Top 93+ Best Polynesian Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide] 2023

Polynesian tattoos are most often connected with rites of passage or a significant transformation. Most often etched with precision detail in black ink, they are an essential and immutable part of tattoo culture for men and women.

Modern designs feature unique styles that can often be applied to non-members of the cultural society. The designs are made to accent or emphasize the part of the body tattooed, while telling the story of the owner.

There are also different themes the wearer can choose, from specific tribal gods and key animal motifs, all the way to personal lucky charms and achievements.

The following gallery of the best 93+ Polynesian tattoo ideas showcases the wide array of themes and that go into symbolic tattoo art.

1. Polynesian Tattoos for the Arm

Source: @musu_fuimaono via Instagram

Source: @blacktalontattoos via Instagram

Source: @dakine702tattoo via Instagram

Source: @javieracero via Instagram

Source: @kokin_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @lordneytattoo_ via Instagram

Source: @musu_fuimaono via Instagram

Source: @niccolocasatitattoo via Instagram

Source: @pippotattoo via Instagram

Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram

Source: @tattoojustin via Instagram

2. Polynesian Back Tattoo Ideas

Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram

Source: @infamous_bubz via Instagram

Source: @jonnyhillson_tatau via Instagram

Source: @manu_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @marlolualemana via Instagram

Source: @ricosaldivar via Instagram

Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram

Source: @tattooboutic via Instagram

Source: @tattooinkpitgavin via Instagram

Source: @toshotattoo via Instagram

3. Polynesian Chest Tattoo Art

Source: @dantzat2 via Instagram

Source: @dennishermosa via Instagram

Source: @finott via Instagram

Source: @gaspar.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @iristatau via Instagram

Source: @jared_ordoyne_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @ksutattoo via Instagram

Source: @nikita_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @pichichitattoos via Instagram

Source: @tattoosby_ruben via Instagram

4. Polynesian Tattoo Ideas for Women

Source: @6_seed via Instagram

Source: @genevieve_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @henetattoo via Instagram

Source: @inkedbykuu via Instagram

Source: @patricklochertattoos via Instagram

Source: @plume_scribblings via Instagram

Source: @samoan_mike via Instagram

Source: @stefano_miani_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @tattoos_bypri via Instagram

5. Full Sleeve Polynesian Tattoo Ideas

Source: @_tattoofx via Instagram

Source: @6_seed via Instagram

Source: @amai_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @colinzumbro via Instagram

Source: @enniocaio via Instagram

Source: @fliptatts via Instagram

Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram

Source: @littlekapitan via Instagram

Source: @santostattooo via Instagram

Source: @shaoki4000 via Instagram

Source: @shaun.hotrodtat2 via Instagram

Source: @tolle_etf via Instagram

Source: @zele.tetoviranje via Instagram

6. Half Sleeve Polynesian Tattoo Ideas

Source: @_tattoofx via Instagram

Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram

Source: @santostattooo via Instagram

Source: @bara.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @blazetattoo via Instagram

Source: @clarkemickey via Instagram

Source: @iupaticustomarts via Instagram

Source: @pipe_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @santostattooo via Instagram

Source: @tattoo.maus_ via Instagram

7. Polynesian Leg Tattoo Ideas

Source: @jerome_titeca_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @jesusrodrigueztattoo via Instagram

Source: @lastsoultattoos via Instagram

Source: @pellenera via Instagram

Source: @swerve619 via Instagram

Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram

Source: @tattoojuj via Instagram

Source: @datutatu via Instagram

Source: @fresh_native via Instagram

8. Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Source: @downtowntattoostudio via Instagram

Source: @groundup_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @jamesmylle via Instagram

Source: @kazeetatted via Instagram

Source: @laurainkjakarta via Instagram

Source: @mikey_monarch via Instagram

Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram

Source: @scketchpulu via Instagram

Source: @silver_rabbit_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @tats_by_phats via Instagram

9. Small Polynesian Tattoo Ideas

Source: @2bitsmashisttattoos via Instagram

Source: @biggietattoos via Instagram

Source: @dantzat2 via Instagram

Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram

Source: @julientatouages via Instagram

Source: @niccolocasatitattoo via Instagram

Source: @polynesian_tattooartist via Instagram

Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram

Source: @tattoobypatu via Instagram

Source: @threeflowerstattoo via Instagram

Source: @vincentarts via Instagram

More About Polynesian Tattoo Designs and Symbolism

Almost every tattoo style that originates from a cultural tradition has a set of rules and a framework that gives these designs added significance.

The traditional tattoos of the Polynesian South Pacific islands date back to the Bronze age. Within the cultural context of Polynesia, and the Maori and Hawaiian Island as well, these tattoos have very specific meanings attributed to different patterns and designs.

Traditionally these tattoos were associated with specific tribes from different parts of the islands. They refer to events, life achievements, tribal status, and personal journeys, while in the past, achievements in battle were also signified by body art.

Many of the patterns in this style are drawn from nature, with the layered designs referencing the fishing, hunting, and warrior lifestyle that sustained Islanders for thousands of years.

These different patterns are also associated with inner strength, good luck, feats of physical strength, and spiritual guardians.

Traditionally these tattoos would tell the wearer’s story as well as working to bring them good luck and keep them safe in battle.

Categories: Tattoos
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