Arauna has been my goto artist for the last 10 years! We just finally finished my sleeve and he did an amazing job freehanding the entire thing. Staying true to our culture is important and he has made this journey the best it can be. Read Less

Yes he’s busy but he’s a one man operation and VERY talented. I text him and he responded later in the day, set up an appointment for about 3 weeks later. He does an incredible job free-handing his designs. I can’t believe the line work and how precise each piece is. After 3 sessions he completed my full sleeve. I get multiple compliments every week. Thanks again for the work you did for me! The 3 star review should be deleted, you can call, text or email him and he will get back to you within the day. If you want a instant/walk-in tattoo go elsewhere. Heck I don’t know anywhere doing that anymore. If they do check the quality. Read Less

Arauna is so amazing. Upon my return from Tahiti, I was happy to find polynesia is alive in well at Heimataura! He was patient with my 2 consultants and my tattoo is even more than I expected. Arauna listens to every detail and then works his magic. Read Less

Arauna’s talent is off the charts! This was my first tattoo and he took the time to learn my story and helped me to understand his culture and history behind the tattoos. I sat through my first session today and he was so patient and courteous. I just love my tattoo and so appreciate the personalized elements that relate to my life. I have a one of a kind tattoo. I highly recommend Arauna! Read Less

This was my very first tattoo and waited 30 years for this! I searched online and did research on Polynesian tattoos here in the valley. I contacted Arauna via email and I went in for a consultation within a week. He asked me about what I wanted the tattoo to represent and what was important to me. I gave him a direction of how I wanted it to look/placement and we scheduled for the appointment on a different date. I went into the appointment and he advised that he does not use pre-drawn stencils. This is all hand drawn! Given this was my first tattoo, I'm not going to lie, I was nervous but yet excited. He translated what was important to me beautifully Polynesian style on my wrist/forearm. I'm proud to wear my heritage and tell my story. I get comments all the time and I for sure let them know for sure where I got it done. Thank you Arauna. Read Less

Arauna is a true professional, very meticulous and very safety cautious. As a healthcare professional I appreciate how sanitary he is and his concern with blood borne pathogens etc. He is a true Master of the art and I love learning more about Polynesian Tattoo history while getting tattooed by him. I have a lot of tattoos from various artists and I would say Arauna is my favorite, simply because of his personable demeanor, perfect hand (not too heavy or soft) and obvious skill in Polynesian tattoos. His shop is very clean, very homely, and comfortable both for clients and family/visitors.Mahalo Arauna!Asa Read Less

Arauna Mara is a Master Artist. From our first meeting and on, he has treated me with the utmost respect and has Endeavored to learn my story, with a humbleness most people lack. My story like most is filled with Triumphs and failures. He took those experiences and created a work of art the I am proud to display for all to see. All of wich was done with nothing more than a pen,a tool he carved from a Boar's tusk, a machine and his mind. All free style and pristine. He captured and put into reality....who I am....in only a few hours. He is a kind and delicate soul with a warrior's heart. To say that I recommend him would be an Injustice,go there,meet him and you will understand. Read Less

If you are looking for a Polynesian style tattoo this is by far the best place to go. I've never felt so relaxed. Arauna is an amazing artist and I would highly recommend him. If I could give him 10 stars I would! Read Less

Great experience. Stop was immaculate/clean and its design and layout were incredibly welcoming. The owner/artist was very friendly and easy to talk to, but more than anything he took time and patience with his work. Incredibly talented. I flew out to AZ from IN for this experience and I can guarantee I'll be coming back. Read Less

Arauna is by far one of the best. If you are in it to experience a taste of Polynesian culture he will give it to you. I flew in from Texas and he made me feel like family. Thanks again for he experience and great tattoo I could have gotten anything better. Read Less

He came up to a festival near where I live and I chose him out of all of the other artists because he is the most pono. He's amazing talented and was very patient with me. Especially since it was my first tattoo, he took great care in crafting my tattoo exactly how I dreamed it. A gift of vision brought by my ancestors. I am so happy with his beautiful work. Read Less

Arauna Mara is a true Polynesian tattoo artist. He exceeded our expectations above and beyond with his designs. Both my daughter and I got our first tattoos together and this was just the special place to make it happen. He took the time to interview my us to ensure we were in sync with our ideas. He added his own special touch to the final designs and the results continue to grow on you as time goes by. His shop has a zen like feel with a spa atmosphere and feels cleaner than a hospital with crisp aromas of mint in the air. We live in Northern California but wouldn't dream of getting another tattoo from anyone else. It is a true experience of a family friendly atmosphere. Thank you Arauna for the excellent work. We will definitely see you again soon. Read Less

This is by far the absolutly only place to get a Polynesian style tattoo. Arauna is a master artist.  Talk to him, let him get a feel for what your life is about and what you would like your tattoo to represent and then sit back and let him work his magic. Such talent and understanding.  So knowledgeable about the art and the culture .  A truly remarkable  soul. Read Less

I just had my tattoo session with Arauna. He has completely exceeded my expectations. His passion for family, life, and love comes through in his work. I look forward to many more journeys with Arauna. Much love! Read Less

