Few places in the world can turn a tattoo into something more than an aesthetic choice. Rapa Nui is one of them. Getting tattooed on Easter Island — on the same ground where these traditions have centuries of roots — is an experience you won't find anywhere else in the Pacific.
The Tattoo Tradition in Rapa Nui
The Moai as inspiration. The ancestral iconography of Rapa Nui lives in every design.
Polynesian tattoos come from one of the most extraordinary navigation cultures in the world — a tradition that connects Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Hawaii and Rapa Nui across the Pacific. On each island, the patterns tell stories: protection, lineage, connection with the sea, personal strength.
Rapa Nui has its own unique iconography: the Tangata Manu (the birdman from the Orongo ceremony), the island's petroglyphs, the figures surrounding the Moai, and the symbols of the Rapanui oral tradition. These elements appear in Felipe's designs — not as decoration, but as content.
"A tattoo in Rapa Nui is not a souvenir.
It's a permanent record of having been there."
Symbols and Meanings
The designs combine traditional tribal aesthetics with Felipe's contemporary sensibility — respecting the visual language of the culture without turning it into folklore. The result are pieces that can be worn anywhere in the world and speak for themselves.
Good to know: all tattoos include a dermal patch and Rapa Nui plant-based healing cream for optimal healing. The studio in Hanga Roa is hygienic and works with single-use material.
How to Book Your Session
If you're visiting Rapa Nui or planning a trip, ideally contact in advance — especially during high season (December to March). Sessions are coordinated directly via WhatsApp. The CAOS manager speaks fluent English, so there's no language barrier for international visitors.
- Contact via WhatsApp with your idea and travel dates
- Have your placement area and approximate size ready
- Design references help, but aren't required — Felipe designs from scratch
- Quote same day
More from the Blog
→ All articles
→ Getting a Tattoo in Santiago as a Tourist
→ Meet all CAOS artists