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Ohana tattoos are a subset of Hawaiian tattoos, which are often associated with the best tribal tattoos. You might also like Polynesian and Filipino tattoos.
A picture tells a thousand words, but a tattoo does more than that. Ohana tattoos are becoming more popular than ever, but you shouldn’t approach it like a trend. “Ohana” is more than just a fancy word, and it carries a special meaning for someone wearing it as a tattoo.
If you’re wondering what the tattoo means or if you should get one, keep on reading for our ohana tattoo ideas and the deeper meaning that comes with the body art.
What Does ”Ohana” Mean—and Why Get the Tattoo?
We love watching a good animated film as it gives us an escape from our real world, and it teaches us valuable life lessons. The term “ohana” was made quite popular by a Disney animated film “Lilo and Stitch” and many people are including it in their tattoo design. If you can recall the line from the film, it says “Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten.”
If “ohana” means family, getting the tattoo will express your unconditional love for your family. In a much wider sense, the Hawaiian term “ohana” refers more than your family by blood—it can include your close friends and other people you treat as family. The animated film taught us a valuable life lesson that someone doesn’t have to be related to you by blood just to be your family.
If you’re feeling depressed, forgotten, or left behind, ohana tattoos will be a great reminder that you have a family who loves and cares for you. In fact, some individuals who experience depression and anxiety turn to their body ink to make them feel good. Apart from traditional ohana tattoos, Stitch’s drawings, sketches, silhouettes, and portraits are popular too.
Ohana Stitch tattoos are a proof that we were touched with the animated film’s concept of family. As seen in the relationship of Lilo and Stitch, it doesn’t matter who makes up your family as long as you have the people that you can share your unconditional love with. Even if you don’t want a Disney tattoo, but you want to take this life lesson for life, ohana tattoos are just perfect. After all, tattoos are not only a form of self-expression, but also a good reminder of values and morals that shape us as a person.
Resource: Lilo & Stitch Tattoos
Ohana Tattoo Inspirations for You
The Anchor of Life
The anchor symbol might be associated with sailors and the sea, but it actually represents hope. When the anchor is lifted up from the water, it signifies new voyage, new adventure, and new beginnings. This ohana tattoo designed with anchor evokes a positive outlook in life, and reminds you that “family is hope.”
The Symbol of Love
Anchors have been linked to stability, connection, and life, making it a perfect symbol of love. Since anchor is steadfast and strong, this ohana tattoo with flower reminds us that we must hold on our deep love for our family.
Like a Rose
Red roses represent love, enduring passion, and commitment. If you’re looking for an ohana tattoo with flower design, a red rose is the way to go.
Cute Ohana Stitch Tattoo
The animated film “Lilo & Stitch” taught us the importance of family, so why not get an ohana Stitch tattoo? The playful fictional character will surely will make your tattoos a bit unexpected yet undeniably cute.
Flower Moon
The moon holds many associations with its symbol, but it will surely make your tattoo more meaningful. It universally represents the rhythm of time, which will suit the symbolism of your ohana tattoo with flower that means “pure love for your family.””
Father and Son
Ohana means family and a tattoo is a perfect way to express love between father and son, and mother and daughter. This tattoo is simple, but it can say a lot of things about your relationship with your family.
Ohana Tattoo with Flower
If you’re thinking of a timeless detail to add on your ohana tattoo, think of flowers. When it comes to tattoo trends, flowers never die. They might change in different seasons, but they will suit your mood forever.
Stitch’s Silhouette
If you want to get an ohana Stitch tattoo, yet find the alien’s big ears and eyes looking strange, think of a silhouette instead. This way, you’ll be able to give a nod to the lovable character while showing your love for your family.
Hawaiian Flower
Flowers are a chic addition to your tattoo design as they represent beauty and peace. If you’re minimalist, you don’t have to opt for bold colors of red and yellow as black is equally chic too. This ohana tattoo with flower looks a bit feminine yet straightforward.
Ohana Love
Ohana tattoos can be elaborate and whimsical, but this one simply says, “Family is love.”
Sunflower Bloom
Do you know in many folklore traditions sunflowers are believed to bring good luck and happiness? Sunflowers are happy flowers, and this ohana tattoo can be the perfect way to describe your happy family.
Ohana Couple Tattoos
When it comes to ohana tattoos, the meaning comes not only from the fancy word, but also from the style of lettering. Do you know these couple tattoos will convey a different range of emotions when written in Gothic or Old English style?
Best Friend Tattoos
Couples aren’t the only ones who can get matching ohana tattoos, as friendship tattoos can also be a perfect way to show your commitment to your best friends. Just opt for a cursive font that looks sweet and sassy.
Minimalist Ohana Tattoo
If you’ve got that “less is more” philosophy in life, this ohana tattoo is perfect for you. This only proves that a powerful word can make a few strokes meaningful.
Infinity Love
Ohana infinity tattoo with stars makes your statement more special. What could be sweeter than an eternal love for your family and friends?
Stitch Sketch Tattoo
Ohana Stitch tattoo will look more creative and expressive with a sketch style design. A fictional character’s portrait might look a bit eccentric for a tattoo, but Stitch is cute—not to mention its quirky look will remind you of the film’s moral lesson about family.
