Rock Solid Tattoo

Andre is an incredibly talented tattoo artist. He did a large, beautiful cover up for me. The studio is immaculate and very modern.

This was my first time in a tattoo parlor. The place is very clean. The staff are cool. I guess they don’t normally take walk-​ins, but they made us feel comfortable. Oscar was easy-​going and friendly. He did a great job.

Thank you Oscar! Now when I look at my wrist it’ll remind me that my story definitely isn’t over. You’re awesome!

Went to the shop today to get some work done on an awful tattoo I’ve had for years. The consultation notified me that I couldn’t get exactly what I wanted by Andre was willing to work on the embarrassing piece. I must say that I left feeling like I could conquer the world. I’m sooooo happy that I was referred to this place. Now I’m thinking of my next piece to tie it all together. He was quick and proficient. No complaints!!!

I like Andre and Robin. The way they run their shop is different than most tattoo shops around, in a good way! Very peaceful, no pressure atmosphere. Andre produces very high quality tattoos in a shorter time than most. This means, you’ll be getting a deal! I will be going back, as I would not let anyone add to the meaningful tattoo Andre designed for me.

I recently had a tattoo done by Andre and I couldn’t be happier! I showed him my ideas, and he was able to customize a tattoo that I absolutely love. He does great mandala/​dotwork tattoos. The price is also very reasonable and he’s willing to work within your budget. I highly recommend coming here. I will be back for sure! Thanks Andre!

When Andre voices his ideas you see his eyes light up with passion. He’s awesome! Yesterday, I did my first session on the free dragon tattoo I won from one of his contests. My very first tattoo for FREE! He finished the outline in 1.5 hours. He’s not done but it looks so bada$$. I’m so excited to see the end product.

So I came to rock solid in search for a person to do my memorial tattoo for my grandmother. I have done a lot of research about my artist Andre before even coming in. I found his work so remarkable. I had to take a lot of pictures of my grandmothers rosary because it’s more then 50 years old. But Andre created this awesome piece to fit my forearm ever so perfectly. Rock solid was so welcoming and zen I felt completely at home being in the shop. Everything was clean and separated. I have no complaints :) my tattoo hurt but it was totally worth it. I got up to look at the results of my tattoo and it was do beautiful I started tearing up and remembering how beautiful my grandmother was. I do not wanna go anywhere else for my tattoos anymore. I will only go here for my tattoos. Thanks to Andre I have a beautiful piece that’ll last forever. Thanks Andre! You’re the best!

After more than a year from getting a partial linear side of my leg tattoo done from Andre, I decided to go back again to get the full half sleeve done. Things were different this time around since I got to know the staff at RST (Andre and Robin) just a little bit better plus they moved out of their former shop at Waikiki International Market Place to a new location in Kalihi, Dillingham. I would say it’s better because Waikiki is just a pain from the parking to having to deal with tourists and many other things that are just Waikiki ish. Their shop is right across from that plaza where McDonalds is at the intersection of Dillingham and Waikamilo. It’s a pretty convenient location considering there’s many nearby businesses and shopping plazas around the area. The shop is so fresh and so clean. Talking to Andre about the continuing concept of the tattoo design was not complex since he was just going to add more to the piece. Getting a tattoo from Andre is just a rock solid experience. Not only does he do rock solid work on tattoos but he has many other artistic talents as well. He is versatile in many style and makes the tattoo experience all the well enjoyable and pleasurable. He is really funny and talking story with him just makes 3.5 hours of tattooing go by very fast. It would be dope if I could get a tattoo from Robin, his better half as well.

My boyfriend and I have been to Rock Solid Tattoo many times over the past few years and it has always been a great experience. Andre does such amazing work — everything he does comes out beautiful.
The customer service Andre and Robin provide is impeccable. They really make you feel comfortable and treat you basically like family. Rock Solid is the only tattoo shop I will go to, and I would gladly refer anyone I know there.

I disagree with all the others, Rock Solid does not have the customer in mind. Me and my girl were given gift certificates to his shop as gifts and tried to go get simple small tattoos 2 weeks before we moved off the island. The owner Andre simply laughed when we tried to get appointments and did not schedule us in due to his «lack of time» I also have heard from others he is quite heavy handed. Would love to know for myself but he basically took the money spent on the gift cards and refused to do any work for us… there are so many good artists in Hawaii I would go where the people put their customers first! No ALOHA here!

