Kokua is a word that means “to help,” and it’s frequently coupled with the word “mahalo” to form “mahalo for your kokua.” In English, the phrase would translate as “thank you for your compliance,” and it often references not littering or helping to keep an area clean.

“Mahalo” is a Hawaiian word meaning thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, esteem, regards, or respects. According to the Pukui and Elbert Hawaiian Dictionary, it is derived from the Proto-Polynesian *masalo.

These triangles are a symbol of teeth, usually of a shark. We are a poke shop and we eat like the shark eats. This pattern represents the ‘kalo’ fields. When triangles are assorted this way they represent the spear. The spear is significant in ancient Hawaii because it represents both life and death.

When King Kamehameha died, many Hawaiians had “Kamehameha, 1819” tattooed on themselves to show their respect for the king. Hula dancers, both men and women, were usually generously tattooed. Women often had tattoos on their fingers, hands, and wrists. Today, there’s a resurgence of Hawaiian pride.

In the beginning, native designs were tattooed on the skin to designate tribe and hierarchy (even today Hawaiians view tattoos on a man’s body as a sign of status and importance) and was part of a warrior’s rite of passage to get the markings that he was a full member of the community.

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The legacy of Polynesian tattoo began over 2000 years ago and is as diverse as the people who wear them. Honoring their tradition, Samoan tattoo artists made this tool from sharpened boar’s teeth fastened together with a portion of the turtle shell and to a wooden handle. The pain of traditional tattooing is extreme.

The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans. For those who have no cultural influence or heritage background it is an act of disrespect to display their symbols and designs.