Paʻia Town
The town of Paʻia is a bustling little town that most people only see while driving to Hana. It’s okay, but you’ll be missing out on a historic gem of Maui history if you donʻt plan on exploring this little town. Take some time to read up about our view of the North Shore Community.
History
The town was created in the late 1800ʻs by the sugar plantation company Alexander & Baldwin. For their field workers. During that time a lot of immigrants settled in Paʻia where the little work camp became a booming plantation town. The town grew so much that at one point 20% of the town lived in Paʻia. Things like movie theaters, stores, schools, hotels, and restaurants helped with the growth and development of the town.
A fire in the and tsunami in the 30ʻs and 40ʻs destroyed some of the town, but was quickly rebuilt. By the 1950ʻs rolled by, a lot of the population started moving out towards Kahului and Wailuku. During that time the buildings became empty and unused. In the 60ʻs a wave of hippies and new immigrants settled in and claimed paʻia as an unofficial hippie capital (still to this day, to me at least,).
The 80ʻs and 90ʻs grew more shops, and restaurants, and brought a good balance between tourism and plantation life. That ended in the 2000ʻs with the closing of the sugar plantation. With Windsurfers traveling from all over the world to experience the unofficial capