Big Island Tattoo & Piercing

Such a nice place! Becky was so attentive and we could have a short but nice talk before Rockwood got started with my beautiful tattoo. He is an artist and also a very nice, easygoing guy, I felt totally comfortable and got not fear at all, although this was my first big tattoo (at least bigger than the other ones I have). I want to thank Rockwood and Becky and when I am back in the Big Island of Hawaii I will for sure pay you a visit and get another tattoo done. I trully recommend this Studio. Kind regards and Aloha, Andréa from Switzerland (the turtle girl).

Greg is amazing!!! He provided a clean, professional, very friendly and fun environment for my husband and I to get tattoos done while we vacationed for our 20th anniversary in Hawaii. He was so easy going with any changes we wanted to our tattoos. His time with us was greatly appreciated. We highly recommend this place and Greg!!! Oh and a shout out to his soda girl 😂!!! Thanks again Greg!

My fiancé and I came here on our trip on New Year’s Eve 2022 We were so excited to get our tattoos here and Rockwood told us basically how famous he was because he had done so many rock singers drum heads and tattoos. I thought I’d hit the jackpot he charged me $500 for a pretty basic tattoo and it took him less than an hour approximately 45 minutes. It’s by far the worst tattoo that I’ve ever had and I am very disappointed! You can see where he was holding the gun at an angle, and some of the lines are bled together . I also broke out in a serious rash, and it took longer to heal than any other tattoo that I have it also just wouldn’t stop bleeding . I am extremely disappointed and definitely would not recommend going there or ever go back again now I have to figure out how I can get part of this at least cover it up , don’t believe the hype of supposedly over 50 years experience tattooing

Rockwood is an artisan. I reached out to schedule my first tattoo with this shop due to all the allocates and positive experiences others have had. I was met with a speedy response, crystal clear instructions and outstanding customer service. I wanted the best for my first tattoo experience.Rockwood not only went over the art I proposed but also offered his professional advice on alterations. From start to finish he was professional, personable and honest. This experience couldn’t have gone better. He made a vacation in Hawaii all the more special. I highly advise reaching out and scheduling a session!Below is a picture a few hours after.

My wife and I were celebrating our 10 year anniversary and wanted to get tattoos as part of our celebration. Greg was amazing to work with and did an excellent job! I would highly recommend him and Big Island Tattoos!

This is by far the best tattoo artist Ive ever been to. Rockwood is a genuine gent who has been devoted to his craft for over 50 years and while there are other tattoo artists around, theres something to be said for decades worth of experience. I first came to Rockwood in 2013 for a polynesian style Honu on the top of my foot. I can proudly say that 8 years later that tattoo still looks as crisp as the day I got it. I knew that for my next tattoo (recently acquired) that theres no one Id rather get it from than Rockwood and he impressed me yet again. He worked patiently with me in every reiteration of my design until we got it just right, and I couldnt be happier with how the new piece on my back turned out. Plus he did a great job on a couple of touch-ups needed on the work I got by some other artists.. If you are on the big island and want to get some ink, take advantage of this opportunity before Rockwood retires! Give em a call.. Becky at the front desk will be sure to take care of ya... Many thanks, friends!

Rockwood and his wife Becky were wonderful to work with. Me and my daughter each got a tattoo on our forearms. Wed shared our designs with Becky long before we visited Hawaii, and Rockwood then took them and made them even better and unique. Rockwood was also hilarious and engaging, a great character! Tats are healing nicely.

Rockwood is an excellent tattoo artist. He is actually an artist in general. He works fast and drew up our idea very quickly. Very personable we will be back!

Rockwood listened to my ideas and created original art on the spot which brought my Hawaii dreams to life. He is one in a million!

Four of us were on holiday and booked tattoos on our last day. Greg inked us, and Rockwood kept us entertained with some great stories. 100% recommend big Island tattoos. You wont get a better experience anywhere!

My friend and I got our first tattoos here at the end of our trip. I called a few days before the trip and was instantly impressed by the customer service. When we showed up Rockwood was very honest with what was possible and got us both designs that where better than anything we couldve come up with while paying very close attention to what we wanted and what our original ideas were. The environment was amazing and very professional. Rockwood is an absolute legend, he told great stories and did outstanding artwork. I would highly recommend this buiseness to anyone looking to get a tattoo. It was truly an amazing experience and I will definitely be returning in the future.

Rockwood is one hell of an artist, with a side of sass and a brilliant storyteller. Nothing but professional, and made sure I got what I wanted. Best experience with a tattoo Ive ever had. Thank you, sir. Next time youre back on the east coast, first round is on me and the wife.

