The experience with Ceez from the start was amazing, strait forward no BS, strait to the point. I'm so grateful to have found Kaleponi Ink and feel blessed to have Ceez as my artist. It was wonderful talking and learning about my culture from Ceez. I originally had as idea of what (I think) I wanted and involved my wife in the process of deciding. We talked about family and history and connections inbetween. Ceez was not only listening, but he was teaching me, and developing a plan. The master artist, was orchestrating in his mind what came to be an amazing Filipino/Hawaiian fusion piece. He explained the meaning behind each symbol and the lines were so sharp and defined. It was amazing seeing the process and was 100% pleased with trusting his vision for the artwork in the end. The shop: CLEAN, small, intimate shop. Don't think you're brining more than 1 person with you this is a private studio. Great location, easy parking, and access to shop. Easy walk to get snacks or drinks nearby 7/11. The Cost: I was fortunate of growing up with having to work with my dad for hard earned money. In return it has made me appreciate hard work. You don't pay for the time, you pay for the piece. It was an investment of a lifetime return that cannot be measured in dollar amount. "Good work ain't cheap, and cheap work ain't good". It's 2024, and the times of low cost items aren't worth your time. So invest in yourself and when you're ready Kaleponi Ink will be there. In summary the entire process was wonderful. Ceez has years of experience and knowledge and it shows, if you're looking for this specific genre of tattoo artistry there is no comparison. Customer service was phenomenal. Salamat! read more

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Ceez is an amazing artist, everything was so personal and contoured to my arm . The experience at his shop is not like any other. You can feel the culture and the pride he has the second you walk in the shop. Ceez sat with me and went over all of the importance and responsibility of this tattoo . I can't wait for my next session. read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ceez ... my guy... Got a shoulder piece done with him about a year ago, then couldnt wait to come back for more! Ceez completed my hip piece and boyy did he hook a sistah up! Always professional, and personable enough to call fam. I'd recommend Ceez for anyone interested in a bomb piece of work., I plan to bring my son here to get some work done very soon. ~ Charlene read more

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Ceez is a really chill dude and he builds a relationship with you before you get a tattoo. Got my first tattoo ever with him and it went really smooth. Really focuses on his work and did a great job on my piece! Loud music and good vibes overall in the shop. I highly recommend doing business with Ceez! read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ceez. Is. The. Man. He works with you to hash out your ideas to get it right for you. He takes great pride in the work he does and it shows. I got a half sleeve wrap done and Ceez went above and beyond my expectations when it was all said and done. If you're looking to get some ink done right, Ceez is your guy. I will definitely be a returning customer. read more

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I waited 45 years to get my first tattoo because I didn't want just any old random tat. I had several people refer me to Ceez at Kaleponi Ink. I needed something that truly meant something to me and that could really represent me and my life's journey. This turned out to be a good thing because the owner, Ceez, mentioned it was important to him that the tattoos he does are meaningful, are unique, and not just some random design that a bunch of other people have. I am a Chamorro adoptee who spent a lifetime searching for my family and who recently reunited with them. I am a mother. I am a cancer survivor. Somehow, I wanted all of this represented in my tat. Ceez listened to my story and just started drawing. A cancer ribbon as the base. Spearheads & shark teeth to represent my strength and tenacity. Weaving to represent the reunion and togetherness of family. Maori to represent new beginnings. Three plumeria to represent my children. And my beloved island of Guam represented in the head of the ribbon. I absolutely love it! This tat took nearly nine hours, and while Ceez kept asking if I was sure I wanted to keep going, I was determined to do it all in one session. He was so patient with me and really eased any nervous feelings I had going into this. Shout out to Ceez for taking the time to go over the tools he was using, even taking the time to have me inspect the brand new wrapped needles to ensure they were good. It impressed me how important it was to him that I understood everything about the tools and the process from the very beginning. As a former surgical tech, he is very sanitary and takes his time to ensure you are comfortable and happy with the process. If you are looking for an honest, sanitary, and gifted tattoo artist who is passionate about his art and his craft...and who also specializes in tribal/Poly/island designs, I highly recommend Kaleponi Ink! read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

