Polynesian tattoo by Riccy Boy Novera Jr.: Tattoo Artist
For over 15 Hawaiian years Riccy Boy has been a professional Tattoo Artist and his work can be seen on thousands of people all over the world. Specializing in Polynesian tattoo's Riccy Boy believes each tattoo should be as unique as the individual, each tattoo is a unique work designed for each individual. Polynesian and Hawaiian tattoo's are characterized by elaborate geometrical shapes and designs native to the peoples of the Pacific (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand..).
Located on the eastern edge of the North Shore of O'ahu in a small country town called Hau'ula. Polynesian Tattoo Factory not only does tats but piercing's also. Call for an appointment today!
Polynesian tattoo shop in Hau'ula
Riccy-Boy Lamositele Novera, a Sämoan-Filipino man currently living in Kahuku, recently opened the Polynesian Tattoo Factory & Body Piercing shop next to the Hau'ula fire station.
Novera, a Farrington High graduate who has been turning his own freehand designs into Polynesian tattoos for 14 years and has also released three island rap CDs, said the business has had over 100 customers since opening. He works in partnership with Maxine Klourde, who has been in the body piercing business for the past nine years and is originally from Atlanta, Georgia.
"About 60% of our business is tattooing," said Novera, who describes himself as an "urban tufuga" or tattoo artisan who has been doing five or six tattoos on some days. He explained they range in price from $40-$5,000, the latter the cost of a full traditional Sämoan tattoo."
Novera explained a traditional Sämoan tattoo or pe'a, can take 10-12 sittings of 4-5 hours each to complete with modern tattooing equipment. He has started the lengthy process of getting his own pe'a in Sämoa.
He added that "half-sleeve" tattoos "are the most popular, ever since 'The Rock' [part-Sämoan actor and retired wrestler Dwayne Johnson] came out with his. A recently completed half-sleeve tattoo, for example, cost about $800.
Novera said even some tourists have come in for tattoos, with honu [turtle] and plumeria designs being the most popular.
He also said he realizes "many people do not want tattoos" or have other objections. "I respect those who don't want them, but we're here for those people who do want them."
Klourde said navel and tongue piercings are the most popular part of her end of the business in general, "but I've done more noses than anything else in this area."
Novera thanked everyone who helped get the business going, especially brothers-in-law Jesse and Vanu Fonoimoana who rebuilt the shop. The business is open Monday-Saturday, 12-9 and Sunday from 12-6, call 293-TATU. The shop is offering 25% off tattoos during his grand opening month of June.
Mahalo
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