No Ka Oi Tiki Tatoo

This past weekend I went to No Ka Oi Tiki Tattoo to get my earlobes pierced. I knew that I wanted them to be stretched in the future, and I knew that I wanted a professional to pierce them. So I did some research on piercers on the east coast and Luis Garcia was a name that I kept coming across: bme, app, etc. When getting in contact with him, he recommended piercing them with an 8g, which sounded like a great idea to me as well. Not only was the shop incredibly clean, but the staff was nothing but polite, so was Luis. He answered every question that I asked, and talked me through the entire procedure. Overall, this was a great experience and I would only ever trust Luis with any piercings in the future. If you're ever around the Philly area, be sure to check this shop out. Well worth the drive from Baltimore.

Pros: cleanliness, polite staff, nice atmosphere

Luis is a GREAT piercer! Went to get my first body piercing this weekend and Luis was friendly, patient, and talked me through the whole process! WELL worth a trip to south street!!!!

Pros: clean, friendly/knowledgeable staff

I have never had such unprofessional experience with a tattoo place as I have had with an artist from No Ka Oi/body graphics. Both my roommate and I were tattooed by the same artist. She is so unreliable, she didn't show up for my roommate's appointment twice and for my roommates friend's appointment she was also no show(luckily Carla stepped up and did an amazing tattoo for her). I should of learned from their experience but I like her line work so I went ahead with it. And what a surprise she was a no show for my appointment. They called her and she "explains" that she is finishing the drawing for my piece and I should come back in two hours. She did finally show up, nothing new had been done to the drawing at all, I sat for 4 hours while she sat in the back doing whatever, I finally get tattooed and while she's tattooing me talks about how she stayed up all night and only got less than 2 hours of sleep. Awesome. Just straight up unprofessional, and the owner thinks talking down to you and calling you crazy is "customer service".

Pros: the place is cute

Cons: unprofessional, rude, expensive $$

I went in a few tattoo shops on South Street, but something about No Ka Oi drew me in. It was very clean and beautiful. The staff was cool and very friendly. They took me in right away and I was tattooed by Ms. Anna Paige herself, which was awesome. I had a really great experience and can't wait to make my next appt with her. I have definitely found my tattoo artist!!! I recommend this shop to anyone.

Pros: Awesome staff, very clean and welcoming!!!

Cons: I haven't found any yet!

So I went to No Ka Oi for my first piercing, I was planning on getting my septum done. The lady at the front brought me upstairs to the piercing area, and described in great detail the piercing process, aftercare, prices, jewelry options. She was amazingly helpful, friendly and congenial. The man who pierced me was Luis Garcia and he did a great job. The piercing area was very clean, and he got the piercing done so quickly and painlessly. I'm super happy with my experience at this shop

Pros: VERY friendly, relaxed and unintimidating atmosphere, great hours

Cons: Has to compete with Infinite

I would recommend visiting this shop in Philadelphia above all others. The atmosphere was super inviting, smelled nice, and I was greeted by everyone as I walked in the door! I was undecided about a tattoo design and went with my boyfriend to help me. I wanted to get his name on my arm but when I couldn't make up my mind I looked to my boyfriend for his advice. When I was talking to my boyfriend about what he thought the girl at the front desk was so polite and said something like honey, its your body, you make the decision. If you aren't sure about it, then maybe today isn't the right day to get tattooed. You should always be sure about it before just doing it because its permanent. if your not sure about his name, then get an image that reminds you of him instead, that way you wont have a name on you forever. she then drew up a version of what i wanted and i loved it! Then the girl with the hat in the back station tattooed me shortly after. she was very smart and made me feel so comfortable!

p.s. you should ignore that angry woman below. everyone i know gets tattooed at No Ka Oi and obviously this woman didn't want to hear the answer NO and should just go somewhere else with her crappy attitiude!

