North Shore Maui – 20 Best Things To Do in Paia, Maui

Do you want to visit Paia on Maui’s North Shore as part of your travel plans? Discover the best beaches, shops, restaurants, and other things to do in Paia by scrolling down!

Paia, Maui, is a must-visit if you’re looking for a chill town with a hippie vibe. It was even cited by Fodor’s as one of “America’s Best Small Towns.”

On Maui’s North Shore is the charming little boho town of Paia. I’ve made a few trips to Paia, Maui, and each time I go, there are new things to see and do.

To assist you in making travel arrangements, I have put together this list of the top things to do in Paia.

The Road to Hana basically begins here, and since you’ll almost pass it on your way to Haleakala, many people pass it by without even considering stopping. And because it’s so tiny, it’s simple to overlook.

The shops, delicious restaurants, and holistic attractions in this unassuming beach town are definitely worth a visit.

What to do in Paia, Maui? Continue reading to find out!

Paia Maui FAQs

How do you get to Paia, Maui?

The closest airport, located 5 miles from Paia, is Kahului OGG Airport in Maui. We typically fly into Kahului, where we can either rent a car or choose a private van transfer to Paia town in Maui. The Line 35 Airport bus can also be used to travel to Paia.

What is Paia, Maui known for?

On Maui’s North Shore is a town called Paia. It is well known for its peaceful white-sand beaches and casual country atmosphere. The location of prestigious windsurfing competitions, Paia is also referred to as the windsurfing capital of the world.

Is Paia, Maui worth visiting?

Absolutely! The best places to visit in Maui include Paia. Paia offers a wide variety of activities, such as hiking, surfing, and beach hopping along Maui’s North Shore.

20 Amazing Things To Do in Paia, Maui

1. Eat at Mama’s Fish House

I’m starting with Mama’s Fish House because it consistently ranks as one of the top meals on my mother-in-and law’s my mother-in-trips law’s to Maui.

For both lunch and dinner, the same menu (and prices) are available.

Both the food and the view are outstanding. It’s understandable why this is Paia’s most popular restaurant, and reservations are often required months in advance.

2. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee

It’s possible that you’ve heard that Hawaii is famous for its coffee. The best of the best can be found in Paia Bay Coffee. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served there. Even live music is performed occasionally.

Coffee beans from Maui are among the locally sourced, organic ingredients served by Paia Bay Coffee. And their patio in the tropical garden is where you should definitely spend some time.

3. Baldwin Beach Park

Although a little touristy, this beach is a popular destination for windsurfers. There is a parking lot, a lifeguard station, picnic tables, and restrooms there.

In Paia, there are lots of delicious restaurants where you can order takeout and have a picnic on the sand.

4. Walk Around Paia Town

Paia is a bohemian hippie town on the island of Maui. This old town is lined with hip storefronts and tranquil country vibes. The town of Paia offers a wide variety of attractions.

One of them is the Great Paia Lha Bab Peace Stupa, which was dedicated by the 14th Dalai Lama. Feel rooted as you circle the stupa’s enormous prayer wheel.

In Paia town, you can also go to the Temple of Peace. It is a spiritual and healing center where people of all faiths are welcome to experience its mystical powers.

Check out the many art galleries in Paia if you’re looking for some culture. Visit the Holy Rosary Church in Paia’s central business district to see its stunning stained-glass windows.

5. Check Out the Paia Shopping Scene

Many surf shops sell surfing gear and apparel because Paia, Maui, is a surfer’s paradise. Locally produced goods are also well-known in this hippie town on Maui.

Maui Hands and Maui Crafts Guild stand out among Paia’s many shops as the most intriguing ones. In these shops, you’ll find artwork on glass, ceramic, or wood in addition to gifts, paintings, and interesting trinkets.

6. Try Windsurfing

Many surfing schools in Paia provide windsurfing lessons for both novice and seasoned surfers. Each lesson is conducted on one of Maui’s stunning North Shore beaches.

