Tattoo FAQ for Waikiki, Honolulu & Hawaii Visitors

Have questions before getting tattooed in Hawaii? Tattoolicious is an award-winning tattoo shop in Waikiki, Honolulu, open 11am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday. This FAQ covers appointments, walk-ins, pricing, deposits, minor consent requirements, tattoo aftercare, swimming after a tattoo in Hawaii, flying with fresh ink, gift cards, and guest artists. New to ink? Start with our First Tattoo in Honolulu guide, and for healing tips see Tattoo Aftercare in Hawaii.

For the fastest answer, call (808) 949-8287 during business hours or book a free consultation online.

Appointments, Walk-Ins & Consultations

What is the quickest way to contact Tattoolicious?

The quickest way to reach Tattoolicious is to call (808) 949-8287 during business hours or submit the contact form online. Our Waikiki tattoo studio team responds to most emails within 24 hours and can help with appointment questions, artist availability, pricing, deposits, and consultation scheduling.

Do I need an appointment, or does Tattoolicious accept walk-ins?

Yes. Tattoolicious accepts walk-in tattoos during shop hours, 11am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday, at 1909 Ala Wai Blvd, Suite C2, based on artist availability (first come, first served). For large custom work or a specific artist, book a consultation. Full details: Walk-In Tattoo Waikiki

How can I schedule a free tattoo consultation?

You can schedule a free tattoo consultation through the Tattoolicious consultation page. Share your tattoo idea, preferred style, placement, size, reference images, travel dates if you are visiting Hawaii, and any artist preference so our team can match you with the right tattoo artist.

How long does a tattoo session take at Tattoolicious?

Walk-ins and small pieces take from about 1 hour. Custom sessions usually take 3 to 7 hours, and large projects like sleeves may take several sessions. Your artist will estimate the time at your free consultation.

Is Tattoolicious open late in Waikiki?

We are open until 9pm Monday to Saturday (last walk-in 8:30pm) and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Tattoolicious Tattoo Waikiki is open until 9pm Monday to Saturday, with the last walk-in at 8:30pm, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday. We open at 11am every day. Evening walk-ins are best for smaller pieces, which take from about 1 hour. For custom work, which takes 3 to 7 hours, come earlier or book a free consultation. 1909 Ala Wai Blvd, Suite C2, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 949-8287. Validated parking across the street at the Waikiki Landmark.

Tattoo Pricing, Deposits & Gift Cards

How much does a tattoo cost in Hawaii?

Shop minimum ranges from $100 to $150 depending on the artist.Tattoo prices at Tattoolicious depend on size, placement, skin type, detail level, color, and artist. Smaller tattoos are usually quoted as a flat rate, with a studio minimum of $100-$150. Larger custom tattoos are quoted by design, session time, or the artist's day rate. Payment is due at the time of service, all transactions include Hawaii state sales tax of 4.5%, and card payments include a 4% processing fee while cash payments do not.

What is Tattoolicious' deposit policy?

Deposits are required to schedule tattoo appointments at Tattoolicious and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your deposit holds your appointment time, compensates the artist for drawing and preparation, and is applied toward the final tattoo cost. Rescheduling or canceling within 48 hours of the appointment results in loss of the deposit. Cancellations within two weeks but more than 48 hours before the appointment may receive a 50% refund. No-call/no-show appointments automatically lose the deposit. If the artist cannot complete the project for any reason, Tattoolicious will honor the deposit and transfer it to an artist of equal or higher classification at no additional cost.

How can I purchase a Tattoolicious gift card or gift certificate?

You can purchase a Tattoolicious tattoo gift card in person at the Waikiki studio or order a gift certificate online with help from the staff. Gift certificates are a strong option for birthdays, Hawaii trips, wedding parties, and clients who want to contribute toward a custom tattoo appointment.

Do you offer tattoo payment plans?