It was just an awesome experience. This was my second tattoo and really my first larger one. Theyre a husband and wife run business that have been a part of the tattoo and piercing industry for decades. Rockwood is an awesome tattoo artist and just a good person all around. Hes got a awesome sense of humor and makes you feel at home when youre getting tattooed. Becky, (his wife) is great person to talk to and is chock full of information to help with any questions you may have. With over 50 yrs experience and an eye for detail, you wont be disappointed when you get tattooed or pierced at Big Island Tattoo & Piercing.

Rockwood & Becky took the time to make sure I got the custom tattoo that I really wanted, including lots of emails and an in person consult with Rockwood. The tattoo process was fast with good tunes (Rockwoods the fastest tattoo artist in the world!) The aftercare instructions were all written down and they sell Tattoo Goo. If you want the most experienced tattoo artist available, hit them up!

Greg gave me my first tattoo and I LOVE it! It’s healing perfect and I get so many compliments on the water colors. I can’t wait to come back and get a few extra additions to it the next time I’m back on the island!

Rockwood was amazing and we are thrilled with the tattoos he did on both my wife and myself, we will return for another next time we are on the Big Island he is amazing and this place is fantastic. Love it. Rock on Rockwood. 💜

Becky scheduled us and was flexible and kind with changes we made prior to our appointment. Greg, our artist, was fun, interesting, and helped my daughters first tat experience be a good one. Thank you both, we will be back and if Greg is back in the Northwest for a visit we have more ink requests for him!

Visited the big Island July 2022, went to big Island tattoo! Everyone there was AMAZING! Gregg was my artist, awesome job! I even bought one of Rockwoods paintings! Would definitely return!! Thanks, big Island tattoo!!!

This was a fantastic experience that capped off a wonderful first trip to Hawaii. Rockwood was able to come up with a beautiful design and cover up a tattoo Ive regretted for a long time and replaced it with something I want to show off. This is 3 hours after the tattoo. Was definitely recommend for anyone looking for an amazing tattoo and and a fun experience listening to his stories. Ill be back.

What a great guy! I was amazed by his artistic skills. Never had an artist doodle out the piece in front of me and ask for my input! Well definitely be back!

Rockwood and Becky are the best! Beautiful ink for my husband and I while we were in town. (Totally Turtle Tuesday). Thanks Rockwood, it was such a pleasure meeting you. Looking forward to getting together again.

This was an excellent way to spend the last day on the island. Great people, fantastic artist with superb quality tattoo at a great price. Only took an hour each for mine and my husbands tattoos so we had plenty of time to do last minute shopping and get to the airport. Definitely will go back for more work from Rockwood if we ever go back to the big island.

Rockwood and Becky are amazing! Rockwood is an outstanding artist that creates custom tattoos based exactly on what you desire! Not only did they get us in quickly, they spent time giving us ideas and drawing up designs for us to look over. Rockwood also took the time afterwards to fix one of my husbands previous tattoos from another artist! Becky is pleasant and helpful and makes you feel so comfortable! We will be coming back in next time we are here! We wont even think about going anywhere else!

Went to this shop last year in the end of march while on vacation. Me and a friend went to get tattoos done while we were out there. The vibes were amazing from the moment we walked in and the prices were awesome as well! I brought a design i liked with a dolphin and manta ray but to make it original, he redid the art with his style and the end product was just what i wanted. Im going back to kona in may so definitely going to this shop again! Amazing place!

Rockwood is a top notch artist who has 50 years of experience. My wife and I saw his work and had to get our ink done by him. We brought back 4 of our friends and they all got tattoos as well and were all thrilled with the work he did. Give him the concept and let him create your artwork. What a great experience!!!! #bigislandtattoo

Wow! Wow! Great experience this is my third large tattoo and while the other guys did really great work on oahu and Kauai, rockwood truly is one of a kind. I got a beautiful custom cofffee bean plant tattoo in a private studio covered with beautiful art and music memorabilia. His wife/receptionist was so sweet and friendly. He is truly himself and loved hearing his stories. I have a low pain tolerance and started to shake. When i apologized rockwood told me not to because it wasnt something i could control. Very empathetic. I gave him a big hug when i was done and am honored to have his art on me for life. Late post tattoo done may 2021

Just had an amazing experience at Big Island Tattoo with Rockwood. He did an amazing Polynesian band around my thigh and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and overall experience. Him and his wife are warm and welcoming and put my nerves at ease real quick. Next tattoo I’ll definitely be returning here!💙 mahalo!

