"Because it's around the belly button, the meaning was like, that's your birthplace - the people of the sun." He is particularly proud of the piece on his arm.
One of five brothers - including fellow actor Robbie Magasiva - he and his siblings decided to have a family tattoo made up.
They even bought the rights to the design - the tattooist can never use it again.
"When we came from Samoa when I was young, we stayed with my mum's brother and his family.
"There's four boys in that family and we're all very close - so they have the same tattoo as well. It's pretty cool and special to us."
For KJ Apa, who plays Kane Jenkins, his tattooing experience came two years ago when the then 17-year-old travelled to Samoa with his family after his grandfather died.
"My dad's father was a high chief ... and the family agreed my dad would take over his chief title: Tupa'i.
"Later, we decided to get a tattoo to commemorate that."
Apa's tattoo has specific designs unique to their village - Moata'a - and symbols representing their family.
KJ Apa
His sister had a design inked on a finger and his mother had one drawn on her back.
"I'd love to get my whole body tatted up. I love Polynesian and Samoan designs.
"The original plan was that this would be the start of a sleeve tattoo, but I think I need to get big arms first," he laughed.
