Our Story

A man met a woman in the Hawaiian islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, just about 7 years ago now.  During one of their first encounters, they were at a party and together made a salad into a mandala.  Something special, besides the delicious salad, was created.  Later, the woman, being an entrepreneur most of her life, said to the man, "You are very great at tattooing, you should open your own shop and be your own boss".  

As time went on, the couple were blessed with a child, right before the world shifted in 2020.  Becoming busy with a baby, navigating through the wild times of 2020-2022, the goal of opening a tattoo shop in the Hawaii Kai area of the island took a back seat.  It was not going to be an easy feat, as there have never been a tattoo shop in Hawaii Kai before and one commercial leasing agent even laughed at the couple at the thought of one opening in their quiet community.  

Through a roller coaster of trials and perseverance, the man and the woman forged ahead, working little by little towards their goal.  They looked at many spaces hoping for the right fit for their tattoo studio, even in other parts of the island, but their hearts always returned to Hawaii Kai, even after being told no several times.  Early on, they almost signed on one space in the Kaimuki area, but decided not to turn in the lease agreement after all.  They realized the space was extremely difficult for customers to find the entrance.  To get to that space, one would need to go down the street, into building entrance almost in the basement, go upstairs, and walk all the way back to the very other end of the building to arrive at this space.  The man and the woman marveled at what a labyrinth it was and while disappointed, accepted this was not the right space as customers would have a difficult time.  

However, the name 

TATTOO LABYRINTH 

was born.

A time and a place

A labyrinth embodies the complex journey of life, representing the intricate paths we navigate through its ups and downs.  Unlike a maze, which is intended to confuse and make you lost, a labyrinth has a single, unambiguous route designed to be walked as a form of meditation or spiritual quest.  It symbolizes the search for meaning and truth, the journey to the inner self, and the challenges we face along our path.  The labyrinth serves as a reminder that although life's journey may be complicated, there is always a purposeful path leading to a deeper discovery and understanding.  If you want to walk a labyrinth and meditate, the nearest one around here is in Kapalua, Maui.

TATTOO LABYRINTH serves those who are on such paths, and as with each tattoo ceremony, there is only one way in and the same way out.  

But you will not be the same again through your transformation.  

Drew Ray was born at a very young age in a small town in Ohio State.  After exploring many paths, including becoming a therapist for troubled youths and a vegan chef, Drew decided to focus on the one thing he loved doing most, tattooing.  After many years of tattooing and tours around the world, Drew decided to move to Hawaii, where he met Karen and created a family.  Drew now enjoys life at Tattoo Labyrinth cultivating his love of art and enjoying the sun, the ocean, the honus, and tidepools at Sandys, Kaionas, and Sherwoods, his favorite beaches, with Karen and their 6 year old daughter Sophia and their three, 

yes three, rottweilers, 

Lucy, Linus, and Violet.

More to come soon on our other artists!