Are you planning a trip to Maui and want to check out the North Shore town of Paia? Scroll to find out the top things to do in Paia including the best shops, restaurants, beaches, and more!
This post about things to do in Paia Maui was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Looking for that laid-back Hawaii vibe without the resort crowds?
Let me tell you about Paia, Maui’s coolest beach town where hippie spirit meets world-class windsurfing.
I’ve been visiting Paia for years, and it keeps pulling me back.
There’s something special about this tiny town that sits right at the start of the Road to Hana.
Maybe it’s the boutique shops selling everything from kids’ toys to trendy homewares (I always find the cutest stuff here).
Or maybe it’s the food. Honestly, I still dream about the slaw at Paia Fish Market.
As a Hawaii travel expert and professional tourist who’s visited the islands 40+ times, I can tell you that Paia deserves more than just a quick gas stop before your Hana drive.
This little town packs a serious punch.
Why Visit Paia?
Paia sits on Maui’s North Shore, about 5 miles from Kahului Airport. It’s small but mighty. Just imagine one main street lined with colorful storefronts, gorgeous beaches minutes away, and some of the freshest food on the island.
Getting there: Rent a car or book a private van transfer from Kahului Airport. The Line 35 bus also runs from the airport to Paia.
Best time to visit: Any time, really. Winter (December through March) brings the biggest waves for watching pro surfers at Hookipa Beach.
The Best Restaurants in Paia
Mama’s Fish House
Let’s start with the crown jewel. Mama’s Fish House consistently ranks as one of Maui’s best restaurants, and my mom raves about it every single time we go.
The setting is unreal. Picture palm groves, a secluded sandy cove, and green sea turtles basking on the beach. The menu tells you which fisherman caught your fish and where they caught it that morning.
Yes, it’s pricey (entrées around $70). Yes, you need reservations months in advance. But if you’re celebrating something special or just want one unforgettable meal, this is it.
Hours: Daily 11am-8:30pm
Pro tip: Book your reservation before you even book your flights. Seriously.
Need help planning your perfect Maui trip?
I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I’ll help you nail down all the details, from restaurant reservations to hidden gems the guidebooks miss.
Paia Fish Market
This is my go-to spot in Paia. Every meal I’ve had here has been absolutely stellar.
The fish tacos? Amazing. But that homemade coleslaw is what keeps me coming back. I’m not kidding when I say I dream about it.
Order at the counter, grab a table (there’s often a wait during busy times), and enjoy seriously fresh fish.
You pick your fish, how you want it cooked, and your sides. The homemade tartar sauce and home fries are must-orders.
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Price: Casual and affordable (entrées $14-20)
Paia Bay Coffee & Bar
Perfect for starting your day before the Road to Hana. This garden patio café serves excellent Maui-grown coffee, fresh breakfast items, and has a full dinner menu with craft cocktails.
The space feels like a hidden tropical oasis tucked behind the main street. They have live music throughout the week and happy hour daily from 3-5pm.
Hours: Mon 7:30am-9pm, Tue-Sat 7:30am-10pm, Sun 7:30am-5pm
Lima Cocina + Cantina
One of Paia’s newer spots, Lima brings authentic Peruvian cuisine to the North Shore. Their ceviche bar features fresh Maui-caught fish, and the Pisco Sour is the real deal. Happy hour runs 2-5pm daily.
Location: 71 Baldwin Avenue
Shopping in Paia
Okay, this is where I get excited. Paia’s shopping scene is fantastic for families. The boutiques along the main drag sell locally-made goods, surf gear, and island-style clothing.
My kids love browsing the shops because many have toys and kid-friendly items. I always find something for myself too, whether it’s a trendy shirt or beautiful homewares for the kitchen.
Don’t miss:
- Maui Hands for local artwork and gifts
- Maui Crafts Guild for handmade ceramics and wood pieces
- Various surf shops for gear and beachwear
Paia’s Best Beaches
Baldwin Beach Park
This is your classic Maui beach with a lifeguard station, restrooms, picnic tables, and parking lot. It’s popular with both locals and visitors, and you’ll often see windsurfers catching the waves.
Grab takeout from one of Paia’s restaurants and have a beach picnic. The kids can play in the sand while you enjoy that ocean view.
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Hookipa Beach & Lookout
Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Hookipa Beach hosts professional competitions when the winter swells roll in. The waves can reach 60+ feet.
Even if you’re not surfing, it’s worth stopping at the Hookipa Lookout.
From the clifftop parking area, you can watch pro surfers tackle massive waves, spot green sea turtles lounging on the shore, and occasionally see cows grazing nearby (yes, really).
The beach itself has small protected swimming areas marked for swimmers, but the main attraction is watching the action.
Paia Bay Beach
Closest to town, Paia Bay Beach is perfect for a quick dip after shopping. Walk a bit further to find Secret Beach, a clothing-optional spot that’s accessed on foot and quite secluded.
