Paia

The Basics

For casual visitors, Paia might seem like nothing more than a stop along the famous Road to Hana, but for keen surfers, it’s a major destination—the main hub of the North Shore and its world-renowned surf breaks. The town is filled with all the amenities that go along with the surfer lifestyle, from health food markets and homely burger joints to yoga studios and boutique shops. Surfers (and windsurfers) head to Ho'okipa Beach, while families chill out at Baby Beach, which offers calm waters for swimming.

If you’re planning to drive the Road to Hana, be aware that the road has many twists and turns that can be challenging even for experienced drivers. You might be more relaxed on a tour with a professional driver so you can enjoy the scenery to its fullest.

Things to Know Before You Go

• You can sometimes spot sea turtles and rare monk seals at Ho'okipa Beach.

• Paia town has many wheelchair accessible stores and restaurants.

• The town has a number of rental shops offering gear as well as surfing and windsurfing lessons.

How to Get There

Paia is located 8 miles east of Maui’s main Kahului Airport. The easiest way to get around on Maui is by car, but there are public buses that will take you to Paia from the airport.

When to Get There

Maui has a warm climate that makes vacationing here pleasant at any time of year. For the best surfing waves, visit between late October and mid-March. You can also time your visit to one of the many surfing contests held in Paia every year.

Experience the Road to Hana

For a taste of Hawaii’s incredible natural beauty, set out along the narrow, winding road to Hana. The famous route is full of hairpin turns, with hillsides rising on one side and steep ocean cliffs on the other. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, bamboo forests, a black sand beach, and stunning views.

Ways to explore

Set in the heart of Maui’s famous North Shore, laid-back Paia is a bohemian surfing town with wide beaches and towering waves. Surfers (and windsurfers) head to Ho'okipa Beach, while families chill at the H.A. Baldwin Beach Park beach, which offers calm waters for swimming. Visit on your own to relax by the beach and do some world-class surfing, as well as enjoy the town’s surf shops, restaurants, and music venues. To avoid the famously twisty road to Hana—which can be challenging even for experienced drivers—book a tour with a professional driver so you can focus on the scenery.

Accessibility

This beach town is relatively flat and easy to navigate with a wheelchair, though not all beaches, shops, and restaurants are accessible.

Age limits

Paia has a wide variety of beaches suitable for everyone, from tots to teens, and offers a casual, family-friendly vibe.

What to pack

Camera, beach gear, sunscreen

What to wear

Sun hat, swimwear, flip-flops

Not allowed

Paia is proud of its independent shops and restaurants, so don’t expect to find big national chains here.

Amenities

Beaches, shops, restaurants

Address

Paia is located 8 miles (13 kilometers) east of Maui’s main Kahului Airport, easy to reach by car or public bus.

Driving

Take state highway 36 from either Kahului or the Kahului Airport east along Maui’s North Shore, which will take you to Paia in about 15 minutes. There are a handful of public parking lots in the town center.

Public transportation

The easiest way to Paia is by car, but bus 35 runs from Kahului or the Kahului Airport to Paia in about an hour.

Best times to visit

To soak in the unique atmosphere of Paia, visit when the local shops and restaurants are open. The town is also known for its beaches, which are liveliest at midday.

Best days to visit

The town fills with surfers and beachgoers on weekends and holidays, so visit then to see the town at its most vibrant.

Best months to visit

The waves on Paia’s beaches can be dangerous in winter. Dive in from spring through fall for great swimming and surfing.

Special events

Pā‘ia Bay Beachfest, a bodyboard and surf competition, is the town’s biggest annual event, held yearly between December and January.