Pa‘ia, Maui Is the Greatest Small U.S. City for a Seashore Trip in 2024

Excellent year-round temperatures. Heat waters. Rainbow-splashed skies. Limitless stretches of sand in each conceivable shade. Hawaii could also be far (2,400 miles from the mainland U.S.), however when you go to its seashores, it’s laborious to withstand the pull again. Of the eight main islands, Maui, stands aside with its mixture of ritzy resort-lined sugary shores and historic seashore cities imbued with real aloha spirit. The previous city of Lahaina, Maui’s tourism beacon, was decreased to ash by wildfires in 2023. As its waterfront rebuilds, the highlight has shifted to Pa‘ia, a former plantation city on Maui’s North Shore only a ten-minute drive from the airport.

Barely 7.5 sq. miles, the bohemian city is hugged by a string of golden, crescent seashores fringed by swaying palms and nearly all the time dotted with lazing sea turtles. Households love the calm, protected lagoon at Child Seashore, tucked away on the western finish of Baldwin Seashore Park, exhibitionists bask within the solar on clothes optionally available Secret Seashore, and the sporty set come right here from across the globe to surf, kitesurf, windsurf, and wingfoil at seashores like Tavares and Ho’okipa. Even when you don’t surf, the bluff above Ho’okipa Seashore provides the island’s finest seat to observe the solar soften into the craggy ridges of the West Maui Mountains.

The city itself has an indie spirit, stuffed with mom-and-pop retailers and locally-owned boutiques that showcase the island’s most proficient makers. “Over time Pa‘ia acquired touristy and there’s been a shift to make city really feel native once more,” says Isabella Dominick Pickering, who not too long ago took over Cafe Mambo. “The opposite day somebody referred to the row of companies alongside the place our cafe is because the ‘Rodeo Drive of Pa‘ia.’” City might really feel extra upscale, however don’t fear, Pa‘ia hasn’t misplaced its barefoot, seashore vibes that locals — and guests — love.

Why Pa‘ia Is the Greatest Seashore City within the U.S. for 2024

Within the final 12 months, the city has undergone a renaissance fueled by contemporary native companies and a community-minded mentality. The kitschy memento and trinket retailers that catered to vacationers have been changed with locally-run boutiques. Plus, a brand new crop of eating places and cafes are supporting native farmers and artisans, whereas turning out stellar meals and drinks.

The place to Keep

Mangolani Inn

Contemporary off a large renovation, Mangolani Inn is the highest spot to remain on the town, with three studios and a three-bedroom home. The tropical grounds characteristic a sizzling tub, barbecue, and out of doors eating areas. Proprietor Dave Stein shares insider intel on every thing from the very best spots for breakfast (Cafe Mambo) to the very best seashore for sundown (Baldwin).

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The Inn at Mama’s Fish Home

Mama’s Fish Home is the hardest reservation on the island. However few individuals know that 12 studio one-and two-bedroom cottages are sprinkled across the oceanfront restaurant. Company get most popular reservations, says proprietor Karen Christenson. “And when you assume the view is sweet at dinner, wait till you get up on the North Shore,” she says. “Early morning is magical.”

Paia Inn

The Paia Inn is the only boutique keep in a city devoid of huge model accommodations and resorts. Conveniently located within the coronary heart of city and the inn’s 15 rooms vary from petite studios to a three-bedroom seashore home precisely 45 steps from the sand. Request a beach-facing room to keep away from the road noise from the Hana Freeway. The onsite restaurant, Vana, serves pristine sushi and inventive cocktails. And the lodge is a couple of minutes stroll to the wonderful espresso at Belle Surf Cafe.

Issues to Do

Catch a Wave at Ho’okipa Seashore Park

“It may be stated that Ho’okipa Seashore Park is a microcosm of the larger island of Maui,” says artist and kitesurf pioneer Pete Cabrinha. “It’s an especially numerous neighborhood. Just about each sort of browsing sport may be seen between two rock factors that bracket a consequential enjoying discipline, all coexisting with a familiarity and respect for one another; a state of affairs you aren’t prone to expertise at another surf break on the earth.”

Skilled ocean athletes can lease windsurfing gear or surfboards on the town at Hello-Tech Sports activities and paddle out. An higher degree parking space gives a superb view of the motion and is a dreamy spot to catch sundown, whereas the seashore beneath is house to one of many largest congregations of sea turtles together with Ho‘okipa’s resident monk seal.