Sweet Treats in Paia
Shave Ice Showdown
Paia has two excellent shave ice options right on the main strip:
Ululani’s Shave Ice (115A Hana Hwy) uses ultra-purified water and makes syrups from fresh fruit. The texture is incredibly smooth. Try “The Best” combo: mango, coconut, and passion fruit with macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom.
Tobi’s Poke & Shave Ice (127 Hana Hwy) offers authentic Hawaiian shave ice with natural syrups made in-house. They have parking in back, which is clutch in busy Paia. Plus they serve amazing poke bowls if you want lunch too.
Hours: Tobi’s open 8am-8pm daily
Paia Gelato
After years in business (formerly Ono Gelato), Paia Gelato knows what they’re doing. They serve 24 rotating flavors made with Maui ingredients, including 12 dairy-free options.
Try the Sandy Beach (peanut butter, coconut candy, and lava sea salt) or the Lilikoi Quark made with Surfing Goat Dairy. They also make great sandwiches.
Hours: Daily 7am-9pm
Location: 99 C Hana Hwy (right before the main intersection)
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Adventures Near Paia
Windsurfing Lessons
The North Shore’s steady winds and warm waters make it ideal for learning to windsurf.
Local schools take beginners to the calmer beaches in Kahului (15 minutes away) for lessons, while experienced surfers can tackle Hookipa Beach.
Check windsurfing lessons and prices
Zipline Through a Rainforest
Just 15 minutes from Paia in Haiku, you can zipline through tropical rainforest canopy.
The platforms are built into large trees, and you’ll fly between them at 30 mph while learning about native Hawaiian plants.
Kids as young as 6 can participate. The entire tour takes about 2 hours.
Book the Rainforest Zipline tour
Twin Falls Hike
Located along the Road to Hana, Twin Falls is an easy 1.8-mile out-and-back trail perfect for families.
We hiked it with our kids and they loved jumping in the large pool below the waterfall.
The guided tour includes transportation and takes about 5 hours total. You’ll walk through rainforest, cross several streams, and learn about Hawaiian agriculture.
Learn more about Maui waterfalls
Maui Pineapple Tour
Want to see where Maui Gold Pineapples grow? A working pineapple plantation in Haliʻimaile (10 minutes from Paia) offers tours where you’ll learn how pineapples are grown and harvested.
If you visit during harvest season, you can try harvesting yourself. Everyone gets to taste different pineapple varieties and takes home a freshly picked Maui Gold pineapple.
The tour lasts 1.5 hours and is great for ages 3 and up.
Check pineapple tour availability
The Road to Hana Starts Here
Paia marks mile marker 0 of the famous Road to Hana. Grab coffee and breakfast here, fill up your gas tank, and hit the road.
The drive itself is the destination. You’ll want to stop frequently at waterfalls, beaches, and scenic viewpoints.
Check out my complete guide to Road to Hana stops for all the details.
Listen to my podcast episode about what you need to know: What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui
Want a stress-free way to experience it? My Maui Travel Guide for Families includes a detailed Road to Hana itinerary with GPS coordinates, parking tips, and kid-friendly stops.
Paia Farmers Market
Stock up on fresh, locally-grown produce at the Paia Farmers Market. They’ve been expanding and now offer fresh fruit, vegetables, juices, and smoothies from Maui farmers.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-2:30pm, Sun 8am-1pm
Location: 499 Baldwin Avenue
Parking: Available on-site
Yoga & Wellness
Paia’s North Shore vibe extends to several yoga studios offering everything from beginner classes to advanced Ashtanga training.
Some unique offerings include beach yoga, goat yoga, and even yoga among sharks and fish.
Studios to check out:
Read about the best yoga on Maui
Where to Stay Near Paia
While Paia itself has limited accommodations, you’ll find options in nearby Haiku and Kuau. Most visitors stay in Kahului, Kihei, or Wailea and visit Paia as a day trip.
Search hotels near Paia on Expedia
Planning Your Paia Visit
How much time: Plan 2-4 hours to explore the town, shop, eat, and hit a beach. If you’re doing an activity like ziplining or windsurfing, add that time.
Parking: Street parking along Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue. Arrive early during peak times. Tobi’s has parking behind their shop.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen and hats
- Beach towels and swimsuits
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash (some vendors prefer it)
- Beach gear from Amazon
Want to dig deeper into planning? Sign up for my free email courses:
Final Thoughts on Paia
Don’t just blow through Paia on your way to Hana. This little town deserves at least a half-day of your time.
Grab breakfast at Paia Bay Coffee, wander the boutiques (those toys and t-shirts for kids are adorable, and you’ll find trendy stuff for yourself), have lunch at Paia Fish Market (seriously, get that slaw), cool off with shave ice, and relax on Baldwin Beach.
Paia captures everything I love about Maui: authentic local culture, incredible food, beautiful beaches, and that unmistakable aloha spirit.
It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is, which is exactly why it’s so special.
Looking for more Maui adventures? Check out things to do in Lahaina, Kaanapali activities, Wailea attractions, and things to do in Hana.