The North Maui shore is the best place to learn windsurfing because of the consistent winds and warm waters.

Enroll in a windsurfing course at a reputable school in Paia, where the instructors will assist you with the fundamentals of windsurfing and teach you the proper techniques for hauling and turning.

In order to learn windsurfing, the instructors take you to the calm beaches of Kahului, which are 15 minutes’ drive from Paia because the tidal waves at Paia beaches can occasionally get too intense and are only suitable for professional surfers.

7. Hookipa Beach

The windsurfing capital of the world is Hookipa Beach on Maui’s North Shore. It is renowned for its good winds and ideal tidal waves. This beach hosts prestigious windsurfing competitions.

The waves at Hookipa Beach can be quite large, making them unsuitable for amateur or inexperienced surfers. Whether you enjoy windsurfing or not, you must visit this beach to see the skilled windsurfers in action.

At Hookipa Beach, take advantage of the designated swimming areas on the small sandbars.

Hawaiian green sea turtles have a resting place at Hookipa Beach Park, where you can see them. When you look closer, what initially appears to be large boulders turns out to be sea turtles relaxing on the sand. So bring your binoculars and get ready for an amazing show.

8. Hookipa Lookout

On a cliff overlooking Hookipa Beach, Hookipa Lookout is another location along the Road to Hana. Large parking is available at the lookout. Monk seals and enormous sea turtles can be seen from the cliff lookout.

The North Shore of Maui is a fantastic location to view the mesmerizing sunsets. One of the best things to do in Paia that your kids will enjoy is to visit Hookipa Beach.

9. Paia Bay Beach

The closest beach to Paia town in Maui is Paia Bay Beach, where you can unwind with a day of swimming and dining at Café Mambo, one of the best Paia restaurants.

To get to the Paia Secret Beach, veer off the Paia Bay beach a little. This beach in Paia, Maui is a very secluded nudist area that can only be reached on foot. But you’re not required to be nude to enjoy the Secret Beach.

Baldwin Park Beach can be found ahead of Paia Secret Beach.

In North Maui, swimming and relaxing at one of the many beaches in and around Paia are the best free activities.

10. Check out a Rainforest Zipline

Tropical rainforests cover much of Maui’s North Shore in Hawaii. In Haiku, a 15-minute drive from Paia, a guided eco-tour through the forest puts you in close proximity to native Hawaiian plants and old-world farming techniques.

You zip between the trees at a speed of 30 mph on an elevated platform that is built into a big tree. Flying through the air is exciting and enjoyable. Your safety, information, interest, and entertainment are all priorities for the staff and instructors.

Two hours are allotted for the tour, during which time you will see stunning flowers, waterfalls, and unusual plants. The most adventurous thing to do close to Paia, Maui, is this activity.

11. Paia Fish Market

You’ll eat to your heart’s content on Maui if you enjoy seafood. Paia Fish Market is laid-back, economical, and delicious.

The food tastes so good and new! I strongly suggest ordering the home fries and homemade tartar sauce.

12. Try the North Shore Zipline

A 15-minute drive from Paia town is Haiku, where you can take the North Shore Zipline Tour adventure. You can fly across a zipline and take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Maui’s North Shore.

The historic World War II camp in Haiku has been transformed into the North Shore Zipline Adventure Tour. We learned a lot about the history and culture of the island from our tour guide. A small museum is also present at the location and is highly recommended.

North Shore Zipline is the perfect activity for you if you enjoy heights and adventure. Before engaging in the activity, the guides were kind and helped us feel secure. My kids enjoyed posing in the air while dangling from the zipline.

On the North Shore Zipline Tour circuit, we also took on some entertaining challenges like suspension bridges and ladders.

13. Try a Yoga Class

The healing arts, particularly yoga, are well-known on Maui’s North Shore. Different yoga practices and teaching methods can be found in numerous yoga studios, workshops, and training programs.