This was my first tattoo and it couldn’t have been a more pleasant experience. The place has a very relaxing ambiance and everyone there was really friendly. I wasn’t sure of exactly what design I wanted and Andre talked me through a couple of ideas before we settled on the final design. He’s a very warm and talented guy and immediately put me at ease. I couldn’t be happier. If you’re in Honolulu and you’re looking for a place to get inked, you couldn’t do better than Rock Solid.
Just to note, the place is a little difficult to find. It’s up on the second level tucked back in a corner of the International Market, so you may want to head out a little early to give yourself plenty of time to find it.

Simply an amazing place to get tattooed… now the ONLY place I’ll ever get tattooed.
Rock Solid Tattoo is located the International Marketplace, but as soon as I walked in the first time I honestly felt at peace. It is so calm and relaxing in their studio, it doesn’t even feel like Waikiki.
My consultation was fast and so easy. It probably took no more than 10 minutes? Partially because my tattoo wasn’t going to be something big. I knew where and what I wanted to get tattooed but was open to the placement position as well as the other artistic aspects of my tattoo. I wanted a simple lotus near a tattoo that I already had and based on the Facebook photos, I was a huge fan of the «dot» tattoos that Andre does.
Andre is truly an amazing artist and he absolutely loves what he does. He explained to me every aspect of my tattoo including why he chose the placement, my different options for the details of my tattoo, and what he thought would be best. The day I went in for my tattoo, I filled out paperwork and went right in. My lotus took less than an hour and looks amazing. Andre left parts open for more details or tattoos later which was what I wanted. He has a great personality and made me feel like he was a long time friend I could just talk story with. I felt at ease when getting tattooed knowing I could talk to him. «Cause don’t you just hate awkward silence? I know I do.
They only ask that you be on time… which in my book is something that shouldn’t need to be asked of clients. It’s just like going to any other important appointment… why would you want to be late?
This is my newest and now ONLY place I will get my tattoos. I cannot wait to go back for more and get some details in. Rock Solid Tattoo is ALL original and simply amazing.

Perhaps I’m not the most impartial opinion about Rock Solid Tattoo. given that I’ve only gotten tattoos from. Rock Solid Tattoo. But why venture and take a chance with something so permanent when you’ve found the perfect place?
I truly believe that Andre is an artist first and foremost, and that the tattoos are just one of his many mediums. There is NO cookie cutter art here. everything is ORIGINAL. Andre does a great job capturing your «vision» and putting it on skin. Let me tell you the gist of how my consultation appointments with him usually go.
me — «Hey Andre, I think it’s time for more ink. Here’s what I’m thinking. (insert one of my many rough ideas here. koi w/​lotus, peonies and water, female samurai, hannya mask).
andre — «Ok, lemme see what I can come up with»
Now literally, those four ideas. that’s all I told him. Most people can’t believe it when they see the end result. I trust Andre enough that I give him pretty much complete creative freedom. Frankly, I think that’s why he’s able to create such amazing pieces for me. Check out RST’s facebook for pictures of all the art he’s done. I think those can speak for his talent far better than me writing a review.

I have two pieces created by Andre. The first I won in a contest that they held on FB. The second is a large back piece cover up. Andre is all about helping people. I really appreciate Andre and Robin for helping me to get thus done. They are about doing good by others and the positive energy this creates. Rock Solid tattoo is not like most shops as it isn’t all about the money. The contest and gift card deals are ways for them to help people who otherwise would not be able to get the tattoo they want. I recommend Rock Solid tattoo to anyone who wants to get a tattoo that is customized and has meaning. Even if you want a tattoo but not exactly sure of what to get just set up a time for consultation with Andre. He will be able to help you come up with the right design. I have had some friends go down and check Rock Solid tattoo. They all have great things to say and are happy clients. The energy of this shop is going to revolutionize the way other tattoo artist think about operating.

