Maui Through A Local’s Eye: Monique Williams
Monique and Mo’o performing Traditional Tatau (the ancient Polynesian stick and poke)
My name is Monique.
Born on the East Coast but embracing life on Maui, Hawaii since childhood, I've found a harmonious balance between these two places. For the past 14 years, I've been dedicated to hands-on healing, working closely with my husband, Traditional Tatau Master Sulu’ape Pili Mo’o. Most of this journey has been based here on stunning Maui, where I serve as his solo hands-on stretcher and assistant during our Hand Tap Traditional Tatau ceremonies.
Tatau originates in Samoan and is a hand-tap technique of tattooing. It’s the oldest known method of tattooing to date and is passed down through a lineage. I met my husband in 2011 when he was guest spotting in New Jersey. At the time, he needed an assistant to help him share Tatau during his stay. Fully moved by his diligence in practicing his mission to preserve and exhibit the practice while keeping in the spirit of the ways it was done centuries ago, I was drawn to make it my mission to further his mission. It has changed my life in the most profound ways, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
My extensive experience in hands-on healing led me to seek my own practice through Reiki, and I became certified on Maui in 2017. Now, I offer Reiki healing in my private space and occasionally travel to provide healing in conjunction with our Traditional Tatau tours.
In my downtime, I coach clients on addiction recovery—having been in recovery for over a decade myself—and guide them through energetic and emotional reprogramming, among other things.
I’m currently passionate about…
Connection.
Whether I'm working with clients during Tatau ceremonies, Reiki sessions, or coaching, I cherish the opportunity to truly connect with each person. I believe that offering undivided attention and space to just be can be profoundly healing.
Divine feminine.
There's a unique magic in being female and embracing the power and responsibility it entails. Femininity's diverse definitions contribute to its divinity, and integrating these practices into my daily life has been deeply spiritual.
Golf.
Golf has taught me a lot about myself and my approach to life. A year ago, I wouldn't have believed I'd be passionate about golf, but relinquishing control and letting the club do its job has provided valuable life lessons. I'm improving every day.
Plants and plant medicine.
Enough said!
Acrylic pouring.
It soothes my soul, and the colors lift my spirits like champagne bubbles. Each pour is unique, even when using the same method.
Boxing.
It boosts my ego and proves that at 42, I can still kick butt and stay in shape, with room for improvement.
Food.
Food—just foooooooooood!