Super great experience! Rockwood was awesome and made me feel so comfortable during my tattoo. Would recommend him to anyone looking for a tattoo on Big Island!

Rockwood is awesome! He has selections of pre-designsd artwork to do, but give him something custom and he delivers like a champ! Hes a character, very funny, very positive, very accepting guy. Hell do whatever art you want (so it seems). Check into his other art works as well. This guy has great talent. If youre considering a tattoo while youre in the Kona area, this is the place.

We were walk in customers, Greg was our artist, he was amazing! He made sure the pieces were exactly what we envisioned, and the execution was stellar. I cant wait to go back for more!

My friend and I want it to get our nose piercing, Rockwood was super friendly with lots of experience. He made us feel comfortable and we were super happy with our piercing. What made us go through him was reading the previous positive reviews and the sterilization of the equipment he uses.

Greg was awesome and my husband and I were extremely happy with his work! Will definitely plan a trip back to see him again!

I spoke with three other tattoo shops before going to see Rockwood. I had serious reservations. I wanted a cover up and had a concept of design. Rockwood inspected my tattoo. Looked at some pictures I brought. Discussed the concept and gave some solid honest feedback on the results he would provide. I made an appointment to come back that evening. Rockwood had created an original design that really just blew me away. The results were simply excellent and exceeded anything I could have expected. Rockwood is a true artist and a master of his craft. If you want original, real art, from someone who really knows the craft, go see this man. Thanks again to Rockwood and Becky for everything.

My wife and I make a few trips to the Kona each year, we have tattoos and we were not exactly happy with what we had done at prior shops. We spent a lot of time visiting tattoo shops on the Big Island and taking mental notes. After doing our research both online and in shop we decided Big Island Tattoo was where we would get our tattoos. Let me tell you why:1. Cleanliness, we didnt see a cleaner shop around.2. Rockwood and his wife Becky were personable, fun and very knowledgeable.3. After listening to what we wanted done (some touchup up work for color for myself and adding design and touchup to my wifes) Rockwood made some very good suggestions that really made sense and the tattoos pop.4. Rockwood and Becky went way above and beyond coming in to the shop on their only day off to do our tattoos as it was our last day on the island.5. The finished product was outstanding and something we are proud to wear forever. His skills are fantastic, application wasnt painful, his personality is absolutely great, they both make you feel comfortable and the entire experience was fun and definitely full of laughs.We are returning to Kona next month and one of our stops includes Big Island Tattoo...and were coming as a group of 5 to get work by Rockwood.Looking forward to our next visit!

Greg, was great!!! Come see him if you are on the big island!

Rockwood and Becky are amazing professionals. This was my first tattoo,and they took my vague concept and made it a beautiful reality that has everyone talking about how cool it is! I cant wait to go back for my next one

I initially visited Big Island Tattoo based on some quick research online of reviews and because it was on our path to our final destination. My wife and I were extremely happy to have done so.Rockwood is a very well versed, knowledgeable and friendly person. After expressing to him what my idea was for my tattoo, we quickly were able to collaborate on a design that visually captured my intent. What helped in this collaboration was that I had already researched my idea extensively. A tattoo should never be a on a whim thing as its on your body forever. I saw the negative reviews of Big Island and its apparent that those negative reviews were expressed based on lack of ability to take on constructive criticism.Becky definitely kept us on track with trying to get me in the chair. I think we spent almost two hours just talking about various things before I even sat in the chair.Im definitely glad I got my tattoo here. Rockwood and I saw eye to eye on multiple concepts, and understood the point behind my tattoo.

We are so glad we decided to go with Big Island Tattoo for my wife and Is tattoo. Ive been tattooed on the island before by another shop a few years back and it was over priced, average work, and really rude guy. So were so glad after doing some research we went to Big Island Tattoo and got Rockwood to tattoo us! Super professional, quick, very reasonably priced. Beyond just the tattoo, it was such a nice experience to meet the artist, hear about his stories and a great way to end our vacation here in Kona. When we return to Kona, we are sure to come back for a visit for more tattoos, we cannot recommend this shop enough for all your tattooing needs!

Rockwell is a funny guy full of great stories. He tattoo’d 3 amazing turtles on my foot that I just love! With his years of experience he advised where they should be placed so they look great for many years! Highly recommend Big Island Tattoo.

Easy to book our appt and had a great experience. Rockwood hand sketched our tattoos and they were better than we expected! Fast and amazing fine line work.

