Tucked away on Maui’s North shore, Pā’ia is a beach town where bohemian charm meets island adventure. Know for its eclectic shops, world-class surfing spots, and laid back vibes, there’s plenty of things to do in Paia that every type of traveler will enjoy this town. 

If you’re looking for an adrenalin rush, then head to Ho’okipa Beach to catch some waves. If you’re looking for more of rest and relaxation, opt for a yoga class at Baldwin Beach, one of the best beaches in Paia. Whatever you’re here for, Paia offers an unforgettable slice of Maui life.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the top things to do in Paia – from hidden gems to iconic experiences that made this former plantation town transform into a must-visit destination for travelers visiting Maui. 

Why Trust This Paia Travel Guide?

I’m a local, or shall I say was a local. I lived on Maui for over 12 years and if it wasn’t for the devastating Lahaina fires in 2023, I’d still be living there.

Paia was my first taste of Maui when I moved to island, I lived here for about a year. So just know that you the information that your reading is coming from a valid source. Paia is one of my favorite places and I can’t wait to show you all the reasons you’ll soon love her too. 

Paia in Maui Location

📍Paia, Maui is a small hippie, beach town located on the north shore of Maui. If you are coming to Paia from the Kahului OGG airport it is a short drive, 15 minutes away without traffic.

I always recommend renting a car because many of the best things to do in Maui require your own transportation, like driving the road to Hana, exploring Haleakala Summit, driving the West Maui loop and the even driving the back road to Hana.

The drive is straight forward and you’ll be driving on one road (the Hana Highway) to get to Paia town. If you are driving to Paia from West Maui, the drive will take about an hour depending on traffic. If you are coming from South Maui the drive will take a half hour.

Rent a Car →

History of Paia Town

Paia is a unique town that has reinvented itself several times in its relatively brief history. The historic town of Paia was first settled in the 1880’s when workers in the sugarcane mill were starting to set up camps.

The sugar mill camps housed workers of all cultures including Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Portuguese, Korean and Native Hawaiian.

During the 1930’s and 1940’s when the sugar cane industry was in full swing, Paia was full schools, churches, shops, restaurants, a hospital and a movie theater. It was also during this time that the town suffered through two catastrophes including a fire and a tsunami.

It wasn’t until the 1960’s that the “hippies” from the mainland started coming to Paia and settling down, many of them still remain in Paia today.

By the early 80’s Ho’okipa Beach was discovered for great for windsurfing. Paia is sometimes referred to as “the windsurfing capital of the world”.

Mixed with cultural descendants of hippies and windsurfers, modern day Paia is known for being the last place to stop for gas and to grab a hot plate of food before you begin the infamous road to Hana.

🚗 Travel Tip: If you would prefer to follow along to an audio tour as you drive the road to Hana, I recommend the Shaka Guide! The Shaka guide tours are great for independent explorers who want the freedom to explore on their own terms, but like to learn about the spots they’re visiting.

The tours use GPS to offer turn-by-turn directions and audio narration with stories and music. This will leave you with a deeper understanding and connection to Hawaii.

Get the Shaka Guide App today →

Things to do in Paia

If you are wondering what to do in Paia besides eating and shopping, there are several sights and activities that are unique to Maui’s north shore. And some of those sights are breathtaking beaches.

Beaches & Outdoor Things to do in Paia 

• Ho’okipa Beach Park – One of the best spots in the world for windsurfing (Kite Beach)  and a great place to watch sea turtles basking on the sand at sunset. Surfing at Hookipa is for experienced surfers only.
• Baldwin Beach Park – A beautiful, wide beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking long walks. The protected lagoon area, Baby Beach, is great for families. Public Restrooms.
• Paia Bay Maui – A favorite among boogie boarders and surfers, with a relaxed beach vibe. 
• Spreckelsville – A local favorite. 
• Start of the Road to Hāna – Paia is the best starting point for the scenic drive Road to Hana. Stock up on snacks and gas before hitting the winding coastline.

💦 Read Next: The Best Stops on the Road to Hana

Paia Shopping & Art 

There are dozens of Paia shops that will have you spending money for an entire morning. Paia is a great place to find the perfect local swimsuit or handmade piece of jewelry.

Or if you are looking for the perfect Christmas or local souvenir to take home to your friends and family, you’ll be able to find it at one of the many boutique shops that fill Paia town.

Plus this is a great way to pass the time if you are looking for things to do on Maui when it’s raining. These are a few of my favorite Paia stores.