Where do I begin —
Prior to ever setting foot in RST… I had two other tattoos done at two different tattoo parlors. There are several distinct differences —
First and foremost… RST is super, super clean. The environment is welcoming… If I had to describe the ambiance in one word it would be «ZEN». It’s especially good for those who are getting their first tattoo… many other tattoo parlors are very intimidating, Rock Solid Tattoo is far from intimidating. Robin and Andre walk you through the entire process so that you can be sure that you are making the right choice and that you will be happy with your piece. Quite honestly… the tattoos that are not well thought out are the ones that people regret getting the most. At RST… you must first schedule a consultation, Andre draws out your vision and then the tattoo appt is made.
Second — every piece is ORIGINAL. Andre is a true artist who does MEANINGFUL works of art.
The first tattoo that Andre did for me was a tribute to my 6 month old nephew who had passed away. Andre designed the perfect piece with his name in kanji set against a background of cherry blossoms.
My second tattoo is a very meaningful tattoo. It is of Kwan Yin, the goddess of compassion and mercy. She is sitting peacefully surrounded by a lotus and motion is created with a wispy dragonfly. I’ve had it for a little less than a year now but I still look at it and am amazed. Andre’s choices of coloring and how he blends the colors is unbelievable.
So for you Unilocalers who are looking for a legit place to get tattooed… check out Rock Solid Tattoo… they also have contests and specials via their Facebook fan page. You can also check out Andre’s work there too! :)

I got a tattoo from Andre about 2 months ago now and went back a month ago to have more added on. I actually met Andre and his wife Robin in the summer though and I can say they are some of the nicest people I’ve met since I’ve come to the island.
As for the tattoo Andre did an awesome job and I couldn’t be happier. I gave him an idea and Andre ran with it. I couldn’t be happier with my tattoo and the experience as a whole. This was my first tattoo in Hawaii and I would definitely recommend you check out Andre if you were looking to get a tattoo.

It’s easy to find a tattoo parlor in Hawaii. They are abundant, where there are at least two or three tattoo shops in just about every town on the island of Oahu. The real question is how to go about finding a GOOD one. When I talk about «GOOD», I’m not only talking about the shop, but also the artist. So what are the defining elements of a «GOOD shop and GOOD artist»? I’m looking for a place that is sanitary (health is the number 1 concern) where the use of sterile, disposable instruments are a must. The next must is a place that is reputable, such as good references from people you know and trust. Lastly, check out the artist’s work, new and old ink your friend got, artwork at the shop, is it worth the money, etc.
Needless to say Rock Solid Tattoo (RST) exceeded every expectation and much more. It is located in the International Market Place, on the 2^nd floor of the building towards Kuhio. Remember that wave that was an iconic area where everyone did the «hang 10» on the surfboard that stuck out of the wall? — they are right next to that.
The atmosphere is serene with the buzz of excitement coming from the bustle of people passing through the market place. Framed artwork by Andre, himself can be found hanging throughout the open air shop and shirts with all designs created by him as well.
I met up with Andre and Robin, owners of RST some time after I got a referral from a friend and seeing the artwork he had done for her in the form of her tattoos. I also check up on the tattoos he’d done for other people as well on their Facebook account.
They are a cute couple, very down to earth, personable, and professional. Once the consultation got going I could easily tell that they had my best interest in mind and concerns with being able to produce best quality tattoos. No pressure and no rushing. During the consultation I took notice of all of his artworks and am very impressed with his knowledge and appreciation of Japanese folklore and culture. Much of his artistic creativity is blended with traditional arts.
Looking at much of his artwork, I noticed that none of his tattoos are ever the same. Every single person that walks through their doors all receive a personalized tattoo that they can call their own. No cookie cutter artwork here! It’s so nice to know that no one will ever have the same piece as you!
In the end, I am very happy with the piece Andre had done for me. It is of a beautiful and magical Kitsune with 9-​tails, sitting in a regal manner in a bed of peonies… you need to see it to truly appreciate it.
.but the real question is… what will be the next one…

Rock Solid Tattoo is the better tattoo shops on island… Andre (artist) is very patient and super nice, the customer service that him and his wife provide are awesome. Andre is very good in what he does and an awesome person in general!!!