We Love Paia! A Guide to Our Local Faves

We Love Paia! A Guide to Our Local Faves

Posted by Ashley de Coligny on


Aloha from Paia Town, on the beautiful North Shore of Maui. Some people find us as the last stop on the road to Hana, but we’re so much more than that – come check out all the great sights, shopping, dining, and vibing that this mellow Maui beach town has to offer!  

Our laid-back little town is known for our friendly vibes and funky finds. Here along the Hana Highway, our streets are filled with hippies, surfers, and all kinds of free spirits, local and visitor alike. Most of all, Paia is a community that supports one another. Even though our town is growing in popularity, our small-town chill remains.

You can’t go wrong with Paia’s natural beauty, whether you’re strolling on Baldwin Beach or braving the waves at Hookipa Beach Park. Looking for whales, sea turtles, and monk seals, soaking up the sun, chasing the sunset – it’s textbook tropical paradise.                

Paia’s delicious dining options range from casual, like grabbing a sandwich at Paia Fish Market, to splurging on a luxurious dinner at the iconic Mama’s Fish House. Mana Foods is the place to stock up on all your groceries and beach day picnic items. 

And of course, there’s the shopping! We may be small kine biased, but we believe Paia is home to the best shopping on Maui. But don’t take it just from us; Travel + Leisure Magazine recently named Paia “America’s Best Small Beach Town” and included Wings Hawaii in its must-shop guide. We’ve also gotten some love in these Maui shopping guides in VogueSunset, and Honolulu magazines.

If you’re looking for the best Maui boutiques and authentic made-in-Hawaii items, Paia is a must-visit. Definitely plan a Paia shopping day if you’re looking to skip the same-old touristy stuff sold at the Maui mega-resorts. Here you’ll find authentic, locally-owned and operated boutiques and art galleries filled with unique wares handmade by Maui artisans, many using sustainable and upcycled materials. Plus, there’s never been a better time to support Maui small businesses!

For super cool, “one-of-a-kine” Maui souvenirs, may we suggest these Wings Hawaii options: our handmade shell jewelry, Ti leaf bangle bracelets, or a vintage aloha print top. Our Maui coffee and Maui honey make great gifts, as do our Paia stickers, patches, pins, t-shirt designs, hats, keychains, koozies, and water bottles. Can’t decide? Grab a bunch and stash it all in one of our new adventure totes.

Here at Wings Hawaii, we also love supporting our nearby small businesses and organizations, who we’re lucky to call neighbors and friends. Here’s just a few of our staff’s faves:

“I’m obsessed with Paradise Now Hawaii, and Maui Mood Swing for all the vintage, thrifted goodies.” –Maiya

The Boba Bar Paia!” -Becky

 “Niu Life!! An amazing couple owns this plant-based, organic, farm-to-table-kine deli serving up the yummiest food and desserts! My faves are the falafel wrap, supreme ulu french fries, ulu marzipan roll, and ice cream sandos! 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽” –Angi

Moku Roots and Freshies!” –Lyssa

 “I love Story in Paia. The lady who owns it also owns Maui Raw spreads (sooo yummy). The cafe is soo cute and every time I go in, I feel so welcomed! They love to support other local businesses through events and selling their merchandise. They also let the neighborhood cat chill in there, and it’s become the coffee shop kitty ❤️” –Bridget

Paia Youth and Cultural Center! It really is just the best program for youth on Maui. So many different programs for them, and it’s free!! I started a Sewing Club there, and work twice a month teaching the kids how to sew, and about sustainable fashion, and how to up-cycle their clothing!” -Bridget

With all the amazing shopping, delicious food, local art, stunning scenery and top-notch people watching, it’s easy to see why Paia is treasured by so many. We hope you’ll love our little town as much as we do. Hope to see you in Paia soon!

 

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