• The Bleu Room by Nuage Bleu
• Wings Hawai’i – Boho island fashion.
• Driftwood Maui – Handmade jewelry & beachwear.
• Hi-Tech Surf Sports – Surf gear at one of the best surf shops on island.
• San Lorenzo Bikinis – High-end bathing suits.
• Alice in Hula Land – Hats, bags, & fun clothing
• Mahina – One of my favorites stores for cute outfits and can be found in several other towns on Maui.
• Pakaloha bikinis – Locally made bikinis, popular with the locals.
• Paia Contemporary Gallery – Showcasing international & local artists with works inspired by island life.

Wellness & Local Vibes 

• Maui Yoga Shala – Join a yoga class or get a massage to unwind from your adventures.
• Salt & Sea Maui – A wellness boutique with handmade jewelry, skincare, and Hawaiian apothecary products. 
• Paia Peace Stupa – A serene Buddhist temple where you can take a moment to relax and soak in the peaceful energy. 
• Mana Foods – A legendary local health food store with a fantastic selection of organic local produce, island snacks, and unique products. Hot foods and salad bar to go. Must try any of the fresh juices with ginger.

Things to See in Paia

• Sea turtles on the beach around sunset at Hookipa Beach Park.
• The surfboard wall – a popular Instagram photo spot.
• Baldwin Beach – a dreamy Maui beach.
• Ho’okipa Beach Park to watch the surfers and wind surfers.

Things to do Nearby Paia

• Bike down to Paia town from the summit of Haleakala
• Take a Maui Helicopter Tour
• Rainbow eucalyptus trees aka the painted forest | A free thing to do on Maui
• Twin Falls (pictured above).
• Bamboo Forest Hike – Read Maui’s best hikes for more hiking inspiration
• Explore Haiku 
• Take a ride on the North Shore Zip-lines

Best Places to Eat in Paia

For being a small town, there are tons of places to eat in Paia. There are great restaurants for every type of budget and desire depending on what you are craving. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Mama’s Fish House – One of Maui’s most famous restaurants, serving fresh seafood caught by local fishermen in a gorgeous oceanfront setting. Reservations are a must! Must try the Pau Hana – my favorite gin based cocktail on the island.
• Paia Fish Market – One of the most popular restaurants in Paia. A casual favorite for delicious fish tacos, burgers, and seafood plates. Quick and easy, located in the center of Paia town.
• Flatbread Pizza Company – A must-visit for organic, wood fired pizzas with fresh, local ingredients. Family friendly, a great place to dine for large groups, and budget friendly. Must try the Mopsy’s Kalua Pork Pizza.
• Cafe des Amis – Known for its savory and sweet crepes, Mediterranean platters, curries, and laid-back atmosphere. Excellent lilikoi margaritas. Must try the lentil crepe. 
• Nylos – Small intimate dining setting with upscale & tasty cuisine. Wines to match and menu changed nightly. This restaurant in Paia is owned and operated by a personal friend – crushing it 🙌.
• Cafe Mambo – Vegan & vegetarian friendly menu. Located directly on Baldwin Avenue which is great for people watching. Must try the crispy duck burger. 
• Vana Paia – Sushi on the north shore. Fresh fish and great cocktail pairings.
• Paia Bowls – You’re one stop shop for anything acai bowls. 
• Mana Foods – I’m including Mana Foods again because it’s the best natural food store on island and a one-stop shop for healthy snacks and lunches for the Road to Hana.

🍍 Read Full Post: Best Restaurants in Paia & Haiku

Best Coffee Shops in Paia 

• Paia Bay – Coffee shop with a collection of craft coffee drinks. One of the best places to eat breakfast in Paia and occasional live music. 
• Akamai Coffee – Great spot to grab a locally roasted coffee before heading to the beach. 

Where to Stay in Paia

Most people stay in West Maui or South Maui and only visit Paia in a day trip or on the way to Hana. If you want to experience all that Paia has to offer for a few days and/or get a jump start before you traverse the road to Hana, here are some to places to stay in Paia.

Lumeria Maui – Top pick of where to stay near Paia. Located about 10 minutes from Paia town up Baldwin Avenue. The Lumeria is a healthy oasis tucked away in the heart of Paniolo country.

There are yoga and meditation classes held daily. The breakfast is out of this world and there is a beautiful pool and hot tub to relax at, perfect to watch the sun set. If you stay here you must utilize the spa. This hotel is worth the splurge.

Paia Inn – A charming boutique hotel located right on the beach, this property has an excellent location to shops and restaurants. The Paia Inn is relaxation without the hustle and bustle.

