1. Pacific Rootz Tattoo

1. Pacific Rootz Tattoo

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Kihei, HI

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Pacific Rootz Tattoo

4.9 (99 reviews)
ModerateTattoo, Piercing
Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Services - Pacific Rootz Tattoo

Tattooing

Pacific Rootz Tattoo Photos

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Recommended Reviews - Pacific Rootz Tattoo

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Reviews With Photos

Cherry O.

We first discovered the legendary tattoo artist named Samson a few years ago. He has tatted several people I know and back in 2019 he did fixed a tattoo for my husband and did an amazing job. This is a Hawaiian owned and operated shop. Samson has over 20+ years of experience. 2021 _ December: We are currently on a family vacation in Maui and my son really wants his first tattoo with Samson. He didn't know what he wanted but he wanted a Polynesian tattoo that had meaning and a band to wrap around his forearm. He just trusted Samson to the design and didn't know what the outcome would look like. Well after 3 hours we were all amazed at the details Samson put into the design. Taro leaves, ocean, fish, turtles representing him and his sister, all for protection, strength, love etc. Samson incorporated things we couldn't have thought of. It was truly an amazing piece. And it's designed in a way to be added on in case my son wants to add more when we come back to Maui. You will not be disappointed with Samson's work. He's trained a lot of students who now own and operate their own shops. But trust me, Samson is the master!

Tribal hammerhead shark tattoo by @badbullyink
Spencer C.

My fiancé and I went here and got tattoos from Nick @badbullyink. He did a fantastic job with both of our tattoos and we love them! Samson's shop is awesome and I am sure all of the artists there are amazing. Unfortunately Nick is leaving at the end of May 2023, but we highly recommend this place

Sushant S.

Got my first tattoo here and Kai was really helpful and patient in picking and modifying the design. The studio is very clean too. Definitely a good place to get your tattoo here. I got a forearm band. My wife and I came the next day again and she got a Tribal tattoo on her lower right leg, again done by Kai. And I got another one on my right bicep (a small one though). We made this our tattoo spot and we would only come to Maui to get tattoos by Kai. Thank you Kai for this wonderful experience.

Polynesian band stencile
Rena P.

My father and I had a wonderful experience getting tattoos at Pacific Rootz with Kai Yamada. I found Pacific Rootz and Kai through their positive Yelp reviews. It was important for me to find a Hawaiian owned and operated tattoo shop with a native hawaiian tattoo artist. I was very impressed with Kai's Yelp reviews and followed my research up by looking at his portfolio on Instagram. I was very impressed with his work and style, and decided to book with him. I reached out to him via Instagram direct message asking for an appointment for the next Monday, to see if he was able to accommodate us. He replied quickly and professionally. I also asked if he was able to accommodate my father getting a tattoo directly after me. Kai agreed. We then discussed the basic inspiration/ideas behind my -and my dad's- tattoo. For me, a thin polynesian band around my left forearm. For my father,  a tiki totem of the God of War, Ku. When we arrived for our appointment, the shop was clean and welcoming. Pacific Rootz is decorated with beautiful Hawaiian art and culture. Exactly the vibe we were looking for. Kai was welcoming, friendly, and professional. He already had prepared stenciles for us based on our isntagram conversation by the time when we arrived at the shop. After filling out the simple, necessary paperwork we began discussing tattoos. My father went first. After getting Kai's professional opinion on sizing and placement, Kai also suggested adding fire coming out of Ku's mouth. My dad loved this idea and is grateful for Kai's recommendation. My dad also commented on Kai's excellent attention to detail and knowledge about his art and culture. I have attached photos of the stencil, mid-way through the tattoo, and the final product. My dad is very pleased with Kai's work and is proud to wear it. Next was my turn. When we arrived, Kai provided me with a stencile for a thin band of Hawaiian and Tahitian symbols that have powerful meaning. He took the time and effort to listen kindly and patiently to me while I  told him a bit about myself, so he could pick symbols that reflect my values. This was very meaningful to me. He then sat me down and taught me the Hawaiian/Tahitian names and spelling, English translation, and symbolism behind each symbol on my band. He was extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful and attentive to detail. He was very patient while we tried several placements to make sure I was confident and pleased. I also wanted fine, sharp lines and Kai did exactly as I asked. I will attach photos of my band. He checked in on me often and held polite, professional and friendly conversation throughout my visit. Overall, an amazing experience with Kai Yamada at Pacific Rootz. Would absolutely recommend to all. Thank you,Kai! Thank you, Pacific Rootz. Mahalo. P.S. I will include more photos of our tattoos once we remove the wrap and they begin to heal.