Pros: friendly atmosphere, smelled really nice

Cons: small lobby area

I went to this place at the end of October 2008. I wanted to have a tattoo that my husband designed for me. First the guy at the desk looked at the design, and said what is that and he kinda seemed skeevish of it, which i didnt like. then another artist there doctored it up and made it really pretty. the nice artist had an appt, so i was stuck with the horrible crazy lady who everyone commented about. So she too said, "what is it, thats it?", like she was almost to good to do it, or like it wasnt worth her time. So i let that go, and she said she'd be with her in a minute. It took her 15-20 mins to set up, which was way too long bcuz i think she was slow on purpose. When ready, she told me to lay down on the table. i said should i pay now, and she said, "i dont care if you want i mean whatever" so she took my money and tossed it like it was diseased. Anyways The table was cheap, so when i went to lay down, it started to tip over, and my husband says she mad a face at me like it was something wrong w/ me. so i was getting it behind my ear, and i said which side should i lay on, she said which side are you getting it on, instead of just saying left or right. then she puts the stencil on, i asked my husband what he thought, and she sighed. he couldnt really see so he was coming around the wall and she yelled, "Dude, you have to stay over there!" so we decided we didnt like the position, so i asked her to change it. that made her mad. she changed it, and we still didnt like it. As im talking to my husband, she started to yell "Sweet heart, its your body, his opinion doesnt matter! this is why i hate in when couples come in!" she was very disrespectful to me and my husband, so i snatched my money off the table and left. She even tried to charge me $50 for set up. She sits at the first little section and she's kinda goth. She is a crazy feminist with no respect for men, or any other customers. she makes the whole place look bad, but they support her, so dont go there!!!!

Pros: it looks nice and inviting

Cons: HER NAME IS CAROLE HERWIG. AND THIS PLACE IS BAD FOR LETTING SUCH A HORRIBLE PERSON KEEP HER JOB!

at first i was a little hesistant to go into this shop because of the reviews i had been reading. however, i decided to go anyway to check it out. i went in on a thursday night, talked to the nicest, most enthusiastic and brutally honest shop manager i've ever met. he was great. i talked to cindy about my idea, she told me what she thought and we set up an appointment for that sunday. the tattoo took about 3 hours, she was incredibly nice and professional the entire time. originally i was going to need two sittings but she said the hell with it and offered to do the whole thing at once. all in all, the place is asthetically pleasing and the artists are great. this was my 4th and by far best tattoo i have gotten and i would go back there in a heartbeat. remember people...they are artists, their work is on your body and they want it to look good. so take the critisism and except their ideas because in the end you'll walk out with a sh*t eating grin on your face!!

Pros: great looking shop

I had a great experience at No Ka Oi Tiki Tattoo last weekend. As nervous as I was, it was not as bad as my mind led me to believe. Prior to getting it, I did a lot of investigating on where to go and I had several people, that didn't know each other, some of them I didn't even know, tell me to go to Carla. While I was there, she was absolutely superb. She explained everything thoroughly and was actually very quick. They all made me feel very comfortable while I was getting the tattoo. The tattoo turned out awsome and I will be returning for my next one. Thanks Carla.

Pros: quick, professional, fantastic artists, place was extremely clean

Cons: needs larger reception area.

I really enjoyed spending time with the ladies in the shop. Not only was everyone super nice, but they were also extremely professional as well. I cannot stress enough the satisfaction I feel going into this shop. The gold medal winner of customer service goes to the cute kid with cheek piercings that has superior phone skills, and is extremely personable.

I would also like to single out the outstanding work of Ms. Carla Hopkins. Her skilled workmanship and attention to detail trumps all other color tattoo artist in the city. She offers great conversation, but is not overly chatty like an overly interested cab driver. Carla will not bs you into thinking that something is good if it is just a lame/unwise idea. This girl is going places, and will surely continue to gain notariety within the industry. I doubt I will ever go to another artist for the remainder of the work I plan on getting, and that means a customer for life.

