Paia is a town on the northern shore of Maui. It is located just east of Kahului and will be one of the first towns you pass through if you are taking the drive along the famous Road to Hana. If you’re taking Shaka Guide’s Classic or Loop Road to Hana Driving Tour, it will be your first stop, or if you are taking the Reverse Road to Hana Tour it will be your last. 

Baldwin Avenue in Paia | Photo by Shaund at  wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About Paia

Paia is home to many tourist-focused shops and activities. You’ll find art galleries, surf shops, and several awesome restaurants in town. If you’re a windsurfer, or just interested in the water sport, there are several world-renowned windsurfing beaches which have led some to call it “The World Capital of Windsurfing.”

Sunny palm trees on a clear day | Photo by Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Weather in Paia

Most of Hawaii only receives two seasons: a wet winter and a dry summer. This includes Paia which receives about five or six days of rain during the winter months from November to March. During this time, daily average highs range from 80 to 83, and average lows sit at about 63 degrees. 

During the summer from April to October, there are only one or two days of rain per month. Daily highs during this time range from 82 to 87. Lows range from 65 to 70 degrees. 

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Paia is a great spot for a foodie! | Photo by Cafe Mambo

Restaurants

If you’re looking for something delicious while you're in Paia, check out the following eateries. 

• Vana Paia
• nyloS Restaurant
• Café Mambo
• Milagros Food Co.
• Paia Fish Market
• Mama’s Fish House
• Flatbread Company
• Café Des Amis
• Paia Bowls
• Paia Bay Coffee Bar
• Island Fresh Café
• Tobi’s Shave Ice North Shore
• Maui Roasted Bistro
• Paia Gelato
• Hana Picnic Lunch Company Paia
• Choice Health Bar

Check out the Papaya Hana Beef Appetizer | Photo by Mama's Fish House 

Things to Do

There are also a variety of excellent activities in the town including art galleries, beaches, and more. Here are some of our favorites!

If you’re looking to take in some culture check out one of the art galleries. Paia Contemporary Gallery, Maui Hands, Cesere Brothers Photography, Puka Puka, Kim McDonald, Pueo Gallery, Indigo Paia, are all wonderful galleries–and this list isn’t exhaustive. 

Hit the beach after soaking in Hawaii art and culture | Photo by Michelle Maria, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Spreckelsville Beach 

Spreckelsville is one of the best windsurfing beaches in the world, so this is a great time to it out if you’ve ever thought about it. Hoʻokipa is also known round-the-world by windsurfers. If you’re just looking to relax on the beach, check out Baldwin Beach Park, Paia Secret Beach, or Lower Paia Park. 

Paia Bay is an excellent surfing and bodyboarding location during the winter. Ho’okipa is a great place to snorkel during the summer. You can rent surfboards and snorkeling equipment from Redline Rafting Company, Hi-Tech Surf Sports, and Sailboards Maui. 

And of course, there's the famous Road to Hana. Start your day in Paia town to embark on an epic road trip! 

RELATED: Drive the Road to Hana Like a Pro with These Must-Know Tips

Visiting Maui? Shaka Guide has SIX audio driving tours on the island. Check them out here.