paia: the charming hippie town of maui

Paia Town

We missed Paia, a beach town up the north shore of Maui.

We stayed at Paia Inn, an exquisite boutique hotel for two days, located in the heart of Paia. It was our favorite (and ideal lodging) during our five days on Maui. Room #10 was a spacious junior suite which resembled a beach bungalow. It featured an outdoor shower, a patio, and a sink and fridge.

Paia Inn Room #10

Paia town has a local-island-life feel to it. It was a refreshing change from the crowds and tourists of Kihei. All within walking distance, Paia town has 39 unique shops, 14 various restaurants, and beautiful and relaxing beaches. 

Paia Beach

Walking about, we were quickly charmed by its quaint surfer town vibe. We discovered instant favorites as we dined, shopped, and explored the town. Cafe Mambo, for example, served the best fusion creation we've had on the island: Crispy Kahlua Duck Fajitas. Crispy, tasty, and greasy duck meat with all the uber-fresh fixings for fajitas. Delicious. Then I purchased a lacy and racy bikini at the Maui Girl store for my future trips to Vegas and South Beach.

Enjoying the Duck Fajitas at Cafe Mambo

We couldn't help but eat shave ice at Aloha Island Shave Ice twice a day. With exotic and tropical flavors like lychee, guava, passion fruit and vanilla ice cream and adzuki beans additions, this was our ideal snack spot. They also offered rice plates. Grandma cooked the Kahlua pork and it tasted home made good.

We also tried seafood chowder, fish tacos, and burgers at Paia Fish Market where the fresh-catch was featured on their daily menu. Many people raved about this place, but I thought it was slightly over rated, particularly their fish tacos, which were bland.

Fish Tacos at Paia Fish Market

Paia was surely missed.

LODGING:

Paia Inn

93 Hana Hwy
PO Box 790100
Paia, HI 96779

(808) 579-6000

SHOPPING:

Maui Girl

12 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779

(808) 579-9266

FOOD:

Paia FIsh Market

2A Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779

(808) 579-8030

Aloha Island Shave Ice

77 Hana Hwy
Paia, HI 96779

(808) 579-8747

Cafe Mambo

30 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779

(808) 579-8021