After many years of searching for the perfect tattoo artist, I am so grateful that I found Ceez at Kaleponi Ink. I harbored a lot of anxiety before getting my first tattoo, but Ceez's professionalism & passion for his work definitely eased my fears. He worked fast & with light hands so I was able to embrace the experience instead of suffering from any unnecessary pain. Ceez gifted me with a very clean, meaningful, and unique shoulder piece that I admire and appreciate everyday. I look forward to my next visit! read more

Kaleponi Ink - Feminine Poly shoulder piece by Ceez at Kaleponi Ink. - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been going to Ceez for the past 5yrs- he's the only one I trust when it comes to getting any ink done. He always works with my ideas and let's me know when something will or won't work. I mainly get Polynesian pieces, but I referred some Friends over for something completely different and they were so happy with theirs! His lines are some of the cleanest I've seen and I'm such a perfectionist! I love the vibe of his shop and the people that come and go. If you're thinking about getting some ink done, I highly recommend checking out his shop or talking to him if you're on the fence about where! read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Chances are if you are reading this, you're looking for recommendations on who should do your tat. Greater chances it's a Poly piece. Well just check out his work; Instagram, website, etc. You'll see for yourself that he's an artist and takes much pride in his work. Check out his lines and attention to detail, he truly is a master at what he does. Keep up all the great work, Ceez! read more

Hands down the best tribal artist in SoCal. Took hubby for his Christmas gift and we couldn't be happier with his half sleeve piece ! Ceez takes his time to understand his clients and deliver incredible work. excited to go back and get more work done ! Mahalo Nui Loa read more

Kaleponi Ink - Polynesian / Filipino fusion. - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

COME TO CEEZ FIRST After being tossed around by other tattoo artists in San Diego for months, I found Ceez on yelp and he took me in THAT NIGHT and did an amazing piece. His art is 10x better than my reference photos. I cant stop admiring it and have already gotten countless compliments. Fast, strong attention to detail, knowledgeable, good price- everything 100% Hands down the best- I won't go anywhere else for a tattoo read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

True to his art. Ceez was amazing, he took the time to get to build a connection between us before moving on to tattooing. The session and work was beyond anything I expected. He truly cares about what he does and the mood is so relaxed. read more

Ceez is the man! I've been looking for a legit Polynesian artist in San Diego and I found a couple but they were just too over priced, a deposit, set up fee and a long wait to be seen. Then I stumbled upon Kaleponi ink...ink master Ceez! He is such a cool aNd humble guy that after getting to know him, this guy is a legend and I MEAN LEGEND! I told him straight up and he lets me know what he can and can't do. For example I wanted him to tattoo over my keloid scar and he said that it will causee further scarring and that he'll work around it, which I was definitely cool with. I told him what I wanted and No BS he gave me the flat out rate and asked if i wanted to get it down that night 1/17/2020 7pm. I said let's do this!. He specializes in Hawaii/Filipino/Samoan/Polynesian tattoos and what I found SO legit about Ceez and you can never find this in any Tattoo artist here in SD is that he started asking me questions about my life and who I love and what my passions are. I told him everything and then he incorporated my life stories into my tattoo! So it's worth HAving a meaning/story to instead of a simple plain cool looking poly tattoo. For example I told him about my kuya/brother and he put two fishes in my tattoo to represent me and him...I told him about my new life becoming a Xray tech student and meEting someone that could be my future wife and he made my tattoo style that mEans a new beginning and a new life/chapter. His details with the lines are so good! ANd he takes his time and patience to make it look legit..It took 4 hours and all I can say is I'm a totally satisfied customer and happy aBout my new ink. He doesn't spread his work on mediaa except IG where you can follow him @tattoosbyceez but literally likes to spread it by word which I'm literally telling everyone/family/friends about him. He's a suCh a funny guy, down to earth chill ass dude. It's safe to say I definitely found my go to tattoo artist that I feel very comfortable with and will definitely be coming back to him whenevEr I need some ink done. Mahalo! read more