“Ho’okipa is my church,” says windsurfing champion Sarah Hauser. “I recharge my spirit whereas watching the sundown, swimming across the bay or connecting with my ocean neighborhood on the seashore.”

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Stroll Baldwin Seashore Park

Rise early on a Sunday morning, and also you’ll see dozens of locals strolling the almost mile-long stretch of sand at Baldwin Seashore Park and swimming laps within the calm waters on the west finish often called Child Seashore. That protected cove is a favourite for households whereas the east finish, often called Baldwin Cove, attracts a youthful crowd who collect round drum circles or play volleyball. The mid-section of the seashore has a severe shorebreak, making it good for physique browsing and bodyboarding. Picnic tables, showers, bogs, and lifeguards make it common with locals and guests alike, however it’s lengthy sufficient that it hardly ever feels crowded. Simply give area to the resident turtles which might be recognized to snooze on the shore.

Lease a Bike

Tucked away subsequent to Belle Surf Cafe, Maui Cyclery rents top-of-the-line Cervėlo bikes, in addition to mountain bikes. Proprietor and former racer Donnie Arnoult personally leads rides across the island. If you need a problem, he’ll information you from the store to the highest of Haleakala, a climb of 10,000-plus toes over 36 miles. “For one thing extra mellow, I like exploring the backroads of Kula and taking purchasers previous the vineyard after which stopping for banana bread at Grandma’s Espresso Home.”

Say Namaste

 Pa‘ia’s hippie soul shines on on the Maui Yoga and Dance Shala. Nestled throughout the former historic Paia Practice Depot, about one mile up Baldwin Avenue, the studio provides drop-in lessons starting from mild circulate to stomach dancing and likewise hosts instructor trainings, and particular occasions, like cacao ceremonies and sound therapeutic classes. After a category, head subsequent door to the studio’s restaurant, Island Contemporary Café, for an acai bowl or superfood smoothie or drop by the farm stand within the car parking zone and seize some apple bananas, mangos, avocados, and banana bread for the seashore.

The place to Store

Soley Aloha Boutique + Gallery

The trademarked Aloha Shapes brand may be seen on tees and bumper stickers throughout the island. The model’s founders, husband-and-wife Stu and Billie Soley, acquired their begin promoting hand-screen printed t-shirts and Stu’s pictures on the native swap meet. They’ve since moved right into a tiny storefront on the Hana Freeway. Soley Aloha Boutique + Gallery shares the model’s beachy attire and equipment and likewise shows and sells Stu’s prints.

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RueBelle Maui Paris

RueBelle Maui Paris is a den of cool. This new atelier set throughout the historic Hew Constructing on the Hana Freeway nonetheless retains traces of the area’s previous life as a restaurant. Within the store window you’ll see an previous menu saying saimin for 40 cents alongside Tahitian lauhala papale (woven straw hats) and the proprietor’s signature handmade, silk flower earrings. Inside, classic finds like retro shades, are displayed alongside paintings and hand-carved mom of pearl jewellery in island-inspired shapes like plumeria. Outdated eating tables beckon clients to take a seat and daydream.

Paia Floral

You’ll be able to’t miss the brightly coloured blooms on show at family-run Paia Floral. This darling store debuted in February and sells domestically harvested, native vegetation and flowers, like ruby pink torch ginger and cherry-hued heliconias. “We wished to assist native farmers but in addition educate individuals about native vegetation and the way they connect with our tradition,” says proprietor Mya Ige. “We additionally created a hula part for the neighborhood.” Clients are inspired to construct their very own bouquet or lei from pre-cut flowers displayed on cabinets. The store additionally hosts lei-making lessons on the upcountry flower farms they supply from.

Wings Hawaii

There may be an plain whimsy to Wings Hawaii. Mermaid prints adorn every thing from comfortable joggers to espresso mugs and koozies and Hawaiian seashells (handpicked by mermaids, after all) have been reworked into lovely bangles and dangly earrings. House owners and besties Samantha Howard and Melody Torres initially hawked their handmade wares from their faculty dorm rooms at UH Manoa. After graduating they opened a workshop and retail retailer in Maui and moved into their present digs in 2018. I really like that every thing bought at their eco-conscious boutique is crafted by native North Shore artisans utilizing sustainable and upcycled supplies.