Samson killed it!
Dan O.

At 46 I got my first Tattoo! I had wanted one for many years, but didn't have the artistic capabilities bring my thoughts to life. Samson is a master of his craft. After sometime talking and sharing life stories he took my story and crafted a masterpiece. It was a bit nerve racking to put total trust in him but after our conversation he had but my fears to rest. Thank you very much, Samson! I'm extremely grateful for your dedication to your craft. Edited-added image.

Lauren D.

So we did our research and pacific rootz tatau had the best reviews in the area. Our artist was Francine. Francine was amazing, not only did she squeeze us in on our last day in Maui but she drew up exactly what we asked her for and gave us great tattoos. She was so nice and talented. She also had a great touch, I'm such a baby and she reassured me. Highly recommend!

Tattoo
Hector J.

Walked in on a whim during my Maui vacation and don't regret it one bit. Got my work done by Francine, she has such a great eye for what will look good. She was very welcoming and reassuring! Did I mention it was my first tattoo? Excellent job! Much love and respect to the crew at Pacific Rootz! Mahalo

Tattoo
Ike D.

Samson is a legend. I returned to Pacific Rootz after getting a tattoo in Maui 5 years ago and he killed it again. I am going home with a great piece that means a lot to me.

Tricia E.

Got my very first tattoo while in Maui. Thanks to Nick @badbullyink for making my experience perfect. Nick was so knowledgeable about sizing and placement and made the entire experience an awesome one. His light handedness helped to decrease any pain and, in fact, made it a LOT less painful then I expected. No tears here! I am beyond happy with my tat and will be back for #2 with Nick! Highly recommend!!!

Melissa H.

I got my tattoo done by Kai Y and had an amazing experience. They fit me in last minute while I was on vacation, the shop was very clean, professional, and everyone was friendly. Kai drew up exactly what I wanted, worked fast, and did incredible work. I will definitely be coming back if I'm ever in the area again!

Pacific Rootz. Thank you Samson
Weslorri K.

Visiting Maui and wanted another Tattoo something to reflect my stay here.... Samson is an Amazing freestyle artist. Put my total trust in his abilities and was delighted with the outcome. I love my tattoo, Thank you Samson. My husband also got his 1st tattoo, Samson Mahalo!! Until next time Lorri Virginia

Kelly C.

I thought I my skin was too old to get tattoos. But I saw a video of a 73 yr old getting sleeved, and I said to myself, if she can still do it, so can I. I'm definitely going to come back here to fix those old lame tattoos I hate one day. I was so nervous, but Hano was awesome. He restored my faith in the fact that there really are amazing tattoo artists, in this world. Mahalo Hano, we will be back

Francine  did a wonderful job on both of us. She was so gentle we hardly felt anything .
Rebecca D.

Thanks Francine for taking such good care of us. You were so gentle . Thanks for the suggestion for Eating at Naul's it was amazing .

Keahi - Pacific Rootz

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Ask the Community - Pacific Rootz Tattoo

Any availability on 5/8 in the afternoon for 2 people?

Please text me at 1 (619) 387-6839 and provide some info, approximate size, placement, color or no color and reference photos if you have them? Also if visiting I need to know exact day AND time you leave island? Thanks

What's the price range none of your reviews said nothing specific about pricing and it's tradition Hawaiian tattoo technique right?

Thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunately we are not providing Tatau tattooing at the moment, still doing Polynesian tribal but with a rotary and coil machines. Shop minimum is 150, for smaller tattoos we typically price out by the piece and for larger… 

View All 7 Questions

Review Highlights - Pacific Rootz Tattoo

Chase was thorough in making sure I was fully aware of the process from start to finish and patient with answering all of my questions.

