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    Kulture Tattoo Kollective

    4.2 (34 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    By appointment only

    Updated 3 months ago

    Services - Kulture Tattoo Kollective

    Tattooing

    Kulture Tattoo Kollective Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Kulture Tattoo Kollective

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    FANTASTIC! I have a unique art piece that noone else will ever have. Samuel's work exceeded my expectations. I reached out a couple months before my visit to Kauai and had no problem scheduling my appointment. The shop is ultra clean. Do not expect to just show up, you do have to make an appointment in advance. I provided pictures of ideas, style, and the elements I wanted in my design. Samuel showed me 4-5 Honu ideas he created. After choosing the design I preferred, he actually hand drew the rest of the design on my arm around the Honu design, then started inking. The process was nearly painless as compared to my other tattoo experiences. I would strongly recommend Samuel for your next piece if you're planning to visit Kauai. Mahalo Nui Loa Samuel I will be sure to reach out if I have the opportunity to return to Kauai.

    Upstairs tattoo shop. Horrible.

    BEWARE of this place. If you're a local or a friend of Samuels, then he's probably great. Tourist or out of towner....... Good luck. He has the upstairs unit called Kulture Collective Tattoo and his name is Samuel Shaw. Had two appointments while on vacation. 2 different ones, both appts were canceled on me without him letting me know at all. I reached out to him on both and he only got back to me timely on the first one after I reached out to him. 1st one we had all set up before I left. Reached out the day before and he let me know he couldn't. Family tragedy, totally understood and still do. Very sad and understandable. It meant so much to me I said you keep my deposit, I'll come back to you for it. Arranged another appointment two months later for July 2023. Verified it a couple weeks before. (I also only came back for this appointment. 2 day trip all for this specific appointment). I show up about 30 minutes early, no big deal no one's here yet. Noon arrives, still nothin. I text him to let him know we're here......nothin. I call, text, send messages to him on ig since we communicated on both........nothin. But then, at the same time I see he posts on Twitter about peewee hermans death that same morning. Then he even posts a new story on his ig. All while neglecting all of my attempts to reach him. I then am still relatively cool about it but questioning him saying wtf is going on. No responses at all. Sat there for hours to be stood up and no call no showed. Spend $1,278 with flights and a hotel/car for two days to see him and got burned. 2 days and one entire day of the two consumed up by him not communicating a word with me. And he has had these reviews before so no surprise. He then finally late the next night responds and just said sorry and he had a concussion the day before. But he wasn't concussed enough to tweet about peewee at the time I was waiting and put up Instagram posts. So I call him out on that. He responds by telling me his posts are "scheduled". Which is total bs because posting about peewee hermans death that morning was not "scheduled". I caught him in a lie and he didn't have much to back it up with. He then later made a post ranting on about "some people" (me) need to stop being so detective like and chill out. Basically didn't like being called out for a sh**head move. Which deserves to be called out as a business and business owner. He then told me no and blocked me after I asked if he would meet me in the middle on the costs I went through for his appointment that we had lined up. Locals love him I'm sure but people on vacation, I'd stay clear and not line up any appointments with him. Best of luck if you do.

    Samuel at work.
    Kathleen R.

    Samuel is amazing! He's precise in his work and quick! My hubby added to his tats that Samuel did years ago and now feels complete! I wanted something to honor my mother and grandmother I lost years ago. Samuel was patient with me and drew mine out first to be sure it was what I wanted and it was perfect! If you're going to Kauai, don't just see anyone for a tattoo, go with the best! He's located in Hanapepe and it's a short drive from Lihue and well worth the drive from any side of the island! Mahalo Samuel and we'll see you again soon!!

    Side tattoo

    Amazing work. I was tattooed by Kalin around a year ago and it was a wonderful experience. He does all freehand drawing when it comes to the layout of the tattoo. A very comfortable and safe environment to be in. Love the tattoo!

    Big mahalo to Thad. He created a very meaningful design for my first tattoo and did exactly as I asked and more. The time he spent and attention to detail was amazing. The entire experience was one to remember. I will definitely be returning.

    Tattoo by Thad Nakao - Honu tattoo with island of Kauai on the shell back in a Polynesian design
    B J.

    Thad is an awesome artist. I made an appointment before traveling to the island on vacation with the family and explained to him I was looking to get my first tattoo at 56 and that Honus (sea turtles) and the island of Kauai are two of my favorite things in life and I wanted a tattoo that represented both in a Polynesian design. He booked me with no issues and even booked me for the last night of our vacation so I wouldn't miss out. Man did he deliver! He had a design ready that incorporated my desired look but with his creative artistic license and it turned out perfect! He spent 5 hours putting in all the details and I couldn't be happier with getting my first tattoo. Mahalo Thad!

    She took pic of one local flowers and Thad incorporated it
    William K.

    Thad at kulture is always pleasant to hang out with and does amazing work! We have been here 3 times over the last couple years and will be back again!! Recommend giving him a call if on the island and looking for your next tattoo!!

    Tattoo
    Josh C.

    Ola did an amazing job with my tattoo. With it being my first tattoo I was kind of nervous at first but he made the whole process relaxed and comfortable. It turned out even better than I had envisioned! I got the tattoo to honor my uncle that passed away and I know he would love it if he could see it today. Mahalo! Will be back again soon

    Tattoo

    Tony is AMAZING. His commitment to quality and his many deceases of experience assisted me in deciding to cover up a 30 year old Tattoo and it is amazing. I would recommend this place and Tony to anyone.

    Top is mine. Bottom is my husbands.
    Shannon W.

    We are avid tattoo collectors. Anytime we take a trip to the islands, we like to add to our collection. Therefore, with this being our first trip to Kauai, as usual, we did a ton of research before choosing Kulture Tattoo. When we arrived on Kauai we went straight over to chat and make an appointment for the night before our departure. We met with Kalin, who although was with a client, was kind enough to step away and talk to us without making us feel rushed. Today we went in for our appointments, both my husband and I got ink from him. All I can say is AMAZING! Not only was his work phenomenal, HE was outstanding! So nice. Made sure we were comfortable. Very accommodating. We literally felt right at home, and a part of his Ohana. The shop location is beautiful, it sits right on the river, and the little town of Hanapepe is just steps away. While my husband was getting his work done (2.5 hours worth), I sat on their back lanai and walked down to the shops. The shop is super clean. And all the other artists that were there, or came in while we were there were just as nice as Kalin. We will most definitely be back to see him next time we visit the island. I would 100 % without hesitation encouraged anyone wanting to get work done to go see the guys at Kulture. You won't be disappointed!

    Contacted Thad on short noticed and he was able to fit me in before I left the island. Thad is a cool dude and is a great tattoo artist. I'd recommend him to anyone. I'll be back!

    David C.

    Another master piece by Sam! Sam worked his magic on my arm and the results are outstanding. I highly recommend Sam and his cohorts when you visit Kauai but plan ahead and make your appointment early as Sam is in demand.,

    Sam made my ideas come to life & marked the 11 year anniversary of my brush with death. Hula & paddling helped me heal.

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    3 years ago

    Awesome place. Thad was great. Will go back again on the next trip to Kauai. Service and price were great.

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    samuel s.

    Mahalo for your words. Always great receiving feedback.

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    Review Highlights - Kulture Tattoo Kollective

    Contacted Thad on short noticed and he was able to fit me in before I left the island.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    Kulture Tattoo Kollective - tattoo - Updated June 2026

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