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Best poly tribal number one in my books. Ceez blasted my whole neck piece perfect lines. good conversation, perfectly clean shop. Everything tat2 I see come out his shop is clean and on hit. Thank U ceez everyone complements Your work read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

This was my first experience getting a tattoo, and I was going for a big piece, a 3/4 sleeve. Ceez is a true professional. He did a wonderful job during the consultation. He told me exactly what his experience was and what he could offer. I, in turn, explained to him what I was expecting and we came to an agreement. We agreed on a fair price and two sessions later, I had my first tattoo. I couldn't be happier with the result. I can't wait to add on to it!!!! For the complete beginning to end experience, follow the link: https://youtu.be/RDt_H9Q4kQw read more

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Wish I found Cee sooner. I would have loved to have him do all my ink. He did my last available limb last year and it is beautiful! The shop is clean, he's got great music jammin on the box, and good vibes all around. If I ever decide I want a chest or back piece, I'll definitely go back to Kaleponi Ink. Thanks braddah! read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ceez is one of the best artist out there. His lines are clean, straight and precise. You can tell a lot by an artist's work just by the lines. So far he has done half my chest, shoulder, back and upper right arm. I plan on getting my sleeve done really soon. His shop is clean and welcoming. Best experience! read more

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I have gotten two tattoos from Ceez. One on my foot and one on my wrist. Each time i had a great experience. His shop was very clean and welcoming. I have referred several people to Kaleponi Ink and will continue! 5 stars for customer service and 5 stars for great tattoos! Thank you again! read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ceez is an amazing tattoo artist!!! His shop is very clean. He is friendly and kind. I've gotten tattoos on both of my arms and can't wait to have more work done by Ceez. read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Ceez and Joey stay MAYJAHHHH!!! Both artists did my right sleeve and other pieces, work fast with light hands! Highly recommend for poly work! Will be coming back for more work! Boto specialists! Lol jk -Irvin read more

One of the best tattoo shops I've been to. Great work. Great company and clean lines. Definitely going back soon read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Kaleponi Ink was the best and smooth experience for my first tattoo. Ceez was professional, gentle and clean- he showed me all sealed and sterile needles/equipment before we started. Ceez took the time to draw out my vision and made my piece unique and meaningful to my love and passion for Polynesian dance and heritage. He did a beautiful thigh piece that I got so many compliments on in Tahiti. I highly recommend Kaleponi Ink! Creative and beautiful island art- two thumbs up! read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

There are many places to get a tattoo in San Diego. Kaleponi Ink is a place built by word of mouth and proof of product. Everyone who has received a work of art from Ceez is a walking testament of his skills and creativity. Every piece he does is well-thought out. Consultations can last a couple of hours, then drawn free-hand before he ever opens the inking tools. If need be, a piece is redrawn. Together (so far) my family has five pieces from Ceez and we'll refer anyone to him that is looking for art that is full of meaning. read more

Some of my cousins have beautiful tattoos by Ceez, so I knew I wanted him to do my first piece when I moved to San Diego. It was two years ago this month when I met Ceez for a consultation and then got my behind the ear tat. We had a conversation about what I wanted it to symbolize, as well as the size/location, but other than that I just trusted his process. Ceez is very knowledgable about the history of tatau and meaning of different symbols used in Pacific Islander cultures. That deep historical knowledge informs his contemporary and hybrid style, a "flow" that incorporates elements from different styles of tattoo (you'll notice from the pics that his tats draw on Tahitian, Hawaiian, Chamorro, Filipino, Samoan, and Māori symbols, to name a few). If you're down with this style, I can't recommend Ceez enough. His talent is also complemented by his experience working in medical settings, so you can trust that his process is safe and sanitary, as others have mentioned. read more