One of the strangest activities you can do in Maui is sign up for a yoga class. Visit one of the many centers and sign up for a yoga class in Paia, no matter if you’re a total beginner or looking to improve your yoga game. Kids of all ages can take yoga classes.

Maui Yoga Shala, Infusion Barre Maui, and Maha Yoga and Wellness Center are a few notable yoga studios. Pranayama, Ashtanga, Hatha, Tantra, beach yoga, goat (mountain) yoga, and yoga with sharks, rays, and fish are just a few of the unusual techniques used in Maui’s numerous yoga studios.

14. Get Shave Ice

You’ll likely want to get some ice-cold shave ice after exploring this adorable town for a while. And there are lots of fantastic options!

Tobi’s Shave Ice and Ululani’s Shave Ice are both located on the main strip. Both are authentic, really delicious shave ice.

15. Grab Gelato

Since a long time ago, Paia Gelato has existed in Paia, Maui. Fresh, authentic, flavorful gelato and portable snacks are served by the store’s welcoming staff.

The gelato options are available in cups or cones and are loaded with cream, exotic flavors, fresh tropical fruits, and dairy- and gluten-free options in some cases. Bagels, sandwiches, and lox are examples of snacks.

When we take our kids to Paia Gelato, they enjoy getting their gelato served with graham crackers and peanut butter. For adults, they also serve coffee, cheesecake, and smoothies.

Their lunch special is equally delicious. Many tourists were purchasing takeout lunch boxes on the Road to Hana, as we observed.

16. Stroll the Paia Farmers Market

A variety of delectable, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies are available at the Paia Farmers Market, which is also a great place to purchase some locally grown produce.

To add 160 stalls, this market is currently being expanded!

17. Watch Professional Surfers

You can also find “Jaws” between Paia and Haiku. Professional surfers consider this to be one of Maui’s best spots.

The waves can rise to a height of more than 60 feet in the winter. Professional surfers like it because of this!

The best time to visit Maui to see professional surfers is between December and March.

18. Check out a Waterfall

Twin Waterfalls is a waterfall that can be found on the Road to Hana drive and is frequently visited as part of the tour. The hike to Twin Falls is not too difficult. There is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail close to Haiku, which is 22 minutes’ drive from Paia town in Maui.

The best thing to do in Paia town with kids is to take a hike to the stunning Twin Falls because the trail is short. Our children enjoyed jumping in the sizable pool beneath the waterfall as we hiked with them.

While exploring the area and learning about agriculture, we crossed several waterfalls and strolled through a rainforest. It takes 5 hours to complete the guided tour, transportation included.

19. Maui Pineapple Tour

One of the world’s sweetest pineapples is the Maui Gold variety. We once scheduled a visit to one of these operational pineapple plantations in Haliimaile, which is located 10 minutes outside of Paia, Maui.

We learned how pineapples are grown and harvested during the guided Maui pineapple tour, which took us to the field. They allowed us to participate in harvesting because we came during that time.

Naturally, while on the tour, we also had the opportunity to sample various fresh pineapple varieties. Pineapple boxes and other items related to pineapples are available in their on-site store as well.

Each person receives a freshly picked Maui Gold Pineapple at the conclusion of the 1.5-hour tour.

For anyone three years of age and older, the Pineapple Tour is one of the most well-liked yet unique activities in Maui.

20. Drive the Road to Hana

Since Paia is the official beginning of the Road to Hana, I had to include it. It is only fitting that I conclude this article by discussing what you should do next.

You can get some coffee, breakfast, or a lunch to go, and then you can start traveling the Road to Hana.

It’s not about getting there; it’s about the journey. You should therefore stop frequently to take in the sights, sample the cuisine, go on short hikes, or visit the beaches.

Topic: North Shore Maui – 20 Best Things To Do in Paia, Maui

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