WAIKIKI, HI - Tattoo studio Waikiki establishments have come and gone over the past three decades, but Aloha Tattoo Waikiki - Hilton Hawaiian Village, Diamond Head Tower stands as one of approximately three remaining shops from Hawaii's legendary tattoo era. Founded in 1990 by twin brothers Larry and Leonard Hanks, the veteran-owned business has become a cultural landmark for both military personnel and tourists seeking authentic island ink.
From San Diego to Waikiki: A Brotherhood Built on Artistry
The Hanks brothers arrived in Hawaii during the mid-1980s by way of San Diego, California, with a shared vision to create something lasting in Waikiki. After experiencing the island culture and connecting with the local community, the decision became clear, Oahu would become home. By 1990, the brothers officially established their shop on the windward side of Oahu, strategically positioning the business to serve Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
The early 1990s saw the shop become the go-to destination for Marines stationed across the island. Every Wednesday night, 20 to 30 service members would gather outside, waiting for their turn. Leonard, Larry, and fellow artist Andrew "Andy" Deaton would work through the entire list by midnight, ensuring everyone returned to base satisfied. This dedication to serving the military community established a reputation that continues today under current owner Tim Goodrich, a former Active Duty Marine who received his own tattoo from Leonard in 1996, a piece that remains as sharp and vibrant nearly three decades later.
Military Precision Meets Island Authenticity
Tim Goodrich brings both military discipline and artistic passion to Aloha Tattoo Waikiki - Hilton Hawaiian Village, Diamond Head Tower. As a trained tattoo artist who served in the Marine Corps, Goodrich understands the significance of permanent art for service members. The shop continues to welcome active duty personnel from Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, and Schofield Barracks, maintaining the strong military connection established by the Hanks brothers.
The business philosophy remains unchanged from its founding days. A legendary sign that once hung in the original location read: "NO DRUNKS, NO DRUGGIES, NO BARGAIN SHOPPERS, NO PAN HANDLERS, AND NO ASSHOLES." This wasn't merely decoration—it represented a commitment to quality, respect, and authenticity that defines the shop's approach to this day.
Expanding Access While Preserving Heritage
Today, Aloha Tattoo Waikiki - Hilton Hawaiian Village, Diamond Head Tower operates multiple locations across Oahu, including the historic Kailua studio, a Wahiawa location in Central Oahu, and two convenient spots inside Hilton Hawaiian Village that remain open until midnight. The newest addition at Hilton Waikiki Beach in Diamond Head Tower's Rainbow Bazaar brings premium tattooing to the heart of Waikiki's resort district.
This expansion reflects the business's dual mission: honoring its military roots while welcoming tourists seeking meaningful vacation mementos. Whether someone is stationed at a nearby base, celebrating a honeymoon, or visiting for a week, the shop provides the same level of professionalism and artistry that has defined the business for 35 years.
Comprehensive Services for Every Client
Beyond custom tattoo work, Aloha Tattoo Waikiki - Hilton Hawaiian Village, Diamond Head Tower has expanded offerings to include professional piercings waikiki. The addition of piercings Waikiki services allows clients to receive multiple body art services in one trusted location. Each piercing is performed using sterile equipment and follows the same exacting standards applied to tattoo work.
The shop's tattoo artist waikiki team brings decades of combined experience across various styles, from traditional American designs to intricate Polynesian tribal work. Walk-ins receive the same attention and care as clients with scheduled appointments, reflecting the shop's commitment to accessibility. For those concerned about upfront costs, financing options through Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm make quality body art attainable for more clients.
Free text consultations and artist matching ensure each client connects with the right professional for their vision. This personalized approach, combined with the use of vegan inks and sterile gear, demonstrates how traditional values can coexist with modern practices. The shop's collection of over 9,000 five-star reviews speaks to consistent quality across thousands of clients.
A Living Legacy in Island Tattooing
Andrew "Andy" Deaton, one of the original artists who worked alongside Larry and Leonard in the early 1990s, continues creating art at the shop today. This continuity represents something rare in the tattoo industry, a direct connection to the shop's founding vision. While countless Oahu establishments have disappeared over the decades, this enduring presence proves that authentic craftsmanship and genuine relationships sustain businesses far longer than trends or marketing.
The survival of Aloha Tattoo Waikiki - Hilton Hawaiian Village, Diamond Head Tower, as one of only three shops remaining from that era carries significance beyond business success. Each piece created represents a continuation of Hawaii's tattooing heritage, executed with the same care and precision that built the shop's reputation 35 years ago. From the tattoo artist waikiki performing a simple hibiscus design to those executing full sleeve memorials, every artist carries forward the standards established by the Hanks brothers.
Serving Generations of Clients
The shop's longevity means it now serves multiple generations, Marines who got tattooed in the 1990s return with their adult children, while tourists who visited decades ago bring their families back to the same trusted location. This multi-generational clientele validates the shop's approach: prioritize quality, treat clients with respect, and let the work speak for itself.
Aloha Tattoo Waikiki - Hilton Hawaiian Village, Diamond Head Tower represents more than a business, it stands as a testament to what survives when excellence becomes non-negotiable. In an industry where shops frequently come and go, 35 years of continuous operation proves that military discipline combined with island aloha creates something lasting. The piercings, waikiki services, and expanded locations demonstrate growth, but the core mission remains unchanged: delivering authentic, professional body art that clients will proudly wear for life.
Media Contact
Company Name: Aloha Tattoo - Hilton Diamond Head Tower
Contact Person: Tim
Email: Send Email
Phone: (808) 220-9671
Address:2005 Kalia Rd Unit 401A
City: Honolulu
State: Hawaii 96815
Country: United States
Website: https://www.alohatattoo.com/
