tattooing for a living

Practice makes permanent

808 iD house artist, Keahi, is busy working at House of Ink Tattoo Waikiki so he is getting quite adept at color, flowers, script and Hawaiian/Poly/Malihini blends. When he comes back to Hilo, he tries to broaden his horizons by going back to his roots - mixed tribal with urban flair. Follow him on Facebook so you know when he's coming home.

Special Order Shoes

Ahi's been working hard on his tattoos and reinvesting in his t-shirts, so he doesn't do many shoes anymore, but he'll still do special orders. Hit him up through Facebook or email.

Here's last night's work on Justin Hirae's gift from Jenna Aina: the phoenix and koi - free hand on old-school black Converses

O'ahu tattoo session

Ahi was in Honolulu for the Bruno Mars concert and hooked up with his cousin Josh Ah Sing to do Josh's leg piece. Next Oahu trip: spring break.

O ka pueo ka hoailona

In Hawaii there are legends told of powerful Pele, magestic 'aumakua, and mystical hoailona. The pueo is both one of the many 'aumakua protecting and watching over the people of Hawaii nei but also one of the most powerful and beautiful hoailona or "signs". The pueo represents protection and knowledge, traits similar to the bird itself. Many people look to it in times of uncertainty and struggle with hopes that the pueo will guide them through.
This pueo once finished will do the same for it's wearer with designs that incorporate family and strength through this new chapter in his life.

Shakas and Stink eyes

I was just browsing through a couple of local news site today during my News writing class and I came across a portion the Big Island Weekly called "Shakas and Stink eyes for the week". Basically shakas go out to something good that happened during the week and stink eyes go to the not so maika'i things.
This weeks shakas and stink eyes

Shakas:
-To Humpback whales numbers going up 6 percent over last years count.

-To all of the military soldiers and Hawaii National Guard -- thanks for your service.

-To a redux of the plastic bag ban -- it is the right thing to do

Stink Eyes:
-To the economy slamming isle car dealerships; in the long run it will take its toll.

-To the House for killing the Civil Unions bill -- it shows a lack of spine in state politicians.

-To the proliferation of little fire ants on the Big Island -- just like the coqui, they are here.