Yes. You can split the cost of your tattoo with Klarna, Affirm or FinTurf, available to Hawaii residents and visitors. Checking your options won't affect your credit score. See our payment plans page: https://www.tattoolicious.com/financing

Age Requirements for Tattoos in Hawaii

What should I know before getting a tattoo in Honolulu?

You must be 18 or older with a valid photo ID. Some of our artists tattoo 17-year-olds with parental consent, and both the parent and the teen need valid photo ID. Validated parking is across the street. Free consultations are available. Read our first tattoo in Honolulu guide for more.

Can a minor get tattooed at Tattoolicious with parental consent?

You must be 18 or older with a valid photo ID. A selection of our artists will tattoo 17-year-olds with parental consent, but no younger; the parent or guardian must be present, and both need valid photo ID. A parent or legal guardian must remain present for the full tattoo session. The minor must bring a valid state-issued photo ID or current school ID with photo, and the parent or legal guardian must bring valid state-issued photo ID. The original birth certificate is required; photocopies are not accepted. Names must match across the birth certificate and IDs. Legal guardians must also provide the court order granting guardianship. No exceptions.

Tattoo Pain, Safety & Aftercare in Hawaii

Do tattoos hurt?

Yes, tattoos can hurt, but the discomfort varies by person, body placement, tattoo size, and session length. Tattoolicious artists work carefully to keep clients as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout the tattoo process. If you are nervous, tell your artist during the consultation so they can explain what to expect.

Is it possible to get an infection from a new tattoo?

A new tattoo can become infected if bacteria enters the skin, but proper studio safety and aftercare greatly reduce that risk. Tattoolicious uses fresh single-session supplies that are disposed of immediately after use, and your artist will wrap the tattoo and provide detailed aftercare instructions. Follow those instructions closely to protect the color, black and grey tones, linework, and healing quality of your tattoo.

What is the best way to heal a new tattoo?

For best tattoo healing, follow your artist's aftercare instructions first. If you are not using second skin, keep the regular bandage on for 2 to 7 hours. If your artist used second-skin film, leave the first layer on for 24 hours and follow the second-skin steps on our aftercare page. If the bandage sticks, soak it with warm water before removal. Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and mild unscented antibacterial or antimicrobial soap, then pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Apply a thin layer of unscented ointment like Aquaphor or Ikonic 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 days, then switch to a fragrance-free lotion like Cetaphil or Lubriderm. Continue washing and moisturizing until the tattoo is fully healed. A cloudy "onion skin" phase is normal and should clear as the tattoo heals.

Can I swim after getting a tattoo in Hawaii?

Do not swim, soak, or go in the ocean, lakes, rivers, or other natural water with a fresh tattoo for at least 2 weeks. In Hawaii, warm ocean water can carry bacteria, and sand, sun exposure, and saltwater can irritate a healing tattoo. Avoid bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, sunbathing, and abrasive beach sand while your tattoo is fresh. After 2 weeks, swimming in the ocean or a clean chlorinated pool may be acceptable if your tattoo is healing well, but ask your artist first.

How do I care for a new tattoo in Honolulu's sun and ocean?

Stay out of the ocean and do not swim for 2 weeks. If your artist did not use second skin, keep the bandage on for 2 to 7 hours. Apply ointment for 3 to 5 days. For the full steps, read our tattoo aftercare guide for Hawaii. Questions before you book? Free consultations are available.Planning a vacation tattoo? Book it near the end of your trip so the 2-week no-ocean rule does not cut into beach days.

Can I fly with a new tattoo?

Yes, you can travel by plane with a new tattoo, but keep the tattoo clean and protected during the trip. Ask your artist for travel-specific aftercare advice before leaving the studio, especially if you are flying shortly after your appointment. Your artist may provide a bandage or guidance for keeping the tattoo covered until you reach your destination.

Guest Tattoo Artists at Tattoolicious

Where can I find information about guest tattoo artists?

You can view Tattoolicious guest artist information on the guest artist page. The page shows visiting artists, portfolio examples, and availability so clients can book limited-time appointments with artists traveling to the Waikiki studio.