Polynesian tattoos have been around for thousands of years.
They are associated with strength, determination, and versatility. The history of Polynesian tattoos are jam-packed with symbolism around nature and god, peace and wellness, dominance, and willpower.
When getting a Polynesian tattoo, it would be advised to use an artist who understands flow, form, and each symbol you’d like to include in your tattoo.
While I don’t know much about what each tattoo on this list symbolizes, I can give you some ideas of cool placements, unique design ideas, and beautifully executed tattoos. Let’s take a look:
1. Tribal Lion
This is a tattoo with a Polynesian twist! I love the addition of the Polynesian band across the lion’s head.
The different line weights and the soft shading throughout create a dynamic design that looks great. The lion’s face is ferocious and the blank eyes really draw in your attention.
2. Delicate Sternum
This feminine tattoo is beautiful, and the placement works so well for this client.
I like the addition of dot work and very thin lines throughout the tattoo. This is such a unique take on a Polynesian tattoo and I appreciate how the artist modified it to fit the client’s needs.
3. Straight Leg Piece
Another unique take on a Polynesian tattoo that makes such a statement! It almost makes me wish that I hadn’t already tattooed most of my legs so that I could also get such a stand-out piece.
The execution of this tattoo is phenomenal. I cannot believe how straight each and every line has been done. It fits the leg so well and I bet this client is proud to show this tattoo off.
4. Symmetrical Chest Piece
This tattoo stood out to me instantly. The use of thinner line weights and the detail in the fishbone patterning are fantastic.
This design is perfectly placed and flows beautifully along the client’s shoulders and onto their chest, which is a difficult spot to tattoo!
5. Skeleton on the Beach
I really enjoy the combination of styles going on in this tattoo. My favorite part is how the artist chose to leave the palm tree’s stem completely open as it makes the tattoo breathe well.
The composition of the design shows that this artist is experienced and knows what they are doing. I especially like the fine details in the skeleton and the palm leaves.
6. Sleeve Polynesian Tattoo
This full sleeve Polynesian tattoo makes such a statement. It really shows the artist’s dedication to the style and must have taken a long time to complete.
The design is clean and has a great flow throughout. The minimal use of shading is excellent, and the contrast between the black and the large areas of open skin is a nice touch.
7. Turtle Armband
This is an exquisite rendition of a turtle encased in an armband. In Polynesian tattooing, turtles represent health, longevity, and peace making them a lovely symbol to use in a tattoo.
The placement of the turtle on the forearm works well, as it is a fairly flat area so the turtle doesn’t warp. The black is extremely well-saturated and looks superb.
8. Hammerhead Shark
Sharks are a popular subject matter for Polynesian tattoos. They represent protection against enemies, and hammerhead sharks are protectors of seamen in particular.
This tattoo is perfectly placed with the natural progression of the calf muscle. The artist didn’t just slap a Polynesian pattern onto the shark, but actually took elements like the spine and the fins into consideration. The design is immaculate, and the black is so nice and rich.
9. Mid-Back Piece
The more I look at Polynesian tattoos the more I appreciate how well they work on the human body. This tattoo is a perfect example of the consideration of flow and form.
The two back panels are almost identical. The thin line weight juxtaposed with the large areas of solid black interact so well. I like all of the small details throughout this tattoo – I bet it’s packed with meaning!
10. Sugar Skull
This is a modern take on a Polynesian tattoo! Sugar skulls represent living life to the fullest and understanding that death is a part of life.
I like how the artist included the Polynesian shapes in the sugar skull. This is a tricky spot to tattoo and is extremely well executed. I’d love to see the rest of the tattoo and learn what other elements they’ve included.
11. Classic Band
Polynesian bands are extremely common and they represent protection and power. They make quite a statement as a stand-alone tattoo.
This tattoo is beautifully executed. I love the small details placed in between the rows of solid black. The symmetry is almost perfect and the placement works really well for this design.
12. Bold Swordfish
Another ocean-themed Polynesian tattoo! Fish represent abundance and prosperity as they were a fundamental resource to Polynesian people.
I like that the artist chose to exclude the fins from the patterning, and the use of different line weights from extremely bold to fairly thin is used very well here.
13. Feminine Thigh Piece
A common misconception is that Polynesian tattoos are big and bulky, and that only men tend to get them. This tattoo proves otherwise.
This piece rolls with the client’s thigh and accentuates her curves. It’s more feminine than what is often seen with Polynesian tattoos. This showcases how they can be manipulated to fit in between existing tattoos.
14. Shoulder Wrap
This tattoo almost looks like a decorative piece of jewelry. It fits the frame of the client’s shoulder extremely well, and the line work is super clean. I love the addition of the feminine swirls and the fine details in the individual panels.
This beautiful work would fit in well with our list of shoulder tattoos for women, check it out if you like this style.
