Paia, Coastal town in Maui County, Hawaii.
Paia is a coastal community on Maui's northern shore that stretches along beaches and a main street lined with shops, eateries, and galleries. The town serves as the gateway to the scenic Hana Highway and connects traditional island character with a contemporary creative presence.
The settlement began in the 1800s as a plantation town, with a large sugar mill driving economic activity in the region for over a century. After the mill's closure in the early 2000s, the community gradually transformed toward tourism and artistic pursuits.
The community functions as a creative hub where artists maintain studios and galleries that shape the local character and draw visitors seeking handmade goods and original artwork. This artistic focus gives the neighborhood a distinctive identity that differs from typical Hawaiian towns.
The town sits directly on the Hana Highway and offers ready access to dining, coffee shops, and lodging for travelers heading further along the route. Parking is available near the main street, and the area is easy to explore on foot.
The nearby Hookipa Bay is known for consistent wind and waves that draw windsurfers and kitesurfers year-round from distant locations. The beach offers spectacular views of the action, especially in afternoon hours when the wind peaks.
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