Hawaii, Seattle Tattoo Expos Showcase Global Art Forms

The 10th annual Hawaii Tattoo Expo, also known as the Pacific Ink and Art Expo, is taking place at the Blaisdell Center’s Exhibition Hall from August 1 to 3, featuring over 400 tattoo artists from around the world. The event emphasizes cultural heritage by showcasing traditional tattooing methods from Hawaiian, Samoan, Filipino, Thai, Japanese, and Native American artists, including Native American artist Javier Reyes who integrates cultural elements like dance into his work. Organizers highlight the expo as a celebration of indigenous tattoo art's evolution into a global phenomenon, attracting thousands of attendees and creating an immersive cultural experience. Beyond tattoos, the expo offers family-friendly attractions such as a kid zone, hula performances, face painting, silent disco, contests, and a variety of food trucks. The event aims to honor the art of tattooing while providing a vibrant community gathering for enthusiasts and families alike. This celebration of tattoo culture also includes demonstrations of gentler tattoo techniques like Thai bamboo tattooing and emphasizes the expo’s role in connecting artists and fans worldwide.