Reviews of 434 TATTOO WAIKIKI (Tattoo Shop)

larette stephens

My friends and I called 434 at the last minute last night and James was very happy to take us. James waa amazing and did a fantastic job with all four of our tattoos. He stayed late to finish us and even ordered pizza. We had a great time and his artwork with tattoos is unbelievable. We will visit James again next time we are here.

Erika Woodard

Good tattoo shop atomosphere... my artist Akio did an awesome job! Exactly what I wanted! A permanent piece of Hawaii to take back home with me to St. Louis !! Thanks again!

Jessica Meyer

Tiff was friendly, energetic, has light hands. She was able to perfect the tattoo I wanted. I was a walkin appt on a Friday night and was pleased leaving!

Jennifer Buchanan

Everyone at the shop made me feel super comfortable and welcomed! Chris did my tattoo and I couldn't have asked for a better artist, he's extremely talented! Great experience!

Ben Press

Great place for a tattoo, Akio was awesome and came up with a creative design that was even better than I imagined.

Cory Smith

We found Adam last year, I got a cover up and my girlfriend got a turtle . Adam was great. Came back this year made an appointment and got in on Friday . I really wasn't sure what I wanted and told him to have fun . Wow it turned out really good and he asked if I wanted to get it finished on Saturday . We said sure and Adam asked if we could come in at 7:00 am, so we could enjoy the rest of the day. I can't wait to come back next year and see what his plan of attack on my arm will be. I want to truly thank Adam for the great job he did on my and my girlfriend . If you want work done go see him... See you next year bud ...

Carla Perez

I loved my tattoo lazarus is amazin

Shannon Peterson

My husband & I wanted a permanent souvenir from our first real vacation together. We had looked up a couple tattoo places before coming to Waikiki. We went in and talked with Tattoo Mike, and decided to go with him. He listened to what we wanted, we left excited for our appointment. We really like how laid back, friendly & easy going Tattoo Mike was. We felt completely comfortable the whole time. We love our tattoos! Will definately recommend 434 Tattoo shop to anyone wanting a tattoo. Who knows we might be back just to get more ink!

Emily Oconnell

James is an amazing artist. Great personality and overall awesome human. You won’t be disappointed. I’ll definitely see James again when I come back to Oahu.

Bobby Aventures

Very professional and Friendly service, combined with a clean and tidy establishment. We booked in for a Monday appointment and was delighted to be tattooed by one of the best tattooist's in the industry John MacManus. Very quick and efficient work with lasting results. This Tattooist not only does regular work but oriental Irezumi Tattoos as well. Highly recommend one makes an appointment and get work done here.

Brannon Williams

Karl, was amazing to work with. He was fast and efficient and quality of work was outstanding. Karl gave really good suggestions and knew what would look good. He was very flexible with our vacation schedule. Thank you Karl for making my trip to Hawaii that much more special to me.

Erik Whysong

Adam did a great job on taking what I wanted and helping me with ideas. He is a great artist Super great shop and friendly people. Tiff did my girlfriend's tattoo and I am blown away. Thanks guys!!!!

Cynthia Smith

I haven’t to find this place on a whim but I’m so thankful I did! Tattoo Mike made my tattoo dream come true by creating a custom plumeria design for me. He listened to what I wanted and was able to create it out of thin air. I was so excited about the design and the work he did was amazing! I wanted to get a tattoo as a reminder of my time in Hawaii, as well as a birthday gift to myself! Go by and check them out, because if he wasn’t good I wouldn’t recommend him! Tattoo Mike is truly gifted at what he does!

Quinn Farinha

James tattooed myself and my girlfriend this weekend and he was absolutely amazing. He maintained his professionalism and still managed to make us feel completely at home. We are both going home with tattoos that we could not be happier with. Beautiful work, and can guarantee you’ll walk in a customer and leave feeling like you made a friend. Can’t say enough good things about 434 and their crew!

Jennifer Scicchitano

Karl was able to fit myself and my husband in while we were on vacation. He did an excellent job on both of our tattoos and gave excellent advice.Highly recommend Karl!

Darren Paul

I was looking for a tattoo service provider for getting a customized tattoo for myself. One of my friends suggested me to check out Custom Tattooing By Adam for getting this service. Their talented artist provided me with a customized tattoo just as I had wanted. I got an exclusive customized tattoo at pocket friendly price.

LupeFnFMusic

Honest and Easy to find Tatoo shop, Owner was even nice enough to send me my watch back to NY after i left it in the shop! Great Guy and Very Skilled, will be back for a touch up and a countinuation...