Acacia

Naomi Newirth, the Maui-born founder of world swimwear model Acacia, is thought for her signature bikinis that mix the basic Brazilian match with low-cut Italian design. Her beautiful swimsuits and ready-to-wear items are additionally ethically produced and comprised of sustainable supplies. And every season the model donates a proportion of each buy made to a non-profit such because the Hawai’i Meals Financial institution. New collections are launched at her flagship boutique on Baldwin Avenue, which additionally shares exclusive-to-the-shop designs.

The place to Eat and Drink

Cafe Mambo

Rising up on Maui, Dominick Pickering all the time wished to run a restaurant and advised buddies Cafe Mambo, a cool Mexican and Mediterranean-influenced spot on Baldwin Avenue, was her dream area. Her dream turned a actuality when she bought the area along with her companion Kody Kerbox final October. They’ve stored the title however a head-to-toe makeover of each the area and menu since reopening in March, they’ve change into an on the spot hit with locals. “Most days I do know 50 p.c of the individuals within the restaurant,” says Dominick Pickering. “Sundays I do know one hundred pc.” The consistently altering menu options as many locally-sourced components as potential however the top-seller, the breakfast burrito with habañero jelly, is a staple. Thursday by Sunday they keep open till 7:30 p.m. and serve the very best cocktails on the town. Attempt the tomato margarita (when in season) or the olive oil washed vodka martini.

Mama’s Fish Home

An island establishment, Polynesian-themed, family-run Mama’s Fish Home books out months prematurely. Christenson’s recommendation for scoring one of many 42 tables: go to for lunch. “The menu is identical and you may benefit from the seashore after,” she says. The restaurant sources immediately from native fishermen, whose names are listed on the menu subsequent to their catch. Don’t miss the macadamia nut crusted Hawaiian kampachi full of crab and lobster and be warned, the Mai Tai is scrumptious, however potent.

Mana Meals

Since opening in 1983, this locally-owned pure grocer has been supplying the neighborhood with farm-fresh meals. A lot of the produce Mana Meals shares is grown on island, together with papayas, avocados, and arugula. There’s additionally an onsite bakery and deli. The shop opens at 8am. and breakfast wraps (select between tofu or scrambled eggs) usually promote out in half-hour. “Once we have been renovating the restaurant I’d struggle individuals in Mana simply to get a breakfast wrap,” says Dominick Pickering.

Paia Fish Market

In case you see a line snaked up Baldwin Avenue, it’s clients ready for a seat at Paia Fish Market. This informal, no-reservations first opened in 1989 and has since spawned outposts in Kihei, on Maui’s South Shore, in addition to Oahu. The unique area acquired a much-needed refresh in 2020, however the meals hasn’t modified. The fish sandwich is the highest vendor; select from ono, mahi, ahi, salmon, or snapper. Ige’s tip for avoiding the road: order on-line and picnic on the Pa‘ia Bay seashore, only a quick stroll away.

Espresso Mafia

For a small city, Pā’ia has a severe espresso scene with greater than a half-dozen choices for grabbing an awesome brew, together with Story, Paia Bay Espresso & Bar, and newcomer Ignition Espresso. My private favourite, Espresso Mafia, began as a family-run meals truck within the upcountry city of Makawao. They now have a brick-and-mortar location there but in addition not too long ago opened an alfresco outpost subsequent to locally-owned leather-based equipment boutique, Clhei. Beans are sourced from Maui-based Origin Espresso Roasters, and proprietor Anthony Bianucci pulls an espresso that will make any Italian proud.

The Greatest Instances to Go to

There’s actually by no means a nasty time to go to Maui. The North Shore is usually blessed with commerce winds in the course of the summer season months which retains Pa‘ia cooler than different island seashore cities. September tends to be the quietest month. Winter brings waves. “The power is completely different in winter,” says Kerbox, a neighborhood waterman. “You’ll be able to scent the salt within the air. There’s no wind. The entire surfers are excited anticipating the following swell.”

How one can Get There

A number of airways, together with United Airways and Southwest Airways, fly direct from main mainland hubs to Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG). From the airport, it’s simply over a six-mile drive to the city of Pa‘ia. You should utilize Uber to get to city and Pa‘ia has an awesome bike path, however when you plan to discover past the North Shore you’ll wish to lease a automobile.