Kulture Tattoo Kollective

Mr. Thad Nakao’s skilled Tribal artwork piece is an intricate, detailed piece. But it was not worth the very torturous six hours of pain and unplanned monetary cost I was not expecting to pay almost Midnight, our last night in Kaua’i.

There ought to have been more communication between Thad and I before and during the tattoo session. I explained previously in texts that I had tattoos in the past, longest sitting with breaks was two / two and.a half hours for a Tribal on the side of my right calf which was also painful. We agreed the week before for two hours at between $150.00 to $160.00, $150 if in cash. But because it took six hours, he decreased if to $130 and we didn’t have enough cash. Thad explained it was because the outlines kept rubbing away and had to be re-drawn, taking a whole lot longer. He said there was an ATM down the street in Town. It was almost Midnight and dark and we’re not from the area. There was a man on a bicycle down the street screaming expletives and cursing at a woman also on a bicycle. It didn’t seem safe to walk down the street in the dark to town withdrawing more cash while already carrying more cash on hand.

I ought to have confirmed that the design Thad drew on the left side of my back was going to take two to two and a half hours. He being the Subject Matter Expert in his tradecraft could have told me it may take longer, possibly four plus hours. If I had known it would take six hours, I would not have done the tattoo or stopped or finished off at two hours wherever in the process Thad would be at.

Even though we took around three breaks, I kept imploring to him if we were almost done because it hurt and was way past my two and half hours pain threshold. Thad was also late, almost arriving at 4:00 P. M.. My appointment was 3:30, so I was expecting to be done at 5:30 P.M.. My Spouse was finishing up his tattoo and we would have a nice dinner, our last night in Kaua’i. We were on a limited budget.

While I asked two small designs to be incorporated into the overall deign, I was still expecting the piece to be a simple, light and feminine Tribal piece similar to the picture I sent to him. My back was already shaking from the excruciating experience. I was dry-mouthed because I was running low with water in my water bottle. This is not criticizing the artwork or quality of the tattoo, but the lack of communication of what I was prepared for time and budget-wise. I feel I ought to have been told “.. for two to three hours, you can only do half of this design.” If I was told that, I would have agreed. Thad ought to have told me this was a four to six hours piece and I would have went with another option. Instead what I thought would be only 15 minutes more at the two and half hours mark resulted in four hours of constantly asking “How much more left?” This will be my last tattoo after this torturous, excruciating, and costly experience to my body, wallet, and memory.

Thad was able to squeeze me in last minute and did an amazing job! Would definitely recommend and definitely coming back in the future.

Samuel designed matching armbands for my husband and I in a traditional Hawaiian style. He communicated promptly and was easy to talk to. His lines are clean and he's quick, but not sloppy. He wasn't heavy- handed at all; I'm a bleeder and I hardly bled at all. His shop is clean and interesting, and he tattoos with a cordless gun. I also appreciated that he's an adult who has been tattooing forever, so he's had a lot of life experiences leading him to where he's at. He designed a tattoo that is both meaningful and beautiful! If I could give 4.5 stars, I would.

Amazing, magical, & unforgettable. My husband and I had our wedding tattoos together here with Samuel. We requested a Tahitian pair of pueos, and he blessed us with a beautiful pair flying alongside each other. He is absolutely fantastic. Fun, uplifting, and contagious energy that fills the room as a safe collaborative space. It was the end of the year, winter months, and the three of us sharing stories by the riverside as we watched gentle rainfall fill the valley. It is one of my most precious memories that I will always treasure. With my highest recommendation and grateful heart I advise you to look no further and book an apt as soon as your soul is ready for an adventure.

This shop is very clean, all the artists are professional, friendly and talented and the experience was amazing. This is my second time I saw Samuel. He is very light handed, listened to exactly what I wanted, put his own artistic expertise and touch to my tattoo and was so pleasant talk to. Best tattoo shop in Kauai.

My son and I were lucky enough to get an appointment with Thad on the same day. He was very accommodating and kept us distracted with movies to watch while he did his magic. This was my son’s first tattoo and he had a great experience. We both received beautiful artwork and left very happy and satisfied. So glad we got to share something to remember our amazing vacation in Kauai.

Couldn’t have chosen a better place and awesome Tattoo artist, Thad Nakao!! Amazed with how great he incorporated the design to my existing Tattoo. I love it!! Beautiful work from a very Talented Artist.. Most definitely recommend this shop. Looking forward to returning and getting more artwork. Thank you Thad for a great experience and your beautiful art work!!

We are on Kauai for our honeymoon and we’re recommended to visit Kulture Tattoo. Most of the artist were book but Thad worked with us to get us in before we left the island. He was supper nice and really talented. My husband and I both love our tattoo. Thad also gave us info on what the symbols mean. Definitely recommend!

I first learned of Sam from a book on Polynesian tattooing. He is a brilliant and renowned artist who tells great stories in ink. My commute to Sam is over 5k miles and I have been doing so for almost 10 years! The shop is always immaculate and the environment peaceful. He has a great hand; his work is impeccable, fast, and beautiful. Healing is always quick. We had to work hard on a particular piece, and the result was amazing. Sam is always attentive and collaborative. Trust is essential in a relationship like this; it develops over time and is earned. He literally and figuratively has my back! If you haven't yet, check Sam out; you'll be glad you did!

I’ve been getting tattooed by Sam Shaw for over 25 years and have collected some amazing tattoo work as a result. It’s been an honor and a privilege to be a part of his evolution as an artist. He’s constantly pushing himself creatively and uses the most technically advanced equipment available. Super chill to work with, always a great vibe, and exceptional work. If you’re interested in adding to your tattoo collection I definitely recommend Kulture Tattoo Kollective.