A tool and method for locating a proper position for a portal incision for hip arthroplasty, the tool being a tubular body having a first portion defining a first axis, a second portion defining a second axis non-parallel to the first axis, the second portion having a directional tool and a lead coaxially aligned, wherein when the tubular body is placed adjacent to an acetabulum with the directional tool aimed at the acetabulum and perpendicular to a plane of the face of the acetabulum, the lead points to location on the skin that would be the proper location for the portal incision. The lead may have a blunt tip, a cutting instrument, or an opening through which a flexible tool can be inserted to forge a path towards the proper location for the portal incision.