Native Flesh Tattoo

Native Flesh Tattoo - exceptional artistry, meticulous detail, and a comfortable experience. Talented artists bring custom designs to life with precision and passion.

I went with my partner to get their septum pierced and compared to the handful of shops I’ve been to on island, this is by far the best. Every other shop on island is either extremely overpriced, not very friendly, a little sketchy, or just not very good at piercing in general, but not Native Flesh. It was very clean, sterilizers were able to be seen (which was comforting to me since I have never seen any sterilizing machines at other shops), super fair prices and an amazing staff. The piercer clearly explained his process and communicated with us about any possible risks, along with proper aftercare instructions. Most places didn’t even bother to clean up my dried blood, but he was very thorough with cleaning and taking care of my partner after their piercing. I’ll 110% be coming back in the future and recommending this place to everyone!

Best tattoo shop Ive been to. Everyone there is awesome and easy to talk story with which helps. Have a couple tattoos from Brandon now and they are super detailed and he was easily done in half the time my other pieces took. Great pricing too for the quality work he does.

Frank did my eyebrow piercing. He talked me through it, answered all my questions without sounding frustrated. He made me feel very comfortable, and even had me lay down during my piercing which I really appreciated.It’s the day after my piercing and my eyebrow is not red or swollen. No discomfort or anything. He did a great job and I 100% would trust him in the future to do more piercings.

What I want in a tattoo shop:EXCELLENT artistry.Good communication.Enough to look at on the walls to distract me when we’re a few hours in.Artists that clearly enjoy their work and each other.I’ve gotten all of that and more at Native Flesh.I’m working on a second thigh piece. I’ve done both calves, my collar, my upper back, and (currently) 1.5 thighs. All pretty sizable pieces.So consequently - I’ve spent a good deal of time on the table here.Brent is the artist I will be working with FOREVER.His vision is what I’m looking for when I don’t even quite know what I’m looking for. He GETS it, and he’s been in the game a long time. He (like all the guys here) cares about the quality of work and will help you get past what you think you want to get a version that looks like what you want, only actually works in 3 dimensions and with respect to actual bodies and the way tattoos play on them. Genius, and wildly talented combination of watercolor and bold beautiful stylized lines (in my case at least.)I’ve brought friends, both to Brent and to Frank. I’ve only seen happy faces as people walk away. Frank even managed to cover up 2 of a friends tattoos (different sessions) and worked with my friend to find pieces that would work over existing ink.Brandon’s table often seems to have a regular on it, and everyone Ive ever seen walks away delighted even after a massive sesh.If you are a particularly delicate flower, you might get wrinkled up over the humor (I can see where my waspy grandma might find it jarring) but for the rest of us, it’s welcome banter, deeply entertaining, and obvious that this crew deeply respects each other, the earth, other people.Stick around long enough and you’ll not only get better abs from the (possibly inappropriate for church) wisecrackery…. You’ll also catch some solid friendships, hear partners and kids spoken of respectfully, and maybe even get a new perspective on what social consciousness can look like.

My sister and I walked in to get some piercings and were kindly greeted as soon as we entered. Frank did an amazing job in providing a very safe, clean, and comfortable environment for us. Thank you so much for being patient with us and for the good vibes!

Came from Chicago and this man did not disappoint. I got my leg done by Brandon, and all I can say is WOW! The shop was an amazing atmosphere, the tattoo was fantastic. I was in and out within an hour. This was the biggest tattoo piece I got and it was the fastest! I will be back to get more tattoos from him defiantly worth every penny. Don’t hesitate on booking here. You will not be disappointed!!

Clean, professional and inviting tattoo shop. Everyone is friendly, every workstation well equipped and even the décor are on point. I got my second tattoo with native flesh 13 years ago when it was originally in Kona. Ive continued to be a loyal customer to native flesh and Ive always been pleased with the work and experience. Ive had 5 tattoos done by Brandon in Hilo and I cant get enough of them! I would HIGHLY recommend native flesh tattoo to anyone looking for an experienced tattoo artist that will leave you feeling satisfied and even might leave with your cheeks feeling hurt because of all the laughter! I dont recommend coming here if you are highly sensitive and easily offended. I admire the Polynesian work and the humorous personalities here. Its always a good time when visiting this shop! Thank you!

Came in today for a couple of earlobe piercings, and Frank T. did a great job. He lined up the piercings and made sure they were even, explained his process, and the process was basically painless (I’ve had vaccines that hurt more than these piercings did!) At $100 for the pair the price felt a little steep, but it included the surgical steel studs, and the experience was quick, clean, and professional! I highly recommend Frank for any of your piercing needs.

I was a walk-in and was in the table getting ink within 30 minutes. Frank greeted me at the door and was extremely helpful. I had a tattoo idea and he helped me modify it to be the perfect fit for me. 100% recommend.

Got 2 native style tattoos from Brandon. I am honored to carry them now a life long on my skin. Great artist with a deep connection to the spirit of Hawaii. Exactly what I was looking for.

Came from Ohio, and Brent got us right in for 3 appointments. He did such great work, and is a great person. We all were so happy with the experience!

