In the tiny, eccentric community of Paia, the rainbow array of niche shops and the wind-swept waves of north Maui beachfront are a present-day mecca for Maui’s hip and trendy crowds looking to enjoy something off the beaten path. The area’s pastel buildings and refulgent sunsets are the perfect adornment to its beaches and lavish homes and serve as a reminder of the colorful mix of personalities in the population.

 

The hip, free-spirited atmosphere of Paia was birthed during the 1970s when those in the counterculture movements of the time found that the area’s amenable housing prices more than suited their needs. As Paia grew into its reputation of a free-thinking, lively small town, others began flocking to its shores for the prime surfing and wind-surfing conditions and the exciting, up-and-coming energy.

 

While Paia still contains plenty of affordable, chic beach homes and condos that appealed to those in the 1970s onward, Paia has recently emerged as a mecca of premier luxury homes and stunning customized mansions. These spectacular estates dot the beachfront from their perches on grassy knolls, set back from the sand. Sometimes costing upwards of eleven million dollars, these lavish properties are ideal for the opulent-minded and energetic beach enthusiasts.

 

• A blend of cosmopolitan and hipster retail 
• Prime wind-surfing conditions and beaches great for swimming
• Lesser-known among vacationers, more private than other areas

 

Paia’s small population of around 2,000 keeps the community feeling intimate, and while it might have its fair share of visitors, the area is mostly composed of year-round locals hitting the cafes and laying out on the beach. The grand homes make a perfect setting for entertaining guests, and consequently, Paia’s open-minded neighborhood has a tight-knit feel.

 

Steps away from the beach, Paia’s energetic downtown is often busy with residents browsing the best local shops or grabbing a bite to eat from its diverse collection of restaurants and cafes. Among the notable stores, Paia is home to the Acacia flagship store, whose swimwear and airy beach apparel are inspired solely by the spirit of Hawaii. 

 

In a community this multifaceted, it’s not hard to understand how dining in Paia can vary from relaxed, casual eats to Maui’s finest upscale restaurants, with an assortment of cuisines. At Cafe des Amis, Mediterranean flavors are paired with the bold tastiness of Indian fare, while Flatbread Company dishes out delicious wood-fired pizzas to satiate even the biggest appetites.

 

Mama’s Fish House Restaurant is a Maui landmark and award-winning eatery, where the fish are brought fresh from the island’s shores each day before being expertly prepared and served to delighted diners. Brimming with tropical personality and stunning dishes, Mama’s has been rated among the top ten fine dining restaurants in the US, as well as the second most-loved restaurant in the country, according to OpenTable. Another must-try for seafood fanatics is the Paia Fish Market Restaurant, which has been featured in Vogue, Thrillist, the LA Times, and The Travel Channel.

 

In Paia, the mix of refined grandeur and fashionable modernity extends into its activity offerings, which blend culture and elegance with high-end luxury. The Maui Country Club, for example, melds premier dining and lavish event spaces with lifestyle amenities such as a beautiful 9-hole golf course, a fitness facility, tennis courts, and a heated pool with a cabana. 

 

Those in need of a space for event hosting are always impressed with the space at Maui Heritage Hall. More than just a remarkable venue for weddings and corporate parties, the Heritage Hall is also committed to educating the customs and culture of Puerto Rico and Portugal. 

 

Further emphasizing Paia’s unique collection of ideas and customs, the Maui Dharma Center is a place of quiet study and education in Maui. The temple follows the practices and ways of Buddha Shakyamuni, a Tibetan Buddhist, and its architectural wonder alone is worthy of a visit while you’re in Paia.

 

Paia is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

 

• Emmanuel Lutheran School, K-8, highly rated private Lutheran school