A Conscious City Guide to:
Big Island, HI
Co-founder of Mercado Sagrado, Mia Luciano moved from Topanga Canyon to the Big Island in 2017 and has not looked back since. She is building her off grid home there and connecting with the community there to live in harmony with nature in the same way. These are some of her favorite places.
Connect with Nature in Big Island
Waking up for an early morning hike down to Pololū Valley.
A beautiful place to hike or pule (pray) and make offerings to Tutu Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
Park on the road and hike down to the dreamy secluded cove where this clothing optional beach lives. A friend I brought once said that they felt teleported back to the 70s. On an especially beautiful day you’ll see dolphins or even whales.
One of the most beautiful places I have ever been – there are often monk seals here. If you’re feeling adventurous you can hike from this beach to nearby Maklawena which is only accessible by 4×4 and renowned for its great surf.
Manta Swim, Snorkeling with the dolphins or Whale Watching. These are the kind of high vibe guides you want taking you to tune in with our under-ocean ohana. With Captain Kris Henry & Buddha.
One of Co-founder of Mercado Sagrado, Mia Luciano’s, favorite places on the island. You park at Miloli’i, a historic fishing village and take a short hike through the jungle to the secluded Honomalio black sand beach.
Conscious Eating in Big Island
A great spot for ancestral Hawaiian food and drinks. Kava aka ‘awa is a sacred plant medicine to the Hawaiians and is grown and prepared locally.
Delicious farm-to-table Korean food — their kimchi is the best I’ve had on the island! And also checkout the adorable vintage shop called Gather, across the street.
Chef Makani Carzino, who spoke on ‘Living Pono at our ’17 Mercado Sagrado founded this restaurant in her hometown of Kona. They feature local ingredients – fish, grass fed beef, etc. The spicy lava burger is my fave.
Super yummy, clean eats in the cute little town of Honomu. Visit Mr. Ed’s Bakery to grab some homemade jam after!
Great farm-to-table with an ever changing menu in downtown Hilo. They’re only open for dinner and you’ll probably need a reservation.
Conscious Businesses in Big Island
A new little local farm foods shop with grocery items and take away such as fresh juices + culinary items including Hawaiian salts and herbs blends. Great place to buy island gifts.
A truly local market with your weekly grocery staples plus ever changing artisans and healing arts offerings including hand made baskets, woodwork, clothing, mushrooms, plant medicines, bodywork etc. There’s a lovely little path out to the ocean cliffs you can take right through the market.
Love this shop as everything is truly local – love their Punachicks pastured chickens and eggs, island raised grass-fed beef, local butter and all the local veggies and fruits.
One of my favorite farmers markets on Big Island – lots of delicious prepared foods so definitely plan to grab breakfast + they always feature lovely live music.
A dear friend who is an amazing chef and baker. Her cookies and floral cakes are ahhhmazing — well, really everything she makes is!
Conscious Practitioners to Mediate With
The energies here are potent – I experienced a sky visitation at the 8:8 ceremony. You can offer your pule (prayers) at the circle and walk the nearby path out to the ocean.
Love this woman! She’s a beautiful community creator, intuitive guide and keeper of Hawaiian wisdom. Catch one of her community circle gatherings if can, otherwise see if she’s available for a one-on-one intuitive session – both are amazing.
My introduction to Hawai’i island was through a week long, mystical gathering at Joan’s Captain Cook ranch where we communed with cetaceans and tuned in with celestial guides. If Joan has any offerings I highly recommend joining or seeing if she’s available for a private ocean outing.
Kalenohea is a pure heat and a clear voice – she is a keeper and teacher of Hawaiian wisdom including many beautiful and powerful chants.
Conscious Places to Sweat in Big Island
Shae is a wonderful and wise instructor, highly recommended
I advise taking a Hula class with Kumu Ryan if available. Otherwise, catch a yoga class – I’ve loved every teacher that I’ve tried there so far!
Conscious Businesses in Big Island
Guided by Lindsey Kapu Pono. Lomilomi is traditional Hawaiian bodywork.
Uncle Robert is legendary both for his legacy of aloha and his gift of community building. The Wednesday night market still isn’t back to its former full program but I still love it and recommend going and ordering off the local menu and dancing to the Awa band.
Chris and his wife Marie-Sophie are dear friends and I’m constantly inspired by their homestead artistry. Chris is my favorite tattoo artist as I love his interpretation of ancient tribal designs.
My favorite shop to visit in Hilo is Hana Hou. They have a gorgeous collection of traditional hand woven papale and other items from Hawaiian and south Pacific artisans.
The sweetest little shop with high vibe goods and herbs.
Two dear friends of mine just opened a wonderful boutique in Hilo. With their collective experience as surfers, organic farmers, mothers and in the healing arts as makers and practitioners they curate the space through a holistic lens that is always beautiful and conscious.