I didn’t get the feminine tattoo that I wanted. I sent a photo to the tattoo artist before getting the tattoo. However, while getting the tattoo I noticed it didn’t look like the photo. The artist was very intimidating so when I asked him if he looked at the photo he said yeah in a defensive way. Then he asked if he could go on my hand. And I said ok because he seemed like he was angry. And this tattoo was nothing like what I wanted. It was bulky and did not look like the photos at all. I had to get the tattoo covered up. All in which I’m in the process of removing now. I do not recommend going here.

Got a tattoo on a walk in with Brent foster, I have to day that was one of the funnest tattoo experience I have ever had. Brandon was funny as hell, Brent was super professional and had a tat drawn up and on me within 2 hours and it was quality work. Would highly recommend going to Native Flesh Tattoo. I will come back everytime Im on the island. Thanks for the great tattoo🤙🤙🤙

Came for piercings bc this place was highly recommended by a friend. Frank did not disappoint. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional and took extra time and care to get the placement of my double nostril piercings just perfect. Same for my friend who was there for two ear piercings.I actually came to get a single nostril and my septum done, but after Frank examined my nose he said it was really likely my septum would become crooked as it healed bc of the uneven cartilage in my nose. Was pleasantly surprised by this level of honesty and professionalism. Itll keep me coming back and recommending this place to all my friends and fam.Mahalo nui, Frank!

Brandon is an awesome artist and he really takes pride in his work. Hes hilarious and very talkative so a long tattoo session doesnt seem as long. Hes been my artist for 12 years and ALL my tattoos are from him and only him. I recommend him to any and everybody. Bran is the man! Ill be seeing him very soon. 🤙🏼

I was serviced by frank. Very amazing customer service. I got my lip piercing at Kona’s Lady Luck , but they gave me a small stud & my Lip was swelling. I was I came in to native flesh I was greeted & was able to get a longer stud, Thank you really appreciate it. I’ll be coming back soon!

I initially came in for a industrial piercing.Frank was my expert. He was well informed about the various piercing types and also recommended I do not get that type of piercing as my ears are too small.I ended up getting a conch piercing.Frank explained the whole process along with the care needed to ensure the piercing wouldnt get infected.Overall the piercing felt like an ant bite, nothing to crazy.

Brandon did my very first tattoo and it came out amazing! Its been over 12 years and its never faded!

I went to see Brandon in Hilo yesterday. I had a cover up done. I hated my half sleeve so much, but after Brandon worked his magic, my sleeve is stunning! I love it! My son got his first tattoo which was a half sleeve. It is absolutely amazing! If you are visiting the big island and you want a tattoo, go see Brandon! He is by far the best! He is such an amazing person! He has the best vibes ever. If you are looking for perfection and something unique, Brandon is where its at! Thank you Brandon. Ill be seeing you soon.

I have gotten tattoos all over the world, few from Hilo. Out of every shop, including 3rd world countries this one was by far the least comfortable environment. Some of the things I heard were appalling. Also, never have I seen people walking in and out but no appointments, no tattoo, piercing etc. Not sure what that was all about but seems a bit unorthodox. I normally dont review, especially like this, I felt I had to speak my mind. I hope others do not have to experience this as well.

I got my first tattoo here and my girlfriend picked up third. The prices were reasonable, and Brandon did a good job sketching up and summarily tattooing the design we wanted. They were able to take us as walkins on extremely short notice, but they did a great job. Brandon was very friendly and talkative, which made the whole thing seem to fly by.

Super nice people and professional. My daughter wanted septum piercing, but she didnt qualify and got a nose piercing instead.

I got my first tattoo from this shop in 2018 and it was a really great experience, thank you so much Charlie.. I still love it. Came back 2 years later for another one and wasnt very happy with how one of their other artists were assisting me. He tried to tell me it would cost around $100 to do one Kanji (Japanese) symbol on my rib a little bigger than a dollar-quarter in size. I wanted the symbol to be a little thick but not like brush stroke looking and he kept trying to say that he was gonna make it look very brush stroke looking and detailed EVEN THOUGH I tried to explain thats not what I wanted. I tried to show him some other things I might wanna get and he kept over pricing me... I finally had enough when he rudely said our minimum is $60 and nothing youre showing me is around that range so... and went back over to his area.... well thank you for making me feel cheap buddy, although youre the one trying to price jack an 18 year old out of her hard earned money. Anyway, this shop is a good shop, just go to Charlie or Brandon ONLY, they wont try to hustle you like some of um (;

By far the best tattoo shop Ive ever been in! Felt comfortable and accepted as soon as I walked in. Brent is an amazing tattoo artist and I trust him to work on me from this point forward! Took me as a walk-in today and was nothing but orofessional the entire time! Nothing but good vibes and a true aloha environment!

Awesome people, awesome tattoo!! My husband and I wanted to get tattoos on our last day in Hawaii, and everyone else was booked. These guys werent, which is crazy, because they did an awesome job with our tattoos! The detail is sick and clean lines! John has a very light hand, which was awesome for me as a female and my first tattoo. I would highly recommend!