Kayla Provenzo

Mike did an amazing job with my hibiscus tatt when I was visiting here last week. Not only was I a walk-in but my mom and sister decided they wanted work done as well and we we're all seen and done the same day. We instantly fell I love with the work he did on each of us

Morgan Willcox

I had 90% of a sleeve complete when I came to Adam. He was awesome. He was very responsive and we quickly set up an appointment after a quick consultation. His line work is top of the line, and he did a great job matching the color of the rest of my sleeve. I think his price is more than fair for the quality of his work and I will be returning for more. Have already recommended him to several of my friends.

John Black

Thanks! Awesome work and fast!!!

Mina Walker

I have multiple tattoos from this guy namean JAMES he’s very professional an knew what I wanted tattooed an drew it up perfect!!! So light handed and shades perfectly. He definitely knows what he’s doing couldn’t ask for a better artist the only guy that doesn’t make tattoos hurt! He’s the best check him out at 434 tattoo!!!

Noy Noy

LAZ did my tattoo I love it!!! He was very clean, super gentle, he understood right away what I wanted and drew it. The place may be tiny but the service is awesome!

Steven McDowell

Mike did a good job on the tattoo for me and my boys!

PJ

Tiffany was friendly and professional, and did great work, nice clean line work, bright bold colors, I got an American traditional anchor 6x3 inches and I’m very happy with it. Great prices too.

Eileen Rafters

The bestie and I took a trip to Hawaii and one night ended up in some dive bar. After talking with the bartenders, we were referred to this awesome tattoo artist, James. We weren’t planning on getting tattoos during this trip, but were won over by James’ cleanliness and professionalism. He’s a first class artist that can accommodate any custom tattoo idea you have in your mind. He also has flash available to choose from, whether you’re looking for Japanese, American Traditional, or any other style of tattooing. I have about 45+ hours of tattoos on my body. James is, hands down, one of my favorite artists. If you’re looking for a clean, talented, diverse, badass tattoo artist, James is your man.

Karyn Wolfe

Absolutely amazing!!!

Emily L

On our honeymoon, my husband and I decided to get matching King/Queen crown tattoos. We are from WI so decided to come to Waikiki Tattoo seeing as the owner is from WI - we thought it would be more comfortable and an interesting place for us. We were happy with the example artwork and made an appointment. We were under the impression the main guy(who seemed to have great work from his books) was going to do our tattoos. Instead, he called in some other guy and we had to wait around for him to show up. He charged us each $100 for complete hack job tattoos(I have photo proof). Lines were uneven, no depth/shading/highlights at all and he didn't even use two separate machines(one for shading/one for outlines). Instead, he carved into our skin and it turned out terrible and lopsided...completely different than both the pics we showed him and the traced piece he put on prior to the tattoo. I just went to my local tattoer back home(who as appauled) and had to pay her an additional $140 to fix the mess. I ended up wanting a 2nd tattoo while in Hawaii and instead of worry about what might happen here, I went to Victorian and had it done right the first time. I think the owner does a great job from what I've seen but this guy he called in for us does not know what he's doing. The artist who did our tattoos just took advantage of tourists - that's it.

Justin S

Been coming to 434 for over 10 years now. Adam is an awesome human being. The shop is always clean and has great energy. Adams been in the game for over 20 years. He even tattooed Mike Tyson right before he bit Holyfield’s ear off. I will always come back to 434, as long as I have space.

Kyle Vogel

Chris was great. Awesome shop!

Lorenzo Tiago

i pay but was not happy with my tatoo not same of the picture .he do that faster and no take and finition i regret im sad now i need delate it one day ..120$ head do big body so big .one arms big one slim.o shoes.leg like carton i send pic

cloudia charters

Have had my art from this place for 6 years, and it is admired everywhere I go. Great line work, great coloring. Artist is trained partly with masters in Japan and does real oriental tattooing as well as other options you might desire

Tom Murphy

Couldn’t be happier with this shop. Absolutely sick work from James, had to come back the next day and balance out with more top shelf work by Akio. Both these guys really hit what I was after, ended up surprising themselves with new styles in my work, which I think is really impressive and says a lot about their skill. So important to have an artist get excited and invested, these guys love what they do and it really comes through in the work.

Vlad Rapoport

After spending many hours with Adam I can attest to the highest standards, quality and talent of this tattoo artist. From the concept to the final touch-ups, it's been a pleasure and an honor to work with an artist of this caliber. I can also attest to the professionalism of the entire staff and artists of 434 Tattoo. Mahalo!