I'd give Heimataura ten stars if I could.  I just finished an hour ago.  I'm writing this review so soon after simply because I could not have been more impressed!  Arauna is not in this for the money.  To him, this work is spiritual and it shows in his art.  He spent a half hour during our consult several weeks ago getting to know what's important in my life.  He took notes.  Today, each time he changed needles, he stopped, showed me the closed package and the expiration date before opening it.  OSHA would be impressed!  The end result.... just awe-inspiring.  He put together my existing work into one, cohesive piece.  He then took time to explain the deep symbolism of each part.  I plan on going back for more in a few months.  Arauna is truly a gem of a find in the desert. Read Less

He is great at what he does so passionate, educated and humble about his art work being part Polynesian I didn't know a whole a lot so not only did I get a beautiful tattoo he taught me about my culture and he gave my tattoo meaning with a story. I will never forget the experience of meeting him. His work and dedication speaks for its self. Read Less

If you are looking to get a Polynesian Tattoo, Arauna is the man to see! From the start Arauna was very professional and contacted me back as soon as I messaged him! Him and his family were very welcoming and hospitable, and my wife and newborn son were able to watch me get tattooed or relax on the couch and watch T.V. ... He is very hygienic and took the time to show all needles etc. were new and sterile. I felt comfortable and relaxed in his Tattoo Studio which is very nice as well. My sleeve came out awesome and I will definitely be coming back to finish it and will recommend anyone to this outstanding artist! Mahalo Arauna! See More Read Less

I live in Phoenix and traveled to Las Vegas twice to have my 3/4 sleeve started by Dennis Mata'afa @ Sacred Center. Great Work. I've seen Arauna twice now and his work is equally as good. Heimataura is truly a hidden Gem. He's knowledgeable, professional, creative, light-handed, clean and local. Look no further. 5 Stars ... 5 Gold Stars... highly recommend. Read Less

luv it luv it luv it! Excellent work! I am so amazed how my tattoo came about. Arauna took his time to get to know me, and come to understand on how I feel about family and life itself. He created something so beautiful and incorporated it around my hula girl I already had which brought her to life! I wear it proud knowing this was made especially for me. I highly recommend Arauna for he truly have an amazing gift. I will be going back for more.. Hokulani S Read Less

I have seen Arauna 3 times, and he has totally outdone himself each time I have gone to him..  I started off with a original Tautau and he made me so comfortable that I decided to get a half sleeve.  If you want compliments on your tatoo everywhere you go, don't look any further!!!!!!! Read Less

I am happy to give Arauna a 5 star review! I met with him for about 30 minutes to go over what is important to me in life and showed him a pattern I liked. I then placed my absolute faith in him and let him go to work. I remember not looking at his work for 2 hours. Once I finally took a peek, I was blown away at what he came up with and had started. I could not be happier with his work. I get all positive comments on my new tattoo. He is clean, professional and super chill to chat with while he works. I will certainly be going back to him for more work. If you are looking for a unique, clean and detailed tattoo, then this is your guy. I am excited to go back for my next tattoo. Very happy to review this man's work and would truly recommend him to anyone! Thanks much Arauna! Read Less

I drove from Vegas to see this guy and it was worth all the effort! Aurana takes his time to listen to your input and incorporates his expertise. His shop is clean and has a relaxing vibe to it. He has a steady hand, amazing skill in freehand. Definitely recommend him to anyone looking to get a polynesian style tattoo. A hidden master deep in the Arizona desert!!! Read Less

Excellent artist second to none. Friendly, clean and safe you will not be disappointed with your tattoo experience. Arauna is doing a full sleeve on me and I have several other pieces planned. His work speaks for itself. Read Less

I went to Arauna without knowing much about him. I relied on the Yelp reviews and the pictures of his work. I am so glad I did. This guy is not only talented but he's cleaner than most hospitals. OSHA would give Arauna an A+. He does ask a lot of question so that he can get to know you. He is creative and actually fixed some previous work I had done and wasn't quite happy with it. His prices are reasonable and it's not about the money with him. He would just as soon politely ask you to leave rather than do something that would compromise his beliefs!!! I am returning for more work. My wife is definitely not a Tatau (Tatoo) fan but she was totally impressed when she saw his work. Talk with him, let him get to know you and you might think you know what you want but at least look at his free hand suggestions. He has no problem doing exactly what you came to have done but you just might want to see and hear what he has to say. What a stress free clean and friendlyenvironment. Oh yeah, and the music he plays is SMOKIN!!!! Thanks my friend and be well until I return...to wish you well again! Read Less

Hands down, the best polynesian tattoo artist in AZ. Arauna is very down to earth and very welcoming. He asks a lot of questions during consultation to see what you value the most to incorporate it into your tattoo. Arauna is also well versed in different polynesian styles. Highly recommended to anyone thinking about getting some Polynesian work done. I have had two pieces done by him and absolutely love his work. Brotha Arauna... Best in the biz! Read Less

Down to earth, and professional. Arauna is awesome! Can't get much better! Clean, updated equipment. If you want a real traditional Polynesian tattoo, go to the man from Tahiti. He's open to fresh ideas as well, which is cool. All around great tattoo experience! Thanks brother! Read Less

I'm very satisfied with my tat! This is my very first time so I was a bit hesitant at first. The tat artist is very professional and knowledgeable. Price is very reasonable compared to others! The place is clean and everything he uses is up to date, sterile,  unquestionable. Read Less