He seamlessly blends deep Polynesian cultural heritage with versatile artistic skills—across painting, tattoos, writing, and community engagement. He has built a celebrated career as a self-taught tattoo artist, award-winning reality show competitor, and author of several influential publications on Polynesian tattoo art and personal growth.
Roland Pacheco is a sixth-generation Polynesian from Hawi on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, where he founded Xisle Custom Tattoo in Kapa‘au/Hawi over 20 years ago. The studio is renowned as North Kohala’s first and only custom tattoo shop, specializing in Polynesian and a diverse array of styles including realism, Irezumi, Black & Grey, color work, Trash Polka, and anything challenging.