Jag Samra

Adam was super!!! First time getting tatted up... excellent customer service!!!!..imprentice did excellent!!!

Drew Wilson

Adam's knowledge of tattooing is equally as impressive as his skill. The environment is both professional and friendly. The highlight is definitely Japanese. Honestly, you won't find anyone better for Japanese on the island. Each piece is unique to you and is made with passion. It goes beyond tattooing and becomes art.

Robert White

I couldnt be anymore pleased than I am right now on a great coverup job. This dude did an amazing job and gave me exactly what I was looking for. I will definetly be back. Whoever gives this guy less than 5 stars should be ashamed of themselves.

Thomas Jonson

I was not happy with my tattoo and thus searching for tattoo cover ups service provider. I found that Custom Tattoo By Adam is providing this service at reasonable prices. They provided professional treatment which was very quick and painless. They used special color technique for covering up my old tattoo.

Irene Birrd

Wonderful customer service! Friendly artists and very understanding! 10/10 would definitely go back!

Stephen Czachor

Karl’s back working in the shop. He did an amazing last minute hand poke tattoo for me! Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Keith Miller

Couldn’t be more pleased with my tattoo! From my thought on the design to Adams sketch to the final half sleeve Japanese dragon. Fast to respond, easy to get to, super clean and most importantly, Adam is very conscience of the time he has with you and your design. I enjoyed and looked forward to every session and walked out of each one super impressed with that days work. Highly recommend to anyone thinking of a tattoo...large or small design. You will not regret going here!

Bryce Conor Buchanan

434 Tattoo is great shop with great people. Everyone was super friendly and the atmosphere is really relaxed. Chris gave me my tattoo and I couldn't be happier.

Joseph Ried

I’ve spent many hours in this shop and can say that it is the best in Hawaii. Adam and his artists will go out of their way to make your experience most pleasant and memorable. I recommend having large custom work here due to their talent and price! Mahalo!

L.D. Stephens

Happened to come across this place by accident, and so glad we did. My mom, her friends, and I had the pleasure of being tattooed by James. He did exactly what I wanted. The shading was amazing, and the lines were crisp. Not only is he a great artist, but treated us like we had been friends forever. So accomodating and patient with an awesome personality. He stayed late to make sure we were happy and made our whole experience in the shop one that we won't forget anytime soon. I will definitely come back to Honolulu just for more work by James.

Honson Nguyen

Tiny spot in Waikiki, very friendly. Does amazing customs. 10/10 would come again

Juliet Marie Galanek

I walked in just to have a tattoo cover and they really did good on the new one. I am so glad to found this place and will eventually looking forward to have more works done :)

Keshav Sharma

Came into the shop to book a tattoo with my girlfriend. Having many tattoos and friends that are tattoo artists we were both understanding that a deposit to hold our spot would be required and it was willingly paid. After some consideration we decided to cancel and contacted James who said he would offer 50$ of the $200 deposit back. I tried to reason with him and explained we would visit the shop later. When we visited James, he was in a session with the client he booked to replace our appointment. James told me he "didnt make any money today" which leads me to believe he wanted to keep our deposit and double up with the new appointment. James offered us $100 despite completing no work or doing any drawings. He was rude and arrogant when speaking with us. I am generally a very understanding individual, and I even went to the extent of looking this shop up on Google before coming to Waikiki. And I'm extremely unimpressed with the way this shop handles their artists and walk in customers. I have a solid friendship base in the tattoo industry and word will be passed along to them and their clientele/ friends to never consider 434 Tattoo Waikiki.

Wayne Naone

Getting a Koi tat from Akio could not ask for a better artist. Told him what I wanted and he delivered. Awesome tattoo shop very professional. Highly recommend this shop.

Nicole Sales

Came and in paid a deposit for a tattoo with James Tielens. Shortly after my boyfriend called and let him know we would need to cancel and would come by to collect our deposit later. James stated that he would offer us 50$ back of the 200$ already paid. My boyfriend and I have multiple tattoos and have never encountered a deposit not being returned when a cancellation occurs. When we visited the shop to discuss further with James he was seeing a client who was booked in our original time. He offered us 100$ for a refund, was rude and condescending. No drawings were done by James and no service provided. I will never recommend this shop to any friends or family that visit Waikiki. I would not consider getting a tattoo from James if he was the last artist on Earth. When cancelling our appointment he stated "I haven't made any money on tattoos today" which shows his crooked thought process in keeping our deposit to make a quick buck when doing no work.