Here is the deal: If you don?t care what your tattoo looks like, you want a giant ridiculouly ugly tattoo or want someone that is going to kiss your feet, PLEASE go someplace else...I don?t feel like hearing you flap your gums while I am there getting an awesome tattoo.

Pros: Fun Shop, Women Artists

Cons: Right off of South Street. Ick.

This was my first time getting inked at Tiki. I actually had an appointment somewhere else and was only in there with my sister while she was getting tattoed by Cindy. The place is EXTREMELY clean, and everyone there was very friendly to us. I don't know everyon's names, but all of the women tattoing in there were friendly, helpful and TALENTED. The girl at the front desk was nice to me, but I can see how she can come off as rude to some people... she is a little sarcastic I guess and reminds me of Lucy from the Peanuts gang...LOL, however, she was working her butt off when we were there and accomodating every customer, whether they were walk-ins or had appointments. I ended up getting tattooed there without an appointment while my sister was there because I was really impressed with them. I highly recommend this joint.

Pros: talented artists, always working to squeeze people in

Cons: no private rooms

i went here for my first (and only at the moment) tattoo. i had jackie brown design me a custom portrait and it is the most amazing tattoo ever...i have recommended this place to every singe person that asks me about my tattoo (i get complemented on it on average 25 times a day). i have plans to go in and see jackie again for my next piece they are amazing, talented, and are willing to work on anything you want.

Pros: extremely talented

Cons: a little pricey, but worth it

Went here after several recs, with a specific design in mind I'd been told by several friends who are tattoo artists that it should not be that big of a deal or difficult for someone with some skill. Was treated VERY rudely and condescendingly by the girl at the counter and the one actual artist who deigned to talk to me about my design...basically pointing out everything that was wrong with it unless I was willing to go much bigger (and of course, spend more money). I walked out very quickly with absolutely no desire to return. Will go elsewhere in the city to get the job done right!

Pros: nice looking shop

Cons: very bad customer service, major attitude

I am not a Philadelphian, and after a long day of searching for a tattoo parlor than did just more than take your money...I discovered these fine ladies! The atmosphere of the shop has a Hawaiian theme and is the cleanest/most sterile shop I have seen in the South Street Area. It's hard to find a good tattooist, which is going to work for YOU, overcharge you due to area?s going rates, & take your money?.while leaving you somewhat satisfied. It's hard to find a tattooist that encompasses a graceful touch, edge, & style while incorporating their innovative art background as well as the art of ?copying?. Also, these chicks are tough cookies, so if you can't handle sarcasm & crazy chatter, then bring earplugs or a sense of humor. Because they are still worth seeking out for a rockin' tattoo. Carla Hopkins is the lady to see for floral pieces & cover-ups, from what I heard and from experience. She will do all that she can, with some limitations of the impossible, to get what needs to get done/can be done. Plus, she's great for conversation while you're under the gun. You want a great tattoo; see these ladies....hands down my new favorite hot spot. I?ll be back for more!

Pros: Great Talent

Cons: No Private Tattoo Rooms

I was referred to No Ka Oi by a friend and co-worker. I originally wanted to go to Jackie Brown because she had done a really beautiful sleeve for a friend. My co-worker, however, asked me what I was planning on getting and when I told her, she recommended Carla Hopkins because she said that Carla was really wonderful with realistic looking flowers/botanical stuff, etc. So I went to see Carla without an appointment and she was VERY VERY HELPFUL! She spent nearly an hour with me looking over photos and discussing the size/scale of the tattoo I wanted (A sleeve of flowers). I had an idea in my mind when I came in, but thankfully, Carla was there with great advice (As I really know little to nothing about tattoos). She told me to think about the original size I wanted the flowers and that she would recommend tattooing them larger because of the amount of detail. We set up an appointment for her to draw something up so I could get an idea. When I came back, the drawings she did were spectacular. I am a florist, and I wanted to have the flowers look really "botanically correct" and she really did her homework!! It wasn't my "original" idea, but after talking to Carla, I realized that my original idea wouldn't have worked very well. So we were able to come together and she was able to translate my idea into something even better! They looked exactly how I pictured them, and now having had the line-work and shading completed on the piece, I am ecstatic! Carla is fun to work with, and an amazing artist. The flowers look like they could pop off of my arm and start growing as we speak! I am very happy I went to this shop, and more specifically, Carla for my work, because the experience has been awesome every step of the way! I am VERY happy with my experience and look forward to having color put in at my next appointment!

