Pacific Ink & Art Expo
- Dates
- Jul 9 to 11, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Neil Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 14, 2026
Pacific Ink & Art Expo returns to Honolulu, HI, Jul 9 to 11, 2027. Froligo tracks ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
Age, licensing and hygiene
Artists exhibiting at the expo are directed to Hawaii's state tattoo artist licensing process: a Bloodborne Pathogen Certification, a Hawaii State Tattoo Artist Application, Tuberculosis and Syphilis medical report forms, and a $75 fee payable to the State of Hawaii Department of Health, Food Safety Branch
The experience
What's special
Pacific Ink & Art Expo (P.I.A.E.) is a 3-day tattoo expo held at the Neil Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, bordering Waikiki Beach, now in its 12th year. The organiser describes the show as bringing together local and international tattoo artists of all styles for three days of non-stop tattooing, alongside daily tattoo contests judged on the Main Center Stage, live entertainment from local musicians and cultural dance troupes (with a Hawaiian-music focus on Sunday 'Family Day'), a Keiki Zone for families, and the long-running Miss and Mr P.I.A.E. contests. For the third year running, Romer House Waikiki partners with the expo as its official clubhouse for artists, attendees and fans; the organiser describes it as a boutique mid-century hotel just steps from Waikiki Beach. The organiser's own entertainment page notes it has been running since its first expo in 2012 and that its performers now include Voting Members of the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA)
What happens on the floor
Pieces go on in the open, start to finish. You can watch, and talk to artists between clients.
Finished and same-day work is judged on stage in named categories, usually late in the day.
Machines, inks, aftercare, art and clothing. Aimed at artists, but open to anyone through the door.
Stage acts between judging: sideshow, suspension and burlesque are common. Worth knowing before you sit down with a child.
Who is tattooing
No artist roster has been published for this edition, so there is no way to pick an artist in advance from the official pages.
Around the tattooing
Also running
- Live cultural performancesTraditional Hawaiian and Polynesian music and dance performances, alongside contemporary dance crews and local bands, on the Main Center Stage across the weekend, with a dedicated Hawaiian-music focus on Sunday 'Family Day'
- Keiki ZoneA supervised kids' activity area offering face painting, a silent disco with wireless headphones, temporary tattoos, a coloring/creation station, artist meet-and-greets, and movement/dance classes
- 2026 Friday Entertainment: Blessing Ceremony
- Musical performance by Kahiau Lam Ho
- Musical performance by Waimanalo Sunset Band
- Chinese Lion Dance by Lung Kong
- Mr. P.I.A.E. Contest (2nd Annual)
- Best SMALL COLOR TattooEntry fee $10
- Best LARGE COLOR TattooEntry fee $10
- Best TATTOO OF THE DAY (Friday)Must be done at the Expo and done that day
- 2026 Friday Entertainment: Blessing Ceremony
- Musical performance by Kahiau Lam Ho
- Musical performance by Waimanalo Sunset Band
- Chinese Lion Dance by Lung Kong
- Mr. P.I.A.E. Contest (2nd Annual)
- Best SMALL COLOR TattooEntry fee $10
- Best LARGE COLOR TattooEntry fee $10
- Best TATTOO OF THE DAY (Friday)Must be done at the Expo and done that day
The market and the food
Food on site: Local food vendors on the show floor and Beer on tap, wine and cocktails for guests 21 and older.
Vendor lineup is a recent/typical roster published by the organizer
Hours and the floor
Held at the Neil Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall in Honolulu
Laid out as Main Center Stage, Food Court Stage, Keiki Zone and PIAE pop-up merch tent.
Billed as a family-friendly, all-ages event with a dedicated supervised kids' zone
Getting there
How do I get to Pacific Ink & Art Expo?
By car
Most people drive to Pacific Ink & Art Expo. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🚙 Car hire
Where
Venue
Neil Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96814
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Pacific Ink & Art Expo?
Accessibility & comfort
What the organiser or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.
Confirm your specific needs with the organiser's access team before you travel.
Pricing
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