Mauka Warriors Luau brings Hawaii’s history to life through the story of King Kamehameha, the hero who united the islands and became a symbol of national pride.
If you're a fan of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, you’ll easily recognize the bold Polynesian tattoo on his body. The Rock has Samoan roots, and his tattoo is a blend of traditional Samoan patterns and personal family stories.
The dense black ink forming geometric motifs on the arms, shoulders, or chest of Polynesian people is one of the oldest languages in the world. It’s a unique cultural heritage that the Hawaiian people have preserved and passed down through generations. Today, you can also try the feeling of wearing those tattoos by joining a luau at Mauka Warriors Luau during your trip to Hawaii.
The History of Polynesian Tattoos and the Legacy of Ancestors
Polynesian tattoo art likely originated over 2,000 years ago when the first Austronesian people crossed the ocean from Southeast Asia, sailing across the Pacific islands. According to archaeologists, tattooing tools made of bone and stone have been discovered on islands like Tonga, Samoa, and Marquesas, dating back to around 1300 BCE.
Maori tattoos with diverse patterns
From that point on, tattooing became an inseparable part of Polynesian spiritual life. At a time when writing systems did not exist, all expression and marking were done through symbolic imagery. Tattoos on the skin served as a living biography, recording ancestry, social roles, and major life milestones: coming of age, going to war, or marriage.
In Hawaii, tattooing is called “kākau,” in Tahiti it's “tatau,” and this is also the origin of the English word “tattoo.” When explorer James Cook arrived in Tahiti in 1769, he and his sailors were deeply impressed by the tattoos of the native people. From there, the art of tattooing slowly spread to the Western world. Unfortunately, at the same time, Christian missionaries sought to abolish the practice, deeming it “savage” and “pagan.”
Each Tattoo Represents a Unique Identity
In Polynesia, each island and each tribe has its own distinctive tattoo style. Marquesas islanders preferred complex full-body designs. In Samoa, men wore pe'a tattoos stretching from the waist to the knees as a mark of maturity and courage. Meanwhile, women might have smaller tattoos on their lips, chin, hands, or chest to symbolize purity, virtue, and social standing.
Many Polynesians even tattoo their faces
However, not everyone had the right to wear any tattoo they wanted. Certain patterns were reserved for chiefs, warriors, or shamans. Choosing a tattoo had to follow a strict social hierarchy. Those who couldn’t endure the pain or left tattoos unfinished were often looked down upon and excluded from communal ceremonies.
A Painful but Sacred Ritual
Without electric tattoo machines, ancient Polynesians used shark-tooth combs, ivory tools, wooden mallets, and ink made from soot and plant matter. The person being tattooed had to remain still while the tattooist (tufuga) tapped the ink into each layer of skin. A single tattoo could take weeks or even months to complete. Afterward, the person would bathe in seawater to disinfect the wounds, despite the intense stinging pain.
Getting tattoos this big is not easy at all
So why did Polynesians willingly endure such pain just for a tattoo? Because in those days, tattoos were sacred rituals, a “test of courage,” and a rite of passage into adulthood proof of being a true member of the community.
Modern Tattoo Art: The Rock and the Pride of Heritage
Today, Polynesian tattoos are no longer confined to the hips and knees like before. They appear on shoulders, chest, arms, and have spread across the world. But one thing remains unchanged: every tattoo must hold meaning a personal story.
Polynesian people are also very clear: tattoos should only be done in black ink. They believe color would take away the spirit of the design. Every line, thickness, placement, and swirl direction is part of a symbolic language.
In his 2003 trip to Hawaii, actor The Rock got a traditional Samoan tattoo symbolizing his ancestors protecting his family. He also wanted it to serve as a constant reminder that he is, and always will be, a warrior ready to protect and shelter his loved ones.
In an interview, when asked about his tattoo, the “Fast & Furious 7” star said: “My tattoo includes everything important in my life, the things I cherish and strive to uphold.” He and his tattooist spent hours discussing it before completing 60 hours of tattooing, split into three sessions.
Below are the meanings behind the tattoo elements on The Rock’s arm:
The Rock's Maori Tattoo
A. Palm leaf patterns: represent the head of a Samoan warrior.
B. The sun: symbolizes a god who brings good fortune in Samoan culture.
C. The arms embracing two figures: represent Dwayne Johnson with open arms embracing his wife Dany Simone and daughter Alexandra Simone.
D. Gradually shrinking circles: signify the past, present, and a brighter future. The underarm motif means “It changes where it is found in order to be set free.”
E. The pair of eyes “o mata e lua”: to allow ancestors to see and protect the family.
F. The “Great Eye”: believed to distract enemies during battle and spiritually overpower opponents.
G. The shattered face marked with shark teeth: represents the warrior spirit and combat readiness.
H. The guiding motif: leads the soul, guiding the warrior to enlightenment and supernatural power, under the gaze of ancestors.
I. The stone: symbolizes achievements in life, the foundation of dedication and sustained energy.
J. Turtle shell: wards off evil spirits, serving as protection for warriors.
Polynesian Tattoo Experience at Mauka Warriors Luau
At Mauka Warriors Luau, a Polynesian cultural haven in the heart of Oʻahu and one of the few places that still fully preserves authentic Polynesian heritage, you’ll not only witness fire dancing or enjoy traditional food, but also have the chance to experience one of humanity’s oldest traditions: Polynesian tattooing.
Right in the Warrior Village, local artisans will guide you through the meanings of various Polynesian tattoo symbols. From the significance of each spiral to the placement denoting masculinity, femininity, spirituality, or the earth itself.
You’ll be surprised to learn that even a repeated triangle can symbolize an ancestral canoeing team, or that a series of interwoven waves may represent the protection of ocean gods.
Tattooing at Mauka Warriors Luau
However, you don’t have to get a real tattoo to feel the sacred atmosphere. Mauka Warriors Luau offers a traditional tattoo experience using natural, temporary ink, completely safe for the skin and designed to fade after a few days.
Today, while tattooing has become a global trend, few know that its true origin lies in a chain of remote islands in the Pacific, where ancestors used their own bodies to tell their stories. With crackling flames and pounding drums, the tattoo experience at Mauka Warriors Luau will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a real-life ritual, one meant not for show, but for connection with something far deeper inside yourself.
