8 Ohana Tattoo Designs Honoring Loved Ones

An ohana tattoo is a special way to honor the loved ones in your life. This design often incorporates meaningful symbols and imagery that represent cherished memories, relationships, or values. Whether it is a tribute to a family member, friend, or mentor, an ohana tattoo serves as a beautiful expression of love, loyalty, and belonging. Check out this article to explore the rich symbolism behind this word and some stunning designs that may serve as a timeless tribute to those we hold dear. Scroll down to pick a design you will love and cherish for the rest of your life.

Meaning Of Ohana Tattoos

“Ohana” is the Hawaiian term for “family.” It extends beyond blood ties to encompass close friends and community members. This philosophy is embedded in Hawaiian culture and emphasizes strong relationships that transcend beyond biology. Hawaiian social gatherings, celebrations, and rituals often center around the concept of ‘ohana, reinforcing social ties and cultural identity. The principle of ‘ohana serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for one another and maintaining strong connections. Through this lens, ‘ohana is not just a word; it is a way of life that honors relationships, heritage, and the collective spirit of the community. Popularized by the Disney film Lilo & Stitch, the phrase “Ohana means family” resonates globally, inspiring enthusiasts across the globe to get this tattoo as a symbol of familial bonds and support.

Ohana tattoos hold a plethora of meanings, other than signifying family bonds, that make them unique to each wearer. They represent the interconnectedness and mutual support among individuals. Love for loved ones, strength and resilience, and drawing from the support of family during adversity are some of the themes commonly portrayed in these designs. Apart from this, loyalty to those who have consistently offered unwavering support also finds expression in these tattoos, making them deeply personal and reflective of diverse interpretations and sentiments.

After understanding the rich meaning behind ohana tattoos, let us check how symbolic elements can enrich the overall appeal of your tattoo. Scroll down to the next section to know more.

Incorporating Symbolism In Ohana Tattoos

Incorporating symbolism into Ohana tattoos allows people to express the deep meaning of family and community in Hawaiian culture. Here are some ideas for meaningful symbols to consider:

1. The Ohana Symbol: The word ohana itself can be artistically integrated into the tattoo design. Stylized lettering or Hawaiian script can beautifully represent family ties and connections.

2. Hawaiian Flowers: Flowers like plumerias or hibiscus symbolize love and life. Including these can enhance the tattoo’s aesthetic.

3. Taro Plant: Taro, or kalo, is a staple in Hawaiian culture and symbolizes life and sustenance. Incorporating the taro plant can signify the nourishment and support that the family provides.

4. The Honu (Sea Turtle): The honu symbolizes longevity and protection in Hawaiian culture. Including an honu can represent the idea of family as protectors and nurturers through generations.

5. Celtic Knots: While not traditionally Hawaiian, Celtic knots symbolize eternal connections and interwoven lives. Integrating this design can emphasize the unbreakable bonds of ohana.

6. Feathers: Feathers are significant in Hawaiian culture. A feather tattoo can symbolize the guidance and support that a family provides.

7. Ocean Waves: Waves can symbolize the ebb and flow of family life, representing both the challenges and joys that come with close relationships.

8. The ‘Aumakua’: An ‘Aumakua’ is a family guardian spirit, often represented by animals such as sharks or owls. Including it in your tattoo design can signify protection and ancestral connection.

9. Mountains And Landmarks: Incorporating specific Hawaiian landscapes, such as mountains or significant locations, can reinforce the connection to one’s roots and heritage.

10. Cultural Patterns: Traditional Hawaiian patterns and motifs, like those found in kapa cloth, can add texture and depth to the tattoo.

Each element can reflect the wearer’s personal story, creating a powerful and meaningful design that honors their connections.

Simple Ohana Tattoo Designs

There are numerous ohana tattoo designs available to help you convey affection for family and cherished relationships. To gain some inspiration, here are some designs and prevalent design concepts to look through:

1. Stitch And Ohana Tattoo

This tattoo features the beloved character Stitch alongside the word “Ohana,” symbolizing family and unity. Stitch, from Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” embodies loyalty and belonging, while “Ohana” encapsulates the concept of family extending beyond blood ties. This tattoo celebrates the bonds of love and support within one’s chosen family, reminding the wearer of the importance of connection and togetherness.

2. Ohana And Flower Tattoo

Celebrate family ties with this tattoo that features ohana and a blossoming flower with leaves on the arm. Representing love, togetherness, and belonging, this tattoo honors the special bond shared between a family. With its subtle colors and intricate details, it reminds us of the beauty and resilience found in family connections.

3. Ohana And Infinity Tattoo

This tattoo signifies an unbreakable bond that lasts for eternity. With its graceful curves and meaningful inscription, it serves as a reminder of the love, unity, and support shared among loved ones, transcending time and space.

4. Ohana And Turtle Tattoo

This tattoo features a turtle revered for its wisdom and longevity. Combined with “Ohana,” which signifies the bond of family in Hawaiian culture, this tattoo represents the strength and unity found within one’s closest relationships. A Hawaiian turtle tattoo is also considered a representation of a person’s ancestors who guide them, adding more meaning to this Ohana and turtle design.

5. Ohana Tattoo For Men

Discover the essence of brotherhood with this tattoo. It features the word “Ohana” written in a bold font surrounded by tribal patterns to create a bracelet-like design. This tattoo represents unity, loyalty, and friendship and reminds us of the strong and supportive connections formed through genuine friendships.

6. Ohana And Heart Tattoo

Representing the strong ties and togetherness of family in Hawaiian tradition, this tattoo always reminds us of the close bonds and unwavering support among family members. It stands as a treasured symbol of love, loyalty, and the lasting power of family connections.

7. Ohana And Rose Tattoo

This beautiful tattoo intertwines the timeless beauty of roses with the profound word “Ohana.” The roses, with their delicate petals and leaves, evoke feelings of passion, devotion, and resilience. Together with “Ohana,” this tattoo serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring bonds and deep connections shared within one’s family circle.

8. Ohana And Arrow Tattoo

This ink symbolizes unity and guidance and celebrates the enduring bond of family. With its sleek lines and pointed direction, it serves as a reminder to stay grounded in familial love and to keep moving forward together, united as one.

Ohana tattoos capture the heart of family and unity perfectly. Whether they feature beloved characters like Stitch or are woven with symbols of affection like roses or infinity, each design tells a story and reflects the strong and enduring qualities of family connections. So, let your tattoo symbolize the lasting love, loyalty, and the spirit of Ohana that lasts through distance or time.

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Rodrigo CascoProfessional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist

   

Rodrigo Casco is an Argentine tattoo artist. He has 21 years of experience designing tattoos. He has done tattooing by hand as well as created his own tattoo machines. He has won multiple awards and stood first in national and international tattoo conventions, is a judge at events, and also gives many seminars.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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