Just over two weeks ago at the tail end of me and my daughters Hawaii vacation, Rockwood designed a tribal Manta Ray for my upper middle back. It was just beautiful, and has finished healing perfectly. Id recommend Rockwood to anyone! As an added bonus, the shop is located right next to Kona Brewing (brewery and restaurant).

Ive been tattooed at some of the best shops in Seattle and on every major Hawaiian island, and I can say that Big Island Tattoo is a good as it gets. There are A LOT of shops in the Kona area and I spent a ton of time researching them all before finally landing here during a recent trip...while new shops seem to be opening all the time, this place has been around for 20+ years. I added a tribal Manta Ray to my half-sleeve while my wife got a cover-up done on her shoulder. Rockwood is really the best--his work his second-to-none, hes fast (faster than any artist Ive ever seen), hes super personable and he knows what hes doing. We got a lot of comments on our work after leaving, every one from a local who knew of Rockwoods stellar reputation. Whether you live there or will just be visiting the Big Island, look no further than Big Island Tattoo.

I was astonished with the quality of my tattoo. I plan on sending them a picture of mine to put on their website as soon as its healed. Talking with Rockwood made the experience 50x better. Couldnt have asked for a cooler and more artistic guy for my first tattoo.

Greg was badass! Great work. Great detail. Very efficient. Highly recommend.

Thieves! There are plenty of tattoo shops on the island where you can avoid this place.- I asked for the tattoo artist to avoid certain offensive topics. He included both offensive aspects inside his first draft- he agreed to finish work at a certain date. I paid a fee to start the work under that assumption. He did not accomplish anything in time and therefore did not meet the end of his deal. He still kept the money under the pretence that he did work. Work that was offensive and done too fast to justify anything more than an hour of work.I rarely give bad reviews. But stealing is a ground that I deem valuable to provide feedback.

My party walked into this establishment fully ready to get piercings, but no one even acknowledged us. When we finally spoke to the employee at the front, she was unfriendly and sarcastic. It goes without saying that we decided not to give them our business.

Absolutely amazed with how I was treated and with the tattoo I got from Rockwood, thanks to the both of you working in the shop. Im so happy to have a tattoo that means so much to me. Rockwood is a great artist!

Paid over $500 for a 2 hour piece that was supposed to be a Polynesian Tribal tattoo. Greg showed me a tribal fern that he was going to do and it ended up looking like a bunch of non-tribal pine looking leaves that didn’t even flow with the other supposed “Tribal” he did. Very disappointed and embarrassed to show my arm. If you are looking to get some poly tattoo done, then stick with someone local who know what it’s all about. Now stuck with this ugly piece and hoping I can get it covered up ASAP. Talk about being ripped off and what a waste of my money!

Outstanding service from the start until the finished product was complete. Rockwood and his wife clearly run a tight shop, are professional, and are good people! Will see you at the end of the year for another piece Rookwood.

I was on my honeymoon and wanted a tattoo to memorialize the occasion. I asked for a watercolor style tattoo and we spent almost an hour going over every detail of the piece I wanted. He said he would work on a sketch and I made an appointment for the day before we left so I could go in the ocean etc. without ruining the tattoo. Unfortunately, I got a blobby mess which cost over $300. Also, in the middle of the tattoo work, the wire sending power to the needle gun started shorting out... which was unsettling. He fiddled with it and finally switched to another set-up. He only worked on my tattoo for maybe 20 minutes total. The ink started fading incredibly fast and within weeks looked 10 years old.I am so grateful I found an amazing artist in Austin when I got home. He did an amazing job covering up this mess. I really believe the artist that did the original piece is great at most other styles of tattoo art, but he should have been honest and told me he was not very familiar with watercolor tattoos and given me the opportunity to go elsewhere. I ended up with a beautiful cover up but the total cost after paying for both tattoos was around $1000.00. If you are in Kona and want a turtle or a whale tattoo youll be okay. For anything else, I would steer clear.

First timer who had no idea what to do or about the excellent reputation of Rockwood. Treated me like an old friend and collaborated to come up with a new and meaningful design. Much respect for this establishment including his management team (wife).

Best in the business. Ill be back for more work. Greg is an amazing artist and human. Becky in the chair killing the customer service game too. Love this place.

Rockwood was absolutely amazing! I will remember that experience forever! Super funny and just a genuine person! We had a great time! Love Melinda and Mandee

This place is awesome!My sister and I went in and got great service at a great price. We showed Rockwood our tattoo ideas off the internet and he made them even better!Now, we have original tattoos❤We will be back.

Just shared this on Facebook but loved it enough to share it here too! Had a great experience there this week! Not only was he fast and did a beautiful job on my mantaray, but he was able to get us in within 3 days which is unheard of where Im from! Thank you for taking your time and giving me a piece Ill love forever!

