Considering getting a tattoo in Rarotonga? Te Tatau, Cook Islands tattoos, are more than just decoration. They’re a vibrant cultural language, telling stories of identity, ancestry, and social standing.
But as with getting a tattoo anywhere in the world, research is key.
It is always recommended to consult with reputable artists who understand the cultural weight of these symbols and can create a design that reflects your own story and connection to the islands.
- History of Polynesian Tattoo in Rarotonga
- Booking a Tattoo in Rarotonga
- Tattoo Studios in Rarotonga
Next Tattoo
Kareha Polynesian Art Studio
Polynesian Tattoo
T’s Tattoos
Wearing Ink
Teitinga Designs - Tips for Getting a Tattoo in Rarotonga
- More About Rarotonga
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About the History of Polynesian Tattoo in Rarotonga
In Polynesia, body art and tattoo are more than just decoration. They’re a vibrant cultural language, telling stories of identity, ancestry, and social standing.
Tatatau or Te Tatau, Cook Islands tattoos, dates back before the introduction of Christianity to the Cook Islands.
Traditionally, the history of Te Tatau in the Cook Islands symbolised and represented the natural world, deep connections to the islands, and the spirit of navigation that guided their ancestors. Though with the arrival of Christianity to the Pacific in the 18th century, there was a decline in Te Tatau.
Today in Rarotonga – and the Pa Enua – a new generation of artists are reclaiming this cultural treasure.
Meaning that these days, tattoo in Rarotonga is experiencing a strong revival.
Booking a Tattoo in Rarotonga
If you are visiting the Cook Islands, it is recommended booking a tattoo in Rarotonga towards the end of your trip. This is to avoid direct sunlight and sweating as these can potentially affect the healing of your new tattoo.
Tattoo in Rarotonga
There are six listed artists and studios that offer tattoo in Rarotonga:
Each of them has a specific background and style that makes them unique.
1. Next Tattoo – Tattoo in Rarotonga
Owner of Next Tattoo in Rarotonga, Luther Berg is a well-known and extremely popular tattoo artist in the Cook Islands. Luther is known for his passionate tattoo art showcasing bold Polynesian designs and stunning work.
The atmosphere at Next Tattoo Cook Islands is welcoming and friendly, making it an ideal spot for both seasoned tattoo enthusiasts and first-timers.
Plus the Next Tattoo studio is right on the beachfront in Nikao. Which means you are literally experiencing tattoo in Rarotonga right in the heart of this island paradise.
Luther is both a gifted artist and a likeable personality with a quirky sense of humour. You can’t help but feel comfortable as he takes the time to listen to ideas and collaborate on designs that reflect individual personalities and experiences.
The shop is equipped with the latest hygiene practices, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment that is literally right on the beach.
Plus – we can’t help but be somewhat bias to proudly share Luther as our favourite artist for tattoo in Rarotonga. This is our second time living in Rarotonga; our second tattoo from Next Tattoo – and we know it won’t be our last!
The minimum charge for a tattoo in Rarotonga from Next Tattoo is $200 NZD.
- Artist: Luther Berg
- Location: Nikao
- Online: Next Tattoo
2. Wearing Ink – Tattoo in Rarotonga
Hinano Wearing is a Cook Islands female tattoo artist in Rarotonga, known for her custom Polynesian tattoos.
Hinano has gained recognition for her distinct feminine style of tattooing. Her work often incorporates influences from the Aitutaki style, known for its rhythmic, often geometric and repetitive patterns.
Wearing’s designs are a blend of traditional Cook Islands motifs with a contemporary approach, creating intricate and personalized pieces for her clients. She runs her own custom tattoo shop, ‘Wearing Ink’ and emphasizes creating meaningful designs.
Wearing Ink is located in Mataevra, Rarotonga. It’s recommended to book appointments well in advance as she is a popular artist!
- Artist: Hinano Wearing
- Location: Matavera
- Instagram: Wearing Ink
3. KareHa Polynesian Art Studio
KareHa is a small art studio located just near to the Rarotonga International Airport on the north of the island.
The KareHa Studio describes their style as tatau, tāmoko and tattoo that aims to provide visitors a connection with local artists and their creative works. Although the artist focuses on Cook Islands tātatau and tāmoko they do offer a range of other styles as well.
