Hawaiian Flower Tattoos

From LoveToKnow Tattoos

If you love the idea of a floral tattoo but don't want the same rose tattoo as everyone else - Hawaiian flower tattoos can be a great way to have similar imagery with a twist.

[edit]

Hawaii

Hawaii was the fiftieth state to join the United States, and this happened on August 21, 1959. Hawaii is located 2,300 miles from the mainland US, making it the island that is the second farthest away from any landmass (after Easter Island). There are eight main islands that make up this state, starting with Hawaii (the Big Island), and moving to Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau. Most people think of Oahu when they are picturing Hawaii as a state, because this is where the state's capital, Honolulu is located.

[edit]

Types of Hawaiian Flowers

Yellow hibiscus.

There are several different varieties of flowers that are associated with the state of Hawaii - and most of them are not found in many other places throughout the United States. Hawaii is the US's only island state, and its unique land structure as well as climate means that many different species of flowers (as well as other types of plants and foliage) can grow here that will not grow on the mainland. One of these flowers has become synonymous with Hawaii - the hibiscus.

[edit]

Hibiscus

The Yellow Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii, and the hibiscus is also often used as a representation of Hawaiian culture. The hibiscus does grow in other parts of the world, in fact, it is the national flower of Malaysia. In Mexico, the hibiscus is also seen as a popular flower, with a special drink known as "jamaica" being made from the calyces of the hibiscus (roselle) plant. The most common species of hibiscus (and there are over 220 varieties) include Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus waimeae, Hibiscus kokio and Hibiscus clayi (which is known as the Hawaiian hibiscus).

The colors of the hibiscus range from red to purple, pink, white and yellow. When choosing any of these images for a Hawaiian tattoo, the yellow may be considered best as it is the color of the state flower.

[edit]

Other Hawaiian Flowers

Some other flowers that can be great inspirations for Hawaiian flower tattoos include plumeria, pikake (also known as jasmine) and orchids. Flower leis are often made from one or a combination of these flowers, and they are all important to the culture and beauty of Hawaii. The most fragrant of these flowers are the plumeria and pikake, with many people saying that Hawaii smells just like these flowers.

[edit]

Hawaiian Flower Tattoos

When choosing between Hawaiian flower tattoos, keep in mind what the flowers symbolize. For most people, this will mean choosing a hibiscus tattoo in one of its many guises. Hibiscus tattoos have become almost as popular as rose or butterfly tattoos in the US - maybe all over the world. This flower is usually seen in a tribal style - with thick black lines and little accent of color or detail. The hibiscus can also be found in conjunction with other Hawaiian imagery, such as sea turtles, mountains or surfboards. This very traditional flower for native Hawaiians seems exotic and unique for wearers from the rest of the US.

If you choose to get other Hawaiian flower tats, you can do some very interesting things with them. Some people have even gone as far as to have a flower lei tattooed on their chest, in a very realistic style - the ultimate representation of Hawaii. The most popular of the flower leis is the orchid lei, and this can be done in many different colors depending on the meaning desired.

[edit]

Hawaiian Flower Tat Ideas

If you are looking for some ideas for your Hawaiian flower tat, there are many resources out on the World Wide Web to help you get started:

Photo.net for a look at realistic imagery of Hawaiian flowers, this site can be helpful.
Evil Tattoo has an extensive collection of Hawaiian flower tats, with 50 pages of images.
Free Tattoo Designs also has a large amount of floral tattoo images, including Hawaiian flowers.

[edit]

Hawaiian Tattoos »