Polynesian Tattoos in Los Angeles: Cost, Culture & Meaning

Kalia Tattoo by King ‘Afa

Polynesian Tattoo Pricing & Investment Guide https://artcollectortattoo.com/how-much-should-tattoos-cost-by-size/#:~:text=

At Kalia Tattoo, we treat every tattoo not just as ink, but as a sacred lifetime investment and an extension of your identity. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my life to preserving and reviving authentic Polynesian, Micronesian, and Tongan tattoo traditions. My work is rooted in ancestral wisdom, art history, cultural symbolism, and a mastery of form that distinguishes each Polynesian society.

This guide is designed to help serious tattoo inquiries align with my rate structure. If you’re investing in art that will live with you forever, understand this: your skin is your legacy.

🔱 King ‘Afa Tattoo Tier Pricing Structure

Polynesian | Pacific Islander | Tribal Cultural Art | Private Collector Sessions

💡 MODERATE DESIGN SESSION – NEW ENTRY TIER

💰 $1,000 – $2,500⏳ Up to 5 hours

✅ Ideal for:

• Inner/Outside arm or Half forearm sleeves or single-area pieces

• Moderate detail artwork and cultural symbolism

• Designs tailored to client’s life story and art expression

• Projects based on size of the art and body surface area

• Smaller body frames or shorter tattoo zones (e.g. inner or outside forearm, arm or forearm or calf band, single chest piece)

⚠️ Note: Pricing depends on the size of the arm, leg, chest, or other areas — not all half sleeves are the same. Muscular or wider forearms require more design layout and ink saturation than slimmer arms.

⚠️ SKIN FACTORS THAT AFFECT PRICING

Every individual’s skin and body type directly impacts the tattoo process. Here’s what we assess:

• Skin Tone & Melanin Density: Darker skin has more melanin and collagen, which may require more needle passes to saturate. Special care is taken to avoid overworking the skin.

• Skin Conditions: We carefully evaluate the presence of moles, stretch marks, scars, keloids, eczema, psoriasis, acne, or dermatitis. Tattooing over damaged or delicate skin requires a slower, more detailed approach and may affect cost.

• Body Type & Surface Area: A half sleeve on a 5’5” lean client is not the same as on a 6’4” muscular frame. Body size and surface area influence how long the artwork takes.

• Skin Texture: Thin, delicate skin (especially with age) may have a paper-like texture, while thicker skin can feel leathery. Both require experienced handling to avoid blurring or scarring.

• Pain Tolerance & Breaks: Certain body areas (ribs, elbows, neck, stomach) are more sensitive and may require extra time due to pain tolerance and skin stretch during breathing.

• Age: Older skin loses elasticity and ink adhesion may be compromised. Extra time may be needed to achieve precision.

🧠 All skin types are welcome. Your safety, comfort, and healing come first. All projects begin with a visual skin evaluation and design assessment to ensure the best outcome.

⚡️ BASELINE FULL-DAY SESSION – TIER 1

💰 $2,500 – $3,000⏳ 8+ Hours of tattoo time

✅ Ideal for:

• Clients with flexible timelines

• One-region design focus (e.g. full arm sleeve or chest panel)

• Standard layout consultation

• Design inspired by one primary cultural style (Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Filipino, etc.)

• Scheduled 30–90 days in advance

🔥 HIGH-END CREATIVE REQUEST – TIER 2

💰 $3,500 – $5,000⏳ 8–9 hours with added creative preparation

✅ Ideal for:

• Clients with advanced requests & storytelling

• Incorporates 2+ cultural styles or deep symbolism

• Priority scheduling (within 30 days)

• Enhanced customization (e.g. specific family lineage, reworking previous tattoos, precision body mapping)

• Preferred time block/day requested by client

👑 ELITE PRIVATE CLIENT SESSION – TIER 3

💰 $10,000 – $20,000+⏳ VIP multi-day blocks with prep, layout, privacy

✅ Ideal for:

• Private, high-profile, or VIP clients

• Immediate or short-notice booking availability (7–14 days)

• Discreet studio setup / NDAs if requested

• Full-body layout planning, back-to-back days, or legacy heirloom art

• Urgent requests for full chest torso projects, full back pieces, full leg sleeve wraps, or full arm sleeve wraps

• Comprehensive work involving shoulder delts, chest, scapula, shoulder blade zones

• Monthly or bi-weekly sessions for long-term projects

• Extra care with body symmetry, healing preparation, or custom tribal research

• Direct collaboration on-site for layout preferences

• Special materials, comfort essentials, or location flexibility

I do offer high-end private sessions for collectors, VIP clients, cultural ambassadors, celebrities, and professional athletes seeking exclusive Polynesian tattoo work. These sessions are not publicly priced and will be discussed confidentially based on:

• Design complexity

• Timeline/urgency

• Personal preferences

🔐 NDAs, privacy agreements, and medical considerations are available upon request. Discreet booking and studio arrangements can be made.

📧 To discuss your project, please email polynesiantribal@gmail.com or submit your inquiry at www.kingafa.com.

🛡️ What All Tiers Include:

• Cultural consultation

• Sacred freestyle design rooted in Polynesian, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Filipino, Micronesian, Taino, Maori, Marquesan, and Blackwork tribal tattoos.

• One-of-a-kind artwork never duplicated

• No color / no cover-ups — authentic blackwork only

  
  

💳 PAYMENT OPTIONS (Klarna & Affirm Available)

✔️ $1,000 minimum = 4 payments of $250✔️ $2,500 = 4 payments of $625✔️ $4,000 = 6 to 12 payments available✅ 30% non-refundable deposit secures your session✔️ No impact on credit score when applying

“The more you invest, the deeper the story. This is not fast ink — this is ancestral art for life.”— King ‘Afa