Tattoolicious Named One of the Top 14 Tattoo Shops in the World by Inked Magazine.
- Sean McCready
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
A Historic Recognition for Waikiki's Premier Tattoo Studio
We are beyond honored to share some incredible news: Tattoolicious has been recognized by Inked Magazine as one of the Top 14 Tattoo Shops in the World. For anyone who knows the tattoo industry, this is monumental. Inked Magazine is the leading global authority on tattoo culture and artistry, with a reputation for curating the very best voices, studios, and trends in tattooing. To be featured on their shortlist is to stand among the giants of the craft.
For Tattoolicious, this recognition is not only a celebration of our artistry, but also a testament to decades of commitment, vision, and heart poured into building something truly unique in Waikīkī.
25 Years of Vision Under a Single Owner
At the center of Tattoolicious is Sean McCready, our founder and owner and eccentric entrepreneur , who has guided the studio with steady leadership for over 25 years. What makes this achievement so powerful is that these aren’t “borrowed years” added up from multiple owners, nor numbers built by merging staff résumés. These are true decades of single ownership, rooted in one man’s vision to create a studio that sets the standard for tattooing in Hawai‘i and beyond.
Since opening its doors, Sean has worked tirelessly to break through the industry’s boundaries—designing Tattoolicious as a space where artistry and professionalism coexist seamlessly. He has navigated evolving trends, shifting technologies, and growing cultural conversations around tattooing, always keeping the focus on one thing: quality. That long-term consistency is rare in an industry where shops often change hands, rebrand, or chase trends. Tattoolicious has remained true to its identity, steadily building a legacy that today stands proudly on the global stage.
Breaking Through in the Tattoo World
The tattoo industry is a competitive and ever-changing space. Studios come and go, and reputations can be fleeting. What has set Tattoolicious apart for more than two decades is our ability to evolve while keeping integrity at the core of everything we do.
From the start, Sean envisioned Tattoolicious as more than a shop—it would be a creative hub. Over the years, Tattoolicious has become home to a diverse team of talented resident artists, as well as a sought-after stop for international guest artists. This collaborative environment has allowed styles from across the world to flourish under one roof, giving our clients access to artistry at the very highest level.
Equally important, Tattoolicious has consistently been at the forefront of raising industry standards. From studio cleanliness and professionalism to customer service and artist training, we’ve worked to show what a world-class tattoo studio should look like. This dedication has earned the respect not only of clients, but of fellow artists and industry leaders around the globe.
Why Inked Magazine’s Recognition Matters
Inked Magazine has long been the definitive publication for tattoo enthusiasts, collectors, and artists. They are known for spotlighting the best of the best, from legendary artists to cultural shifts shaping the tattoo community. Their editorial credibility means that being featured by Inked is not just flattering—it’s a marker of true excellence recognized by the industry’s leading voice.
To be listed among the Top 14 Tattoo Shops in the World is no small feat. There are hundreds of thousands of studios worldwide, each with their own strengths and followings. For Tattoolicious to rise to the top of that list is a powerful statement about the level of artistry, professionalism, and legacy we’ve built right here in Hawai‘i.
For our clients, it’s a reassurance that when you choose Tattoolicious, you’re walking into one of the most highly regarded studios in the entire world. For our artists, it’s validation that their creativity and hard work are making waves across the global tattoo scene.
More Than a Studio—A Legacy in Waikīkī
Located in the heart of Waikīkī, Tattoolicious has become a landmark not only for locals, but also for visitors from around the world. Hawai‘i’s spirit of aloha is woven into everything we do, and our studio has long been a place where culture, creativity, and community intersect.
Over the years, Tattoolicious has left its mark on countless clients, from first-timers getting a small piece of Hawai‘i etched into their skin, to seasoned collectors traveling across oceans to sit with our artists. Each tattoo carries with it a piece of our studio’s legacy, a story inked with the same dedication and care that has defined us for more than two decades.
Looking Ahead
Being recognized by Inked Magazine as one of the world’s top 14 tattoo shops is both a milestone and a motivator. While we are honored by the recognition, we see it as just the beginning of what comes next. Tattoolicious will continue to grow, innovate, and create, carrying the same spirit of artistry and integrity that has brought us this far.
We want to thank our incredible artists, staff, and clients—both local and international—for making this recognition possible. Without your trust and support, Tattoolicious would not be where it is today. Together, we’ve built more than a tattoo studio. We’ve built a legacy that now stands proudly on the world stage.
At Tattoolicious, we believe tattoos are more than ink on skin—they are stories, memories, and art that live with you forever. To have Inked Magazine honor our studio as one of the best in the world validates not only the technical skill of our team, but also the passion and purpose behind every piece we create.
Here’s to 25 years of ownership, artistry, and aloha—and to the many years of tattoo excellence still to come.
Mahalo,
The Tattoolicious Team
