_dudink_

Source: @cetonia_ink

Hawaiian flower tattoo design ideas

1. Hibiscus flower tattoo

The hibiscus flower tattoo has a lot of meanings. Many of them depend on the color of the flower. The natural colors of hibiscus are red, yellow, orange, pink, and white. Sometimes the tattoo includes blue, purple, and even green flowers.

The main meaning of hibiscus is refinement, fragility, and elegance. Hibiscus tattoos can also be a sign of good luck and admiration. The hibiscus flower tattoo can be decorated with the name of your beloved one – this would turn the drawing into a symbol of love and fidelity. What’s more, the hibiscus tattoo can signify your first love – just as beautiful and fragile. Finally, it is believed that the hibiscus is a symbol of those who live a vibrant life.

• Red Hibiscus Tattoos

The red hibiscus is considered a symbol of desire, passion, and love. This tattoo is most often placed on the forearm or chest.

Source: @cuongle.tattoo

• Pink Hibiscus Tattoos

The pink hibiscus symbolizes rare beauty. Pink hibiscus flowers are often paired with red.

Source: @zealandtattoo

• Purple Hibiscus Tattoos

Depending on the number of petals, purple hibiscus flowers can be a sign of pure love, richness, and even freedom. This shade is neither pink nor red. It seems that two shades are mixed to obtain a new color.

Source: @greghide

• Yellow Hibiscus Tattoos

The yellow hibiscus is a symbol of friendship and communication. The yellow Hawaiian flower tattoo is a great option for those who want to show the strength of their friendship. Sometimes this flower can also represent life and vital energy. Another interesting thing is that the yellow hibiscus is listed as an endangered species and is quite rare to find, so it is often associated with good luck and happiness.

Source: @anniebloor

• Blue Hibiscus Tattoos

The blue hibiscus means the desire to achieve financial well-being and a certain status in society. Another interpretation says that blue hibiscus flowers symbolize fertility and calmness.

Source: @artrageouswickert

• Orange Hibiscus Tattoos

Orange is the favorite color of optimists, as well as those who are treating life like an adventure and are always ready to experiment. The orange hibiscus is a beautiful and practical solution for ambitious people. The drawing is most often placed on the forearm and wrist.

Source: @splashtattoos

2. Small Hawaiian flower tattoo

Traditional Hawaiian flower tattoos are huge and are most often preferred by bold and confident people. However, you can choose a small floral tattoo as an experiment. Tiny tattoos are a popular choice for those who have little or no experience in getting tattooed. Tattoo artists recommend wearing the pattern on the arms, ankles, or near the ear.

Source: @lauzumi.tattoo

Source: @antonio_aborigen_ink

3. Simple Hawaiian flower tattoo

Simple Hawaiian flower tattoos are most often made up of black delicate lines with minimal color and thickness. The tattoo symbolizes the power of internal energy.

Source: @beehappytattoos

Source: @kameenstudio

4. Ohana flower tattoo

“Ohana” is translated as “family” and refers to the familial bond that native Hawaiians share. This word includes blood relatives, close friends, and even those not related to the family. It is often used for a Hawaiian flower tattoo.

A wrist ohana tattoo means that family values and friendship are very important to you.

Source: @tattoo_ola

Source: @eus_tattoo

5. Skull Hawaiian flower tattoo

Skull tattoos are one of the favorite motifs among young people. This element emphasizes the individuality and certain character traits of a person. A skull accompanied by a Hawaiian flower is a very original solution for daring and eccentric people.

Source: @matgallaghertattoos

6. Butterfly Hawaiian flower tattoo

A butterfly can be accompanied by a Hawaiian flower. In this case, the tattoo means tenderness, love, and positive emotions. This drawing is most often chosen by young girls. The tattoo is placed on the shoulder or the ankle.

If you like this one, take a look atred ink butterfly tattoos that will amaze you.

Source: @descending_ainjil

7. Hummingbird Hawaiian flower tattoo

The ancient Mayan tribes believed that the hummingbird reminds us to let love and light into our lives. A hummingbird surrounded by Hawaiian flowers means that a person always strives to be close to his loved ones.

Source: @subwaytattoostudio

8. Turtle Hawaiian flower tattoo

The turtle Hawaiian flower tattoo means wisdom, calmness, and peace. This drawing is chosen by people who are used to thinking about every decision they make. They do not rush through life and enjoy every moment.

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Source: @kaib_knight

9. Pikake Hawaiian flower tattoo

This flower is a type of jasmine. Outwardly, the flower is very similar to a water lily. The pikake flower is a symbol of romantic love. It looks great on the thigh and forearm.

Source: @oc_tatt

10. Naupaka Hawaiian flower tattoo

The flower was named after a beautiful princess who once lived on the ocean coast of Hawaii. Those women who choose this tattoo are usually refined natures, as well as connoisseurs of the most subtle beauty and aesthetics.

Source: @oc_tatt

11. Ohia lehua Hawaiian flower tattoo

Ohia lehua is a scarlet red flower of a popular evergreen tree that is native to Hawaii. It is often depicted along with birds and butterflies.

Source: @steventattoos

12. Plumeria Hawaiian flower tattoo

This tattoo design is perfect for both men and women. Women usually choose a tattoo in the form of a garland or a couple of inflorescences. The flower has many meanings, among which are the arrival of springtime and new beginnings. The tattoo can be of different shades, but most often, the flower is pink and red.

Source: @siyeon_tattoo

13. Tiare Hawaiian flower tattoo

The drawing is good for both men and women, as it is mainly made up of black color. The tattoo represents several inflorescences surrounded by geometric patterns.

Source: @genevieve_tattoos

Hibiscus flower tattoo best placements

1. Hawaiian flower sleeve tattoo

Source: @artecorporaltattoofamily

Source: @artecorporaltattoofamily

Source: @hooliganofficial

2. Hawaiian flower wrist tattoo

Source: @holomua_tattoo

3. Hawaiian flower shoulder tattoo

Source: @valerie.fournier.artiste

4. Hawaiian flower neck tattoo

Source: @steventattoos

5. Hawaiian flower leg tattoo

Source: @nadege_tattoo

Source: @aquarianmonkeyarts

6. Hawaiian flower thigh tattoo

Source: @valerie.fournier.artiste

7. Hawaiian flower ankle tattoo

Source: @thesoapman91

8. Hawaiian flower on lower back tattoo

Source: @jsoulink

9. Hawaiian flower on back tattoo

Source: @rolandvrn

The tradition to make Hawaiian flower tattoos is gaining popularity. Depicting the exotic flowers on the body can be a creative way to get a permanent memory of a vacation in Hawaii. If you are a brave person who loves the freedom of action and experiments, a Hawaiian flower tattoo is what you need. The only thing that remains is to choose a drawing, a color combination, and a tattoo artist who will make your dream come true.

FAQ:

How to choose a Hawaiian tattoo design?

To choose a Hawaiian tattoo design, it is important to first answer the question: What meaning do I put in the drawing? What does it mean to me?

Once you decide why you need a tattoo, you can safely go to a tattoo parlor, where an experienced tattoo artist will help you decide on a design, show popular options, or help you create a unique pattern.

Where is the best place to put a flower tattoo?

Tattoo artists recommend getting a tattoo on the arm, forearm, or chest. These are the spots where the Hawaiian flower will look vibrant and voluminous.

What is the most popular Hawaiian flower tattoo?

Hibiscus is considered one of the most popular Hawaiian flower tattoos.