Pros: Extremely knowledgeable and friendly

Cons: They're usually pretty booked

I went to get a tattoo for my 30th B-day/graduation present to myself. I saw portfolios of different artists, and really liked Mony's work. So I went in the around 1 pm, showed him the pix of tattoo I wanted, and he told me that he will be ready for me around 6 pm. I left $20, and my cell number, and they called me by 5 pm telling me that they were ready.
I thought the ladies at the front desk were nice. I don't look like typical tattooed person, and I was bit apprehensive after reading some of the reviews on this website. But they were all friendly. The place is pretty, clean, and smells really nice. Price was reasonable. This tattoo costs about 3X my first tattoo, but it is much bigger, and much more intricate work. Mony was very professional, and asked me questions regarding how I wanted my tattoos to look. I also liked the fact that he was very busy concentrating on his craft, instead of chatting with me. Only thing was that I was getting tattooed in the middle of the place. I wish there were a private room because I was getting tattooed on my right hip and felt little exposed (Not thinking ahead, I wore a dress, so I had to hike the dress all the way up my butt, so my right cheek was hanging out). But Mony made sure that I was properly covered.
Most importantly, my tattoo looks GREAT. It's so beautiful...

Pros: Great artist, pretty studio, smells really nice.

Cons: No private tattoo rooms.

I went there on a Friday night, they were not busy at all. From the moment I walked in the door, I received looks of disgust. I suppose I do not look like the tattoo type... though going in there, I was asking for a quote for my fourth. I had a quote from a poem that holds a special place in my heart. The woman at the desk was extremely rude and wouldn't listen and told me that she "Wasn't necessarily fond of word tattoos" my immediate thought was "Well thankfully it's mine, and not yours." She gave me a quote of a $100 more than I wound up getting it for, and that was without any background [as I wanted...] I had a bad vibe the entire time there and couldn't wait to leave. I suppose you have to walk in there with arms full of tattoos and piercings, and asking for an Old School, or a flower tattoo to be considered. I went to my normal place, Kadillac Tattoo and was given an amazing tattoo, everything I asked for and I was treated wonderfully.

Never will I go there again... And if I hear anyone considering this place, I will tell them otherwise.

Pros: The Ambience is nice and cheery.

Cons: The woman at the desk was anything but cheery, and extremely rude.

I've been a HIGHLY SATISFIED CUSTOMER since this Tattoo shop opened, I followed Jackie Brown from her prior shop and would never change artists. I have never had anything but a goodtime everytime that I've been there and I am a frequent customer! Anna, has always been the coolest when I am there taking the time to make sure that all of the customers are comfortable. Yes, they are a very busy shop so an appointment is recommended, but its well worth the wait... because that's how good they are. And to some they may be a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for and when it comes to something that is going to be on your body for the rest of your life, a bargain is the last thing you should be looking for! And they are WORTH EVERY PENNY.

I initially came into No Ka Oi for a surface piercing, and I just fell in love with the place. I am glad I found it. Luis, the piercer, was extremely experienced, very calming, and very funny. He had me at total ease after 5 minutes of talking to him. I was initially going to go to Infinite Body Piercing, but the piercer there sent me to see Luis because even the other piercers in town know he has the most experience (after doing some online research, I can see why). He was quick, painless, and thorough with his instructions. During the healing he was very receptive to me coming in for check ups, and he answered any question I had. After being pierced at many shops around the country and 3 in the Philly area, I have to say he is the best so far.