15. Tribal Falcon
In Polynesian culture, birds are symbolic of voyages, freedom, and messages from god. They are often seen in specific patterns across other designs, but this one is more literal.
I like the shape of the bird and the contrast between the intricate detail in the bird’s body and the more simple wings. The ribs are a notoriously tough spot to tattoo but this was a success.
16. Colourful Fish
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Color is rarely used in Polynesian tattooing, but this artist chose to take a unique spin on this fish tattoo.
I especially like the bold outline and the addition of yellow on the fish’s body and the blue eye. I have 5 fishtanks myself and 4 fish tattoos so naturally, I had to include this one!
17. Shoulder Panel
This tattoo immediately stood out to me because of how incredibly clean it is. It is my absolute favorite on this entire list.
The different-sized line weights really speak to each other. I love the subtle dot work shading, and the way it evolves seamlessly from heavy at the top of the shoulder to thin and pointed at the bottom of the chest.
All of the different elements work perfectly together.
18. Turtle Shoulder Piece
Another dynamic turtle tattoo. This design works exquisitely on the client’s body and I love how it goes onto the chest and the back as a smooth, concise panel. The black is well-saturated and the finer line weight prevents the tattoo from becoming too cluttered.
19. Calf Mandala Style
Another example of how well Polynesian tattoos can fit the shape of the body. It’s always a good idea to have a heavy area on the upper calf and taper it down the bottom of the leg.
I like the unique mandala element of this tattoo. The symmetry is spot on. I also like the subtle use of shading as the tattoo still has a fair amount of negative space which is great for longevity.
20. Flowers And Text
Another example of how dainty and feminine a Polynesian tattoo can be! This is the first tattoo on the list that has included some text and a floral element.
Frangipani flowers represent a love for life which works perfectly with the symbolism of the turtle that we mentioned above. This tattoo is extremely clean, and I like the minimal use of shading.
21. Full Lower Body Piece
I was instantly drawn to this tattoo because of how beautifully the design works with the client’s body. This lower body suit took a lot of dedication and determination to finish, as the client has been tattooed in some of the most painful areas on the body, like behind the knees and the inner thigh.
There are a lot of straight lines in this tattoo and each one is perfectly executed. The design moves throughout and is exceptional! If you like this tattoo, you might like our list of Stunning Blackout Tattoos.
22. Anklets
I’m a sucker for a band tattoo and this one shows how they can be done in a unique fashion.
I love that they almost look like intricate pieces of ankle jewelry. They are nearly perfectly symmetrical and fit the shape of the ankle well. This is a tricky and painful spot to tattoo so props to the artist and the client!
23. Stingray
Stingrays are really cool fish – I love how they glide along the bottom of the ocean and almost look alien. This is an interesting take on a Polynesian tattoo because it is a lot finer than usual.
Stingrays symbolize adaptation and grace, and I think this tattoo perfectly captures that. I love the placement of this tattoo and the use of dot work throughout.
24. Mask-Style Face
Another interesting and unique mash-up of styles. I absolutely love the thick dot work and the shape of the design! This artist is known for their modern take on Polynesian tattooing and I would be honored to carry one of their unique pieces on my body.
25. Complex Leg Sleeve
This is a great example of how well Polynesian tattoos can work as a stand-alone large scale piece.
What I love most about this design is all of the hidden faces and symbols. The contrast between the heavy areas of black and open skin take a lot of skill to work so well with.
26. Calf Sleeve
This tattoo flows beautifully with the client’s leg, in particular how it ends on a diagonal line. Polynesian panels are dynamic and fun to create.
The use of white highlights is not often seen in Polynesian tattooing. The line work is beautiful and the subtle use of shading works well in this design.
27. Top Of Hand
I absolutely love how bold and deeply saturated this tattoo is. It will hold up very well over time!
The different panels speak to each other and the line work in this tattoo is flawless. I like the heavier use of shading, and the way that it works so well with the client’s existing tattoo.
If you love a well-done hand tattoo, head over to our hand tattoos for men article.
28. Angular Spine
These dainty Polynesian tattoos are starting to grow on me. I love the placement of this tattoo as it really makes a statement!
The symmetry is well-executed and I like the swirls – they give it a feminine touch. The line work is clean and if you like this tattoo, I suggest you check out our list of Spine Tattoos for Women.
29. Gecko
My favorite part of this tattoo is how the tail of the gecko curls around the client’s elbow.
Lizards symbolize good luck and communication between humans and the gods, making them special tattoos to carry with you through life. I love the little toes and the pattern along the tail.
30. Fluid Spine
This tattoo has been done with a thinner line weight which is something unique and interesting, especially on a male client!
I love the symmetry in the two separate panels. The line work is extremely crisp which is difficult to achieve on this area of the body with such a small line weight.
