The art of the traditional Hawaiian tattoo

Jo Stanley meets with Cultural Practitioner Keli'i Makua to learn more about the rare art of ancient Hawaiian tattooing and why it remains a sacred practice.

From The House of Wellness Season 3, Episode 35.

[JMakahaFitz]

So blessed to be able to call Keli'i my friend and part of my extended ohana. I have several stories that have been depicted on my body from him. Such a genuine friend

[goosetaylor]

First thing I though of was How the hell he tattoo his eye like that ?

[DannyTer]

Please tell me how he managed to tattoo his eye that way .... and how he endured the pain?

[FilippoCardoni]

Honestly I think his eye tattoo looks great.

[erindrawsstuff]

I met his daughter when I first went to hawai'i, she had a beautiful tatau from him!!

[ramonsaiz]

I would never think his eye tattoo would look so good on someone

[TheRyno]

God that looks therapeutic, i would love to get a tattoo that way

[taraishot]

Mean bro much respect from a Māori from NZ love how our pacific people keep their traditions and culture going and pass it on to the next generation

[chrisweidner]

“Aesthetic value secondary.” Well said.

[andrewghostronin]

I think Pacific Islander culture is criminally underrated!

[buck]

This type of tattooing is so cool and very interesting

[wesleylytton]

Respect how they talked about Kava as well.

[NickA]

If I ever get a chance to go to Hawaii it would be an honor to get a tattoo like this.

[mlwest]

She just laughs about it. When he explains the ceremony. Don’t ever lose your ways keep up the tradition.

[MJ-gwys]

That way of tattooing is originally from Kalinga tribal tattoo by WANG UD.

[mattiusvalentine]

That is not so ugly and is very graceful and beautiful. That’s spirit and culture and Mana!! And it looks good brah! Much alo’ha! I’m 1 Ha’ole and have lived Hawaii for quite some time. Always admired the practice and spirit of tattoo in Hawaii. I have many tattoo from my past and have never taken ink or would do so from the culture of Hawaii on my own skin. However Hawaii has also given me so much; as I give back as well to community. Is there a place for someone like me that would adorn myself by your craft to show my love for these islands and people? I ask because for one I believe in the truest nature of tradition, as well as showing pride in a place and people that has enriched my life so much. Thank you for the video.

[olie]

One thing for sure, Keli'i is gorgeous. What an eye candy.

[adolfogonzalez]

His eye tattoo looks like a birthmark! awesome tat!

[loganwilliams]

So you’re telling me someone hand tapped his eye tattoo

[sarahbbtasshi]

Our pacific ways is beautiful and unique pacific family ❤