Went and got our tattoos on our last day in Hawaii, and worth it! Wed go back to Hawaii just to get another tattoo here. Everyone who has seen my sea turtle tattoo loves it, and complements the watercolor part of the tattoo as well!

Becky was sooo friendly when we stopped in to see if we could get an appt. Rockwood is very artistic and friendly. We felt comfortable right away.

If you plan on getting a tattoo in Kona, Big Island Tattoo should be top on your list. Rockwood is great and his work speaks for itself.

Amazing place, beautiful art, awesome atmosphere Greg was amazing and helpful throughout the entire process of getting my first tattoo overall 10/10 experience!

Just left this place and the lady behind the counter wasnt helpful at all. I described to her what i wanted and had the nerve to tell me that doesnt even make sense. Why was it her business? Then my wife tells her what she likes and tell her, oh weve done 3x this week and laughed as if shes making fun of her..very discouraging attitude. Went to Lady luck instead. Much better Customer Service. Im not from here so far Ive had 3 bad customer service from places that Im willing to spend my money on. Might wanna consider replacing your front receptionist Rockwood cause shes gonna drive your out of town customers away.

Best tattoo shop and people on the Big Island! Becky is so funny & her and Rockwood have created a fantastic business...my hubby would never have anyone else do his tattoos!!!

Our second visit to the shop. The wife loves the place. Rockwood is awesome.

LOVED IT!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE AWESOME TATTOO. I will definitely be calling when its time for my Octopus piece! Highly recommend these guys!!

Just had my tattoo done by rockwood I can highly recommend him his a great artist he took my ideas and produced the perfect tattoo I could not be any happier so if you’re on the big island and want a tattoo his your man🤙🤙🤙🏊‍♀️

Me and my BEAUTIFUL wife on our Honeymoon both got tattoos , the artist work and experience was great!

Best place hands down to get a tattoo or piercing ... Rockwood is a true artist and does beautiful amazing work..He is the only person from now on my husband and I will only be getting our tattoos in the future by him.

My friend and I just got tattoos while on vacation the whole atmosphere and vibe was amazing felt super comfortable and the artists are just amazing people will be coming back every time 🤌🏻🤌🏻✨✨✨

Greg, thank you for spending the afternoon with us. The tattoos are amazing. 10/10 recommend

Great couple that owns the place. I got a couple of shark 🦈 tats, Rockwood did beyond expectation. If you get a tat on the big island this is where you need to go!

Was my first tattoo, kind of got it on a whim on our honeymoon. Manny did a great job, was very friendly, and I got exactly what I asked for. If Im ever back on the island, I know where Im going.

Much respect to Brandon at Big Island doing me a solid and squeezing me in today for a quick tat. Excellent customer service and great work, nice lines! Big Mahaloz!

Amazing work and super friendly people/ a super friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend while on vacation or if youre looking to get a tattoo!

Did custom work on the fly. Did really good job. Great stories while he worked. Very fast. 2 custom works of art in 1 hour.

The only place I get ink done, Rockwood is friendly and fast, he doesnt waste your time and does the highest quality work.

Clean and welcoming shop. We emailed asking for an appointment and got a response right away. Really fun experience and great work.

Rockwood doesnt need this review. Hes so good people will go to the shop organically 🏆

My niece was here visiting from the mainland and wanted a tattoo last minute he had an opening and it turned out really well and she was very happy

Rockwood is great at what he does. Has a ton of experience and super clean space.

Great service! Awesome art. Cant even tell there was another tattoo underneath.

Awesome experience I hope I get to go back hope to see you again Rockwood!!

Our tattoo place when visiting the big island Becky and Rock are awesome

Great place to get a well dome tattoo!

Had a custom Polynesian lions head created as i waited. will give an update when its done.

Rockwood is an amazing artist!

Loved the hospitality and expertise! Walked in with some pictures and walked out with a rockin tattoo

Great artist and people are very friendly

Rockwood does a first rate job!

You can’t go wrong here. Great art great service

Got us in last min! Great work, cool guy👍

Great place to get tattooed. Friendly and great prices.

Friendly, courteous and above all skilled and knowledgeable!

BAD ass TaTOo Artist.. Original no c0pys!

Good ink.

Great work from the best people!

Rockwood is awesome!

Great work

Greg is the man.

Love my tattoo!!!

Excellent spot!

Loved It !

Camry getting a tattoo

Good People!

Amazing, very good, very helpful, and does excellent work!! Will probably go back!!