Kuau Hale Makai – A beautiful place to stay in Paia that is steps away from the beach. This is perfect if you are traveling with friends, several couples or as a large family. The beachfront vacation rental has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths which can sleep up to 6 people.

1 Bedroom Vacation Home – If you are looking for a cheap place to stay in Paia this 1 bedroom, 1 bath vacation home is located next to Mama’s Fish House and down the road from world famous Hookipa Beach Park.

Equipped with a full kitchen and washer and dryer, downtown Paia is a 5 minute drive away.

Pineapple Cottage bed and breakfast – A sanctuary tucked away in the jungle. The property is filled with tropical flowers, palms and fruit trees. Paia town only 15 minutes away.

The place is a great base for exploring the road to Hana as there are many road side waterfalls that are located close by.

💡 Fun Fact: Paia is so dreamy that even celebrities like Willie Nelson & Owen Wilson live here.

☕️ Read Next: Where to Stay on Maui | West Maui vs. South Maui

Best Time to Visit Paia Maui

Paia is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for – perfect weather, fewer crowds, or epic views?

Best Weather

☀️ April – June & September – November

• These months offer pleasant temperatures (70s-80s°), less humidity, and minimal rain compared to winter months.
• The trade winds keep things breezy, making it ideal for beach days and exploring.

Best for Surfing & Windsurfing

🌊 Winter (November – March)

• The North Shore gets huge waves, attracting professional surfers and windsurfers to Hookipa Beach. 
• Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s a great time to watch the action – but swimming can be rough due to strong currents.

Best for Avoiding Crowds

🚶 Spring & Fall (April – Early June, September – Early December)

• Fewer tourists mean less crowded beaches, easier parking, and shorter wait times at popular restaurants like Mama’s Fish House. 
• This is also a great time to enjoy lower hotel and rental car rates.

Best for Festivals & Local Events

• May – Maui Brewers Festival (Great for craft beer lovers)
• June – Maui Film Festival (A celebrity-studded outdoor film event)
• October – Hana Cultural Festival (Celebrates Hawaiian traditions and culture)

Peak Tourist Season

☀️ December to March & June to August

• Winter brings snowbirds and surfers escaping cold mainland weather. Expect higher prices and busier roads. 
• Summer is family travel season, making Paia bustling with visitors. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for a more relaxed vibe.

⛱️ Read Next: Best Time to Visit Maui 

Paia Maui Travel Tips 

🅿️ Parking can be tricky. Paia is a small town with limited parking, especially during peak hours. Free street parking fills up fast, but there’s a paid parking lot near Baldwin Avenue. Arrive early or park at the lot by the post offie and walk into town.

🧳 Don’t leave valuables in your car. That makes break-ins very tempting, especially when you can tell it’s a rental car. 

🏄‍♀️ Beat the Crowds. Paia gets busy midday, especially with people stopping before the Road to Hana and in the afternoons when locals are getting down with work. Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the rush and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

🌬️☀️ Pack for Wind & Sun. The North Shore is known for its strong trade winds, so dress accordingly. Bring sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light cover up if you’re spending the day outside. 

🏝️ Explore Beyond the Main Street. Most visitors stick to the main drag, but take time to wander. Check out Baldwin Beach for a morning swim, or explore hidden boutiques and art galleries tucked away on side streets. 

🍴 Local Eateries. Paia is all about local flavors. Don’t miss Mama’s Fish House (book ahead), a taco at Paia Fish Market, or wood-fired pizza at Flatbread Company.

🌺 Respect the Culture. Paia has a deep-rooted Hawaiian and local community. Be mindful of local customs, avoid trespassing on private property, and always show aloha to Maui residents and fellow travelers. 

🐢 Watch for Sea Turtles. If you visit Hookipa Beach, you’ll likely see Hawaiian honu (green sea turtles) resting on the sand. Keep your distance (at least 10 feet), as they are protected by law. 

🚙 Road to Hana Essentials. If you are starting the Road to Hana from Paia, fill up on gas, grab snacks at Mana Foods, and download the Shaka App – cell service is spotty along the way. 

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Paia 

Paia is a little town with a big personality – whether you’re here for the beaches, the food, or the free-spirited vibes, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in the magic of Maui’s North Shore. 

If you found this article useful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇. 

Maui Travel Guides ↓

📍Planning a trip to Maui? I lived on Maui for 12 years and Maui is where this blog was born. Check out these guides to further help you plan your trip.

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