Overview
Paia is a town on Maui's north shore. With much less concrete, no resorts and a number of beaches known for their huge waves, it has a different look and feel than the resort towns to the west and south.
2 sights · 5 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Paia
HA Baldwin Beach Park
Big park with lifeguards on duty.
Ho'okipa Beach Park
One of Maui's prime windsurfing and surfing spots.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 67°F. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Honolulu)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- OGG Kahului International Airport, Kahului — 4 mi away (major hub). Directions
- JHM Kapalua Airport, Lahaina — 20 mi away. Directions
The main road in and out of town is the Hana Highway (Highway 36). If coming from the airport in Kahului, head east on the Hana Highway and follow it for about 7-8 miles (11-13 km).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning HA Baldwin Beach Park
- Lunch Charley's Restaurant
- Afternoon Ho'okipa Beach Park
- Dinner Flatbread Company
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
The main road in and out of town is the Hana Highway (Highway 36). If coming from the airport in Kahului, head east on the Hana Highway and follow it for about 7-8 miles (11-13 km).
Get around
The center of town is the one stop light at the intersection of the Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue. Most of the shops and restaurants are within walking distance from here.
See
If you're not up for the swimming and surfing, just hanging out at the nearby beaches and watching the locals is good entertainment.
Do
Many of the activities around Paia involve water and gear so if you need lessons or equipment, there are a number of shops in town that will do either or both. Waves tend to be biggest in the winter when the storm track is to the north of Maui.
- Swim at one of the nearby beaches. In winter, Baldwin Beach Park is usually the best spot to find some quieter waves.
- Go surfing. Ho'okipa has strong currents, coral and big waves in winter, so it should be considered expert only.
- Go windsurfing.
Eat
Eat Charley's Restaurant
Charley's is a classic Paia restaurant, the service isn't spectacular but don't let that turn you off. The food and atmosphere are well worth it.
Eat Flatbread Company
Pizza made in a primitive oven in the middle of the restaurant. Most of the ingredients are local or organic.
Eat Hali'maile General Store
This is a long way from the tourist areas, a few miles inland from Paia, but it's worth it the drive - the food is outstanding.
Eat Mama's Fish House
On the expensive side, but one of the best seafood restaurants on the island. The food is excellent, and there are usually nearby windsurfers to watch.
Eat Paia Fish Market
This is somewhat of a fast food fish restaurant, but some of the best food on the island. Two people could get the entire meal (potatoes and coleslaw) for one and only the entree for the other. The entire meal will cost less than 20 bucks. The fish quesadilla is amazing!
Sleep
Accommodation in Paia is mostly cottages, B&Bs and guesthouses. In order to book, you will need to work through a local rental agent or contact the owners directly. Rates tend to be a bit cheaper than the more built-up resort areas (although not always).
Go next
Paia is well positioned if you want to go anywhere in Maui. Options include:
- Head east along the scenic Hana Highway to Hana. The distance is just over 40 miles, but allow yourself at least two hours each way.
- Head west along the Hana Highway to Kahului and Wailuku, and further afield to Lahaina where you can see the old whaling town or catch a snorkeling / whale watching / sunset cruise.
- Head south along the Haleakala Highway (Highway 37) to take in the hiking and views of Haleakala Crater at Haleakala National Park or enjoy the relaxed and slower pace of Maui's upcountry.
Nearby
Haiku
City / town · 2 listings · 3 mi away
Makawao
City / town · 6 listings · 5 mi away
Kahului
City / town · 22 listings · 7 mi away
Wailuku
City / town · 7 listings · 9 mi away
Waikapu
City / town · 3 listings · 10 mi away
Ma'alaea
City / town · 5 listings · 10 mi away
Kihei
City / town · 49 listings · 11 mi away
Wailea
City / town · 22 listings · 15 mi away
My experience
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