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According to Fodorās, Paia is one of āAmericaās Best Small Towns,ā but if you blink, you might just miss it. So keep your eyes peeled, because Paia offers notable gems that will add a relaxed vibeĀ toĀ your vacation experience.
Planning on driving the Road To Hana or perhaps taking a sunrise bicycle ride down Haleakala? If so, youāll be passing right through Paia to do so.
Though tiny, Paia is packed with adorable shops and art galleries, and several excellent eateries. Not as big a snorkeling destination as some of Maui’s other regions,Ā itās probably known most for its eclectic and earthy local residents.
Home to a massive hippie population, a stroll through Paia Maui feels a lot like a stroll back in timeāto the 1960s!
It shouldnāt be too difficult to find a store in Paia that sellsĀ tie-dyed tee shirts or hemp necklaces, but weāll let you decide which boutiques best fit your taste.
Instead, hereās a list of some favorite Paia restaurants, one of whichāMamaās Fish Houseāis widely considered one of the best restaurants in Maui.
For folks departing on TheĀ Road to Hana it’s a tradition to stop at Charley’s for a heartyĀ breakfast.
Though Charleyās is rustic and totally unpretentious, donāt be surprised if you see a few familiar faces while youāre downing your eggs and morning Joe.
Charley’sĀ isĀ a popular hangout for famous surfers, musicians, and other celebrities.
It isnāt a restaurant, per se, but the Paia Farmers Market is a great place to pick up some locally grown produce or enjoy a variety of delicious, fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, and vegetarian cuisine.
Pop by while youāre in town and grab a few nutritious treats.
There are several nice beaches in the North Shore area with Baldwin Beach Park being the largestĀ of the bunch. The parks at Baldwin Beach offerĀ lifeguards, and even a pavilion for parties.
When the conditions are right,Ā Baldwin can be great for swimming and boogie boarding.
The eastern and westernmost ends of Baldwin BeachĀ are calmer and therefore more ideal for young swimmers.Ā In the evening, take a romantic stroll and watch the sun set behind the West Maui Mountains.
Considered the windsurfing capital of the world, and featured at the head of this guide, Hookipa Beach Park is worth a peek on your journey.
You’llĀ find aĀ cliffside perch, replete with food-cart and stunning views, just aboveĀ Hookipa on itsĀ east side.
Sit back and enjoy the windsurfers from above while snacking on cookies, coffee, and sometimes even tacos and sandwiches.
Hookipa is not the best place for swimming, nor forĀ learning how to surf or windsurf, butĀ itās definitely a fun spot to chill out while observingĀ the pros in action.
As you drive a little further east along the road to Hana, youāll come to the rural community of Haiku, Maui.
With the exception of a very small handful of stores and restaurants, Haiku is mostly comprised of farmland and private homes tucked well away from roadside view.
The north part of the island of Maui getās its fair share of precipitationĀ soĀ expect the region to beĀ rich with verdantĀ natural beauty.
Between Paia and Haiku, youāll also find āJaws,ā one of the most ferocious and intimidating surf spots on the planet.
This is where professional surfers flock during winter months and waves can reach heights of over 60 feet! To put things in perspective, thatās about as high as a 5-story buildingāscary!
Naturally, most mortals prefer to watch the pros safely from dry land.
The swells at Jaws can be fickle, so itās difficult to predict whether the monster waves will be rolling in while youāre on the island.
Youāll have a better chance of seeing pro surfersĀ if you visit Maui betweenĀ DecemberĀ andĀ March.
For a pulse-raising sport that you canĀ actually participate inĀ duringĀ your Maui vacation,Ā you might try ziplining!
Haiku happens to be home toĀ oneĀ Maui’sĀ topĀ zipline adventures. This 7-line course is perfect for all ages, and is greatĀ for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.
This attraction is more populated with visitors than you might think, but If you’re looking for an easily accessible waterfalls hike, Twin Falls delivers the goods.
Located about 20 minutes past Paia, at Twin Falls you’ll findĀ a couple of different hikes rangingĀ from about Ā½ to 2 miles.
If you’re looking forĀ pristine natural beauty, head out east for the Pipiwai Trail near Hana.
Be sure to wear appropriate shoes, and bring towels and swimsuits, as youāll also find terrific swimming holes. If mosquitoes tend to find you appetizing, bug repellant is also recommended.Ā Ā
Haiku certainly isnāt touristy, but if you like a more rustic vacation experience, rentals can be found here in private residences and B&Bs.
If youāre like most folks, though, youāll probably just pass through Haiku as you navigate along the beautifulĀ Road ToĀ Hana.
For many folks, Maui’s North Shore is simply a stop-over before and after The Road To Hana. We hope this article gives you some options for exploring North Shore Maui as a destination unto itself.
Mauiās North Shore is located near a number of other popular Maui activities and destinations. Hereās a list of the biggies:
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