Pa'ia

Pa'ia is a North Shore Maui town known for plantation-era storefronts, cafes, boutiques, surf culture, Ho'okipa Beach Park and Road to Hana access.

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Pa'ia, Maui

Pa'ia is a small coastal community on the north shore of Maui. It often serves as a pit stop on the way to Hana (this is the last town you'll drive through before reaching Hana, 45 miles to the east). Pa'ia is worth visiting since it has retained a lot of its character from the the old sugar plantation days. Many of its wooden plantation-style buildings are still intact and have been converted into brightly colored surf shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

Pa'ia is also known as the "World Capital of Windsurfing" because of nearby Ho'okipa Beach, where the windsurfing conditions are almost always excellent. There is a lookout point near mile marker #9 (Hwy 36) that's worth a stop, especially when the surf is up.

Key Features

North Shore setting: Small town east of Kahului along Hana Highway
Plantation history: Older wooden storefronts and sugar-era roots
Town center: Cafes, boutiques, surf shops, galleries and restaurants
Road to Hana access: Common early stop before the drive continues east
Nearby beach: Close to Ho'okipa Beach Park for surfing, windsurfing and lookout views
Ocean caution: Wind, surf, currents and reef conditions can be powerful
Activity fit: Good area for Road to Hana, surfing and sightseeing plans
Population: 2,470 at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96779

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pa'ia on Maui?

Pa'ia is on Maui's North Shore, east of Kahului and near the start of the Road to Hana. It sits along Hana Highway before Haiku and Ho'okipa Beach Park.

What is Pa'ia known for?

Pa'ia is known for its sugar plantation history, colorful storefronts, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, surf culture, nearby Ho'okipa Beach Park and Road to Hana access.

Is Pa'ia the last town before Hana?

Pa'ia is one of the main North Shore towns before the Road to Hana drive continues east. Haiku and smaller communities also sit along the route before Hana.

Is Ho'okipa Beach Park good for beginners?

Ho'okipa is famous for surfing and windsurfing, but waves, currents and wind can be powerful. Beginners should use caution and choose conditions carefully.

Is Pa'ia a good place to stay?

Yes. Pa'ia can work well for visitors who want a North Shore base near shops, restaurants, beaches, Ho'okipa and the Road to Hana corridor.