Mentioned in 7 reviews

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Zen Tattoo Maui

Zen Tattoo Maui

4.9
(112 reviews)
1.1 mi
$$

I got my first tattoo at almost 60. It was when my daughter asked for one, and I was thinking to…read moremyself, why not go do it with her. That was five years ago. For our 30th anniversary, my wife and I went to Maui for a week. The best vacation we've ever had. When it was almost time to pack our suitcases and leave Maui, we were thinking why not get a tattoo to commemorate the vacation, as well as the anniversary. We looked up several tattoo parlors. While at Paia we paid a visit to one, but it needed a booking in advance. Another one in Kihei, we encountered a rude tattooist who (almost) practically threw us out because we weren't so sure what tattoo we wanted to get... and then, when we were close to giving up, we found Zen Tattoo. Greg was free, and said he would love to help. We looked up several images, and picked one. And then the magic happened. But not before we were watching in awe how Greg was preparing. He put on a pair of surgical gloves and started sterilizing EVERYTHING. The trays, the machine, and everything that could get in touch with us. Better yet, he wrapped EVERYTHING in Saran wrap. And I mean everything. Then he took of the gloves, threw them away, and put on a new pair. Only then he started to prepare the candidate skin for the tattoo we selected. At the end, he cleaned the area well, and applied "Second Skin", a modern aftercare method that keeps a new tattoo consistently hydrated using ointment or medical-grade wraps. This approach prevents hard scabbing, reduces fading, and accelerates healing, though it requires strict cleanliness to avoid bacterial growth in the moist environment. In retrospect - a good choice to make when considering a tattoo. He worked meticulously, and the results were spectacular. When he finished with my wife and it was my turn, we were amazed to see that Greg went through the entire set of rigorous sterilization, again, not skipping one step, including two sets of surgical gloves. Then he did mine. So three comments: 1. Greg is excellent at tattooing. Outstanding work. 2. Greg is extremely obsessed with cleanliness and sterilization. 3. Greg was the nicest person. He reassured us throughout the process. Bottom line: considering the preparation, the professionalism, the personality, and the outcome - when in Maui considering a tattoo - choose Greg 100%.

Was looking for a tatto shop didn't know which one to go with I went with zen and my artist was Kai…read moreI 100% recommend going here they were very nice, very clean they treated me good I started to feel a litttle dizzy they got me a water the vibe was just awesome I would go here if you want a tatto

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Zen Tattoo Maui
Zen Tattoo Maui
Zen Tattoo Maui

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Soular Tattoo And Piercing

Soular Tattoo And Piercing

4.7
(94 reviews)
11.2 mi
$$

Honestly can't rave enough about this place Matt is the best thing that couldve happened to our…read morefamily in our first tattoos , he was welcoming , professional and attentive to everything we explained and described to him what we wanted for our first tattoos while on the island my wife , my son and myself . The shop is extremely clean Matt went above and beyond to make sure and even stayed past closing to make sure we were done before we left to go home back to mainland .we couldn't have asked for a better experience A1 in our book Ari was awesome to making sure everything from design to appointment to paperwork was all done to help Matt out .....if you on the island and looking for some great ink and artwork you need to check Matt's work you won't be disappointed at all I promise you

Kenna is THE piercer to go to on Maui. As someone who is super high standards about piercing…read moretechnique, quality of materials, cleanliness, coming from NYC - I've been searching for THE ONE on Maui. Piercings are permanent, and something I believe should be one area you invest in! I frequented Maria Tash & boutique piercing studios in Manhattan, and have been waiting for that level of service here - and Kenna is IT & beyond! Look no further, I do not have enough positive feedback on my experience. Vibe was top notch, calm, aesthetic - and Kenna's calming & warm energy just adds to the experience. If you're someone who is perfectionist for those high quality, investable, dainty but high-end curated ear (and other!) pieces & materials - run don't walk! I'll be back Kenna, thanks again!

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Turtle Tattoo by Justin Blake
Turtle Tattoo by Justin Blake
Soular Tattoo And Piercing
Soular Tattoo And Piercing

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Pacific Rootz Tattoo - tattoo - Updated July 2026

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