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Neil S. Blaisdell Center

Loyalty Tattoo Official artists at Hawaii Tattoo Expo

July 10th – 12th | Honolulu, HI | Neil Blaisdell Center

Key takeaways

  • Loyalty Tattoo Kailua returns to the 2026 Hawaii Tattoo Expo after winning Best Sailor Jerry Tribute Tattoo.
  • The award honors a style deeply connected to Honolulu and tattoo history.
  • The expo brings together artists, collectors, and tattoo enthusiasts from around the world.
  • We’re excited to represent Kailua and connect with the tattoo community once again.

For tattoo artists in Hawaii, few events are bigger than the Hawaii Tattoo Expo.

Every year, artists, collectors, and tattoo enthusiasts from around the world gather in Honolulu to celebrate tattooing, collaborate and compete against some of the industry’s best talent, and share their passion for the craft. This year, the Hawaii Tattoo Expo returns to the Neal S. Blaisdell Center from July 10-12, 2026.

For Loyalty Tattoo Kailua, this year’s event feels especially meaningful.

Last year, our team was honored to take home the award for Best Sailor Jerry Tribute Tattoo. This category recognizes artists who continue to celebrate and evolve one of tattooing’s most influential styles. As we prepare to return to the expo in 2026, we’re looking back on that experience and looking forward to another incredible weekend of tattooing in Honolulu.

Honoring a Honolulu Legacy

Few figures have influenced modern tattooing more than Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins.

Working from Honolulu throughout much of his career, Sailor Jerry helped shape what would become American Traditional tattooing. His bold linework, strong compositions, and iconic imagery continue to influence artists around the world decades later.

That’s one of the reasons winning the Best Sailor Jerry Tribute Tattoo award meant so much to us.

The category isn’t simply about recreating a traditional tattoo. It’s about understanding the history behind the style and carrying that tradition forward through strong design, solid application, and respect for the craft.

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Hawaii Tatoo Expo First Place Best Sailor Jerry Tribute Tattoo - Damian Reign - Loyalty Tattoo Kailua
Traditional ocean scene back tattoo by Kawika.

Looking Back at Last Year’s Expo

One of the things we love most about the Hawaii Tattoo Expo is the energy.

The convention floor is filled with artists from Hawaii, the mainland, and around the world. Every booth offers a chance to see different approaches, different styles, and different perspectives on tattooing.

Events like this remind us that tattooing is always evolving.

Whether it’s seeing incredible large-scale work, connecting with fellow artists, or watching tattoo competitions unfold throughout the weekend, there’s always something inspiring happening at the Pacific Ink & Art Expo.

Winning an award was certainly a highlight, but being part of that community is what makes the event special year after year.

Tattoo Conventions Matter

People often see the awards and competitions, but conventions are about much more than trophies. They bring artists together. They create opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and stay connected to the larger tattoo community.

As artists, it’s important to keep growing. Being surrounded by talented tattooers pushes everyone to raise their standards and continue improving. That ultimately benefits our clients. Every convention, every conversation, and every experience helps bring new inspiration back to the shop.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We’re excited to return to the Hawaii Tattoo Expo this summer and represent Kailua once again.

The expo remains one of the premier tattoo events in the Pacific, bringing together incredible artists, vendors, entertainment, and tattoo enthusiasts from across the globe.

Whether you’re attending the show, getting tattooed during the event, or simply stopping by to experience the atmosphere, it’s always worth checking out. And if you see the Loyalty Tattoo Kailua team there, be sure to stop by and say hello.

Hawaii Tattoo Expo

See You at the Expo

The Hawaii Tattoo Expo celebrates everything we love about tattooing: creativity, community, tradition, and craftsmanship.

We’re proud to be returning in 2026 after bringing home the Best Sailor Jerry Tribute Tattoo award last year, and we’re looking forward to another great weekend in Honolulu.

If you’re thinking about your next tattoo before or after the expo, stop by the shop and talk with one of our artists. We’d love to help bring your next idea to life.

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Dragon tattoo by Kekoa