Seashells and Pearls
Pearls symbolize purity and loyalty, making them a perfect addition to your ohana tattoo. More than that, pearls transcend time, culture, and even centuries just like a family with a strong bond.
Ohana Hearts
Hearts are some of the sweetest details you can incorporate to your ohana tattoos. It simply means you love your family unconditionally and you keep them close to your heart.
Garden of Love
Including flowers in your ohana tattoo not only makes your body art look more colorful, but also meaningful. In the Victorian era, floriography or decoding secret messages through flowers was all the rage. In fact, gifting flowers of certain kinds can say, “Thank you,” “I love you,” “You’re a wonderful friend,” “Forget me not,” or even “I’m sorry.” These pink roses on ohana tattoo simply show that you are thankful for your family.
The Crescent Moon
The luna symbol is associated with many cultures and beliefs, but adding it to your ohana tattoo will only show that your family is the center of your life.
Spring Bloom
If you want to add some pop of color to your tattoos, think of flowers. Flowers bloom in every color when the spring comes, so why not think of adding some hints of pink, purple, or even blue in your tattoo? This ohana tattoo with flowers makes your body art a bit feminine without straying away from the concept of family.
“I Heart Ohana“
Heart symbols are a straightforward statement of love, and this ohana tattoo with flower simply states, “I love my family.”
Dreamy Blue Rose
Blue roses might be non-existent in the world of flora, but it became a symbol of the Romanticism movement, which associates them with hope and mystery. Incorporating the blue flower to your ohana tattoo will add some mysterious flair to your ink.
Flower Tattoo
An ohana tattoo with flower can mean a lot of things—but pink roses are traditionally used to express thanks. Opting for a pink rose in your tattoo can show your gratitude and appreciation to your family.
Miles Apart
Ohana tattoos are a straightforward way of expressing your love, and this tattoo design shows that your family will always be the center of your life wherever you go.
Colorful Feather
Feathers are often associated with angels, and incorporating the detail in your ohana tattoo can signify that you and your family are spiritually guided on your life’s journey.
The Arrow of Life
Arrows symbolize the direction and purpose of one’s life, and incorporating them in your ohana tattoos will show that your family is always with you, regardless of your goals and dreams in life.
Elephant Dreams
Elephants symbolize strength and power—they are gentle giants who care for their herd. If you want to embody their characteristics towards your family, incorporate them in your ohana tattoo.
Ohana Lettering Tattoo
Before getting your ohana tattoo, be mindful of different lettering styles as it can affect not only the design of your body art, but also the mood and emotion it conveys.
The Sea Anchor
An anchor keeps the ship from drifting away during the storm, and this ohana tattoo shows that your family is your refuge.
“Ohana Means Family”
Ohana tattoos will look mysterious when symbolisms are added into the design, but if you want something sweet yet straightforward, think of quotes or short messages.
Stitch Cartoon Tattoo
Sometimes, the fictional characters from animated films teach us life lessons, helping us to be the best version of ourselves. This ohana Stitch tattoo will not only remind you of the fun-loving creature, but also strengthen your love for your family.
Paw Print Tattoo
Some people treat their pets as a family, and getting ohana tattoos with paw print details is a great way to celebrate your beloved pet.
The Sunset and Tortoise
Some ohana tattoos reflect the breathtaking scenery of Hawaii—sunset, sandy beaches, turtles, and marine life. If you want to carry the “carefree and go with the flow” island attitude in your life, think of this tattoo design.
Graffiti-Inspired Tattoo
If you want to add some edge to your body ink, think of a graffiti-inspired font that will surely make your ohana tattoos more personal.
Polynesian Turtles
Do you know that turtles are the totems of positive change and patience? This ohana tattoo will remind you of the qualities you need to strengthen for your family.
Handwritten Ohana Tattoo
Handwriting tattoos are more symbolic and personal. Do you know that you can have an ohana tattoo written by your loved one, where his penmanship will be replicated by your tattoo artist to ink on your skin?
A Lifeline and Butterfly
Do you know a butterfly is believed to represent a person’s soul in Japanese culture? This ohana tattoo simply shows that your family is your life, and you love them more than yourself.
A Good Luck Charm
Do you know turtles also symbolize long life and protection? In fact, turtles can live between 80 to 150 years. Incorporating turtle symbols in your ohana tattoos can serve as a goodluck charm for you and your family.
Around the World
The love between family knows no distance. Wherever you go, your ohana tattoos will always take you back home.
Ohana tattoos are a reminder that “nobody gets left behind or forgotten”, urging us to keep our relationship with family and friends stronger. When was the last time you had a quality time with your family? Have you recently had a heart-to-heart talk and meaningful bonding with your friends?
Sometimes, the busyness of life takes us away from more important things, and steal our precious time for our loved ones. No matter how hard the circumstances are, your family will always stand by you. Indeed, getting ohana tattoos is a great way to show your dedication and unconditional love for them.
Which is your favorite ohana tattoo design? Tell us in the comments!