The jewelry selection is decent, better than most shops around, but not as large as the selection at Infinite. I will say that I'll deal with the smaller selection any day because the customer service is WAY better at No Ka Oi. I'm shocked at the 2 poor customer service reviews on here. I have now had 5 piercings and 4 tattoos done there and never once have I been treated poorly. As a matter of fact, we are usually all laughing and having a grand old time. I've never even seen them be rude to anyone. I have seen them tell someone they would not give them the tattoo they wanted, because the way the person wanted it wouldn't hold up over time, and they couldn't guarantee the tattoo (they give free touch ups for life on most tattoos). Thats not being rude, it's having a good work ethic. I've been tattooed by Jackie, Carla, and a guest artist from Canada named Natalie. All of them were great, and the work they did was amazing. I get compliments all the time, even at tattoo conventions. The shop is super clean and smells great. You can see all the artist set everything up and break open all the packages. Luis even showed me how they sterilize everything and took me through the process step by step

Pros: Extremely experienced staff, great service, atmoshpere.

Cons: Could have a bigger jewelry selection. Some artists booked a month in advance

I have been to NoKaOi a couple times. They are always busy and the staff has been excellent at trying to accomidate so many people all at once. They have wonderfully talented artist as well piercers. I wanted to get tattooed right away but they where already booked for a couple hours. So they had me fill out the paperwork, leave 20 dollars and my cell phone number. The gave me a time that was two hours later to come back. They called me about 1 hour later as said they would be able to fit me in earlier. I went back and got the most amazing tattoo. There customer service was excellent, especially is you consider the amount of customers they where dealing with that day. I would recommend these ladies any day.

Pros: professional, helpful, can do custom work

Cons: always busy, not open 24/7

I went into the shop recently to get a quote for a tattoo.zThe artist seemed to be completely uninterested and downright rude. She gave me a price that was double the quotes I got from any other show (a difference of two hundred dollars) and her attitude was demeaning and needlessly condescending. This isn't the way to attract customers

i've been searching for the right place for a new tattoo for a while now and recently ended up on south street at this shop that i had heard good things about. the atmosphere is nice, their work is good, but the customer service--absolutely god awful. both the girl working the counter and the artist acted annoyed by the very presence of someone in their shop. i was given non-stop attitude and eye-rolling/sighs until finally i just excused myself and got the hell out of there. i'm sure some people enjoy getting treated like crap by someone whose salary you're paying but i'd really rather spend my money at a shop with equally talented artists and a lot less nastiness. stay away from these "tattoo snobs" and go somewhere else!

Pros: atmosphere

Cons: customer service

My experience here was excellent. Jackie Brown is an awesome tattoo artist. The Customer service was great and I enjoyed all of the lovely ladies there! My husband also had Jackie finish one of his tattoos and got another one while he was there. He is totally satisfied with the results. I will be back soon for another! Thanks Jackie ( :

Pros: Clean, Professional, talented artists

as a lady i hv found it difficult to go into and talk to tattoo artists. usually they are either pushy and/or high, uninterested, or not invested in the art. everyone at no ka oi has made each experience of mine very comfortable. kudos to jackie brown who makes all my fears go away each time i visit her. if knowledge, and craftsmanship is what you want go to no ka oi.

Pros: customer service, cleanliness

Cons: parking

I searched high and low across the country for years to find the right artist for my body art. I found her at Na Ka Oi--yet another establishment owned by the famous Bill Funk. The atmosphere at Na Ka Oi is unlike any other parlor I have seen. The place is extraordinarily clean, neat, and is decorated with a tasteful Hawaiian theme. The people are welcoming, knowledgeable, fun to be around, and they remember your name and are truly interesting in knowing you. I would never go anywhere else again.

Pros: Clean, Professional, Experienced

Awesome!!! Eperience was geat - would recommend. These ladies are really top notch!!!!!

These tattoo ladies rule, award winners with style and service to match. My tattoo looks great, seeing is believing

Pros: the work

Cons: none