I love this shop! Got my first tattoo here, I’ve been looking at other tattoo shops around the area and this one had the style I wanted. Frank was my artist and he did my tattoo even better than what I wanted, the pricing was really good and service was awesome!!

Very respectful and kind artists ..they do the greatest job I saw .I love both my new 1st tattoos ..I definitely recommend this tattoo spot its awesome kool vibes and u feel comfortable..thanks guys keep up the great work

Super friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I hit up the get what you get machine cuz I was feeling like letting the universe pick a tattoo for me. I was initially VERY unsure about the design which I was blessed with as it wasnt something I would have ever picked for myself. However, the workmanship was top quality, the vibe was on point.. and well... this little guy has grown on me and i love it!! 10/10 would do it again. Gnar whale for the win.

Great experience as a walk in. Very knowledgeable about placement and took the time to make sure everything would line up before using ink. I am so glad that I was able to get a spot here. Next time Im in the big island Im returning to Frank!

Awesome guys... amazing work and totally chill place.to get inked

Got a tattoo there today. John was awesome! He was flexible in his scheduling, and he was super helpful. In fact, he helped fix the design, and it turned out better than I thought it could. Extremely satisfied!

Went in wit my cuz when he got another tattoo. They do good work but i wen notice some people in & out, no appointment or asking about tats. Some looked pretty out of it, neva seen dat at tattoo joint b4. Seemed shady, felt uncomfortable.

I just got my Medusa pierced by Wesley and had to take it out a few hours later. He was very friendly and kind while piercing my lip, but after it was done I noticed it was very crooked. I commented on it, but he assured me it was just because of the swelling and the entry point. I paid him and left the shop. Then I very quickly noticed, after looking very closely in excitment, that it was for sure pierced in the wrong spot- a couple millimeters left of the center. I went back immediately to get it taken out to reduce scarring.. he got VERY defensive saying I didnt know what I was talking about and that his 3 or 4 years of experience shouldnt be overlooked. He took it out, not at all as gentle as he was when he pierced it, and only gave me half my money back. He wouldnt even give me sterlized napkins to wipe the blood.. he told me to use the toilet paper in the bathroom. And finally, I left with an Aloha and his only response was a role of the eyes.

Charlie was our tattoo artist. He did a great job. Im amazed with the outcome of my tat. He has a very great personality, attitude and is very respectful.

I loved our artist.He did amazing work

Call to confirm availability, once earlier in the day and once later, both times we were told to come in, that they had multiple artists available. Both times after showing up promply we were turned away because no artist was available. Basically gave us the runaround and was a waste of time and gas. Dont claim to be available if you are not. Not cool.

I was with wwe the rock dwayne Johnson last week and he told me that your shop was the best place i called and spoke with branden he is very good and smart,also wwe undertaker mark was with us also we are looking forward to getting some work done please give us your name as the owner we can talk only with you.do to us doing up coming shows we dont have a chance but we planning to visit your shop thank you very much aloha ohana aina kapuna

Frank is amazing. Best healing, least painful tattoo I have ever had. I will be back.

Amazing! Brandon is highly skilled, professional and kind. Stunning artwork and all around excellent experience!

Fantastic quality, booked the appointment from Europe by email 2 months in advance, no complicated process to get the appointment.

So professional and sterile.These guys know what they are doing!! It was a great experience and I highly recommend them!! Mahalo Native Flesh!

Brandon just did a freehand peice on my leg♡Hes an OG proffessional with a fast light hand.Mahalo for the art♡♡♡

Jus got a tattoo from brandon from my neck and back thanks man its badass my family loves it and they now want one too jus found a new spot for my tatts.ALRIGHT!!!

These guys are awesome! Fun, professional, and their work is freaking amazing. 🤙Mahalo!

Clean shop. Artists are excellent... Native Flesh is my go-to place for tattoos !

Brandon made an awesome Pueo tattoo on my brother Barons left shoulder.💖

Owner was cool but bad customer service. Artists were pretty rude, I recommend Kona for tattoos.

The shop is so clean you can eat off the floor - everything sterilized and the staff is super helpful and nice definite 10/10

Thanks for helping me change out my nose jewelry yesterday! Highly recommend!!

Loved it the piercer did a great job on my lip piercing!

Mahalos to Brent Foster. Awesome experience foa my first tattoo!!

They do great job love my tattoo

Got a tongue piercing there. Very friendly and comforting environment.

Frank was awesome with our piercings.

The owner is the best tribal artist on the Big Island.

Brandon is bomb.com need some ink done check him out...

They take care of you, by far my favorite people

Daughter and myself got our ink done there

I would highly recommend Charlie Ortiz

Great artists and great vibe.

Brandon is awesome

Check it outI did

EXCELLENT Amazing Work !!!

Great tatoos

Not only are the guys doing a good job, Alyssas Instagram @lb.inkz_ is excellent. We are very happy with our tattoos (upper part of forearm and mid-calf) and love it. We felt very well looked after and everyone was nice and friendly. We each wanted a Polonese style turtle and got exactly what we wanted. She even added something great.

Real artists, very professional. Many thanks to Frank for his excellent work.