Kaleponi Ink - Recent photo of my tat (it's aging well!). Some of the symbols: fisherman's basket pattern, spearheads, shark teeth, koru (fern), waves - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I WISH I FOUND CEEZ SOONER! Wanted to add more to the tribal piece I already had on my forearm, but my original artist had moved out of the country. Thankfully, I found Ceez! He was able to pick up where the other left off and completely revamp my forearm. Definitely going to be back! read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Ceez and Joey were very professional. Clean shop and made the whole experience fun!!! Thanks guys!!! Definitely will come back and will refer family & friends to them. read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I got my first tattoo from Ceez...and years later, I also got my second tattoo. I couldn't go anywhere else because Ceez is not only a great artist, but he's also personable and I trust him with my forever ink. He's straight up good at what he does, knows what he's talking about, and he takes pride in his work so it's not like you're picking a tattoo from a book, but rather an artist who wants to make your tattoo also about you with whatever it is you decided to ink yourself with. I ALWAYS get compliments on my tattoo and how great the work is. I really don't refer much to anyone, but Ceez I have no doubt; I referred my family to him and they too are more than satisfied with his work. He's simply an overall good person and artist. I just don't know how he can disappoint... read more

I've been to Kaleponi Ink twice for some extensive work by Cesar that turned out great and ended up being exactly what I imagined. Cesar is a very talented artist and easy going business owner. I highly recommend him for your next tattoo. Overall....Dis place is solid and Cesar is one solid Braddah fo real kine!!!! read more

Ceez has done pretty much all my tattoos. Of all my tattoos my favorite wild have to be the paw print of my dog he did for me a couple years ago. He hand sketched a design to fill the paw and it looks so unique. I get compliments on the detail work all the time. He also designed a horseshoe tattoo for me that I wanted done in memory of my grandpa. My grandma got a matching tattoo and they both turned out perfect. Also, he's in really good shape so that a plus read more

Ceez did an awesome job touching up some ink I had done 12 years ago and had it looking even better. The shop is very clean and maintained, the work is second to none, and Aloha is shown daily. Real island brothas. read more

A few years back I got the opportunity to visit my roots back in Guam. The trip was such a life changer for me. When I came back I knew I wanted some art to capture what my trip meant, and Ceez captured that for me. He's an artist that has a passion for his culture and it shows in his art. His work isn't just another doodle he gets paid to do, he knows his work is important to his clients. Kaleponi Ink is the place to go! See you soon!! read more

Been a client at Kaleponi Ink since 2016! I have two pieces done by Ceez, one on my back and another on my foot. Each experience was amazing and the artwork was beautiful. Will definitely be coming back for future pieces. read more

Kaleponi Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I've gotten 4 tattoos now from Ceez. My first tattoo, he did matching tattoos for my grandma and I. That was about 5 years ago and they still look great! read more

Ceez and His Crew are the best..Clean Friendly Environment, make getting stuck a Pleasurable experience..Looking forward to my next

Ceez is an amazing artist with genuine Polynesian design experience. He has a lot of knowledge about each design; my experience consisted of him asking me about important things in my life and completely freehanding his design.. soft hands, great detail, had a full sleeve completed. Definitely one of the best poly artists in California. read more

Even before I got my tattoo I knew ceez was the guy to go to for Hawaiian tribal and he did an amazing job. I plan to go back and have him do another tribal for me. Def one of the best artists in San Diego. read more

Amazing pieces! Very light hand and detailed work. One of the most talented Polynesian style tattoo artists I've had the pleasure to meet. Definitely recommend him if you're thinking about a Poly tattoo. Came all the way out from AZ to have work done and it was well worth the trip. read more

Ceez will get you right with anything you need and you'll love it . I definitely recommend going and getting what you want, as I'm continue going to Kaleponi Ink ! read more