The resident artist is Stormy Kara.
She is a female artist currently doing tattoo in Rarotonga and is very popular. Stormy grew up in Palmerston North, New Zealand with her Uncle Tetini Pekepo, a Cook Islands tattoo legend, as her teacher.
Stormy started with Pacific Ink Tattoos in Rarotonga and has travelled back and forth between the Cook Islands and New Zealand over the years. Her art represents a wonderful mix of both Cook Islands Polynesian and New Zealand Māori culture styles.
The minimum charge for a tattoo in Rarotonga from KareHa Polynesian Art Studio is $150 NZD.
- Artist: Stormy Kara
- Open: Monday – Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment only
- Location: Nikao, just near Rarotonga Airport
4. Teitinga Designs – Shade Hut Tattoo in Rarotonga
Teitinga Designs is owned by artist, Jason and his wife Aggie, whom are of Cook Islands, Tahitian, Samoan and New Zealand decent.
Jason’s work reflects a strong respect for tradition while incorporating contemporary elements, creating meaningful and visually striking tattoos that tell a story.
Whether working with traditional patterns or custom pieces, his goal is to honour Polynesian artistry while providing clients with unique and personal tattoos.
The minimum charge for a tattoo in Rarotonga from Teitinga Designs is $200 NZD.
- Artist: Jason Teitinga
- Location: Tikioki
- Website: teitingadesigns.com
5. Polynesian Tattoo Cook Islands
Polynesian Tattoo Cook Islands is a small but busy hut at the Punanga Nui Market in Avarua that specialises in Polynesian tattoo in Rarotonga.
The owner Clive Nicholas and his family team are well known for their traditional and buzzing tattoo studio at the market.
The minimum charge for a tattoo in Rarotonga from Polynesian Tattoo is $80 NZD.
- Artist: Clive Nicholas
- Open: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm; Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Location: Punanga Nui Market, Avarua
- Phone: +682 53205
6. T’s Tattoos – Polynesian & Contemporary Design
The artist at T’s Tattoos in Rarotonga is Tetini Pekepo. Known as T, Tetini is of New Zealand Māori and Mangaian heritage.
Tetini is a master carver and a taunga tatau and has sailed on many voyages with the Cook Islands Voyaging Society throughout the Pacific islands. His journeys have given T a deep insight into the various Polynesian arts. Which is noteworthy in his work in the way he combines different old and new Polynesian styles.
He has an excellent reputation throughout Polynesia as a great traditional tattoo artist.
- Artist: Tetini Pekepo
- Location: Aroa
- Phone: +682 52854
Tips For Getting a Tattoo in Rarotonga
There are a few suggestions to make sure your tattoo in Rarotonga is exactly as you hope for:
- Book an appointment in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
- Consult with the artists about your design preferences and cultural significance for a personalized experience.
- Follow aftercare instructions carefully to ensure your tattoo heals properly and maintains its vibrant colours.
Feel free to ask the artists about local tattoo traditions and stories behind the designs too.
Choosing an Artist & Tattoo in Rarotonga
For visitors to the Cook Islands, getting a tattoo in Rarotonga can be an unforgettable experience. A tattoo is a souvenir that connects one to the local culture while providing a lasting memento of your time in Rarotonga.
Note though that the inclusion of an artist or shop for a tattoo in Rarotonga on our list does not necessarily guarantee that you will be happy with any individual work carried out.
We would strongly recommend that you take your time choosing artist for tattoo in Rarotonga. Think carefully about the work that you want to be done. Even a small tattoo lasts for a lifetime and tattoo removal is imperfect, expensive and painful.
Make sure to do it right and choose a recommended and great artist for that tattoo in Rarotonga!
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- Hiring A Scooter In Rarotonga.
- Renting A Car In Rarotonga.
- How To Buy A Car In Rarotonga.
- Finding And Renting A House In Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
- Is Dengue Fever A Worry For Travel To Rarotonga?
- Transport And Getting Around Rarotonga.
Travel Planning For Cook Islands and Beyond
These are the companies we use and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. Easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before holidaying to Rarotonga!
Gavin is our people-meeter wherever we go. For all the stories we share about the kindness of strangers in Uzbekistan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and more, it is Gavin that extends a handshake and meets a new friend without even sharing the same language.