Paia

I lived there, ‘88 & ‘89. Interesting to say the very least. Life changing – yes. I worked at Charlie’s, and my guy worked in Kahalui at Max’s Repair shop. Interesting…...

this place is artsy and comfortable, despite being so different from home (at least for this new englander). Everyone was friendly and nice, but not in the ‘oh yay tourists spending money be happy’ way. the downtown is congested with cars, but if you park in the public lot you’ll be fine. it’s easy to walk. it wasn’t hard to get to from ka’anipali, just a drive really, and is on the way to Hana. stop and visit for shopping and lunch if you can!

Paia is a true old Hawaiian town. It is as close to “old Maui” as I have gotten in the last 15 years. Everything happens at a slower pace here. Island time is more than an expression. Food abounds here from the best of organic markets to restaurants that cater to the hungry surfers you can get great grinds in Paia town. Paia is also the gateway to Maui’s northshore, a surfing and windsurfing mecca that draws world class talents from around the globe. Head up the road to Ho’okipa beach park and just watch in amazement at what these guys can do with nothing but gravtiy and wind. It’s truly inspiring.

Further along the road (you’ll have to ask locals where) is a locale with some of the largest waves on the planet. It only goes off once in a blue moon but Peahi (or “Jaws”) is the real deal. Faces in upwards of 60 feet are known to have bee surfed here. There are great vantage points from the cliffs above btu getting in the water here is not for the uninitiated. Tiday wave sized surf can kill you bro, and thhat’s no lie. Leave it to the pros unless you are one.

Hit this town on our last day on Maui. Very laid back & interesting. Windsurfing paradise outside town. Interesting stores. Great place to chill.

The pace is still slow, the people friendly and wow, go watch the craziest mo-fo windsurfers at the beach. I sat and stared at them (from afar and up close- wow, amazing bodies) for hours. Damn two wows in one sentence and I’m not even going to edit one of them out!

I also highly recommend taking the highway just outside Paia up the mountain toward Makawao. The town of Haiku and another (right before or after) are charming as all get out. I stlil regret not buying a piece of art at one of the galleries there. If anyone goes, can you grab the biz cards at all the art galleries in Haiku and the next town for me? That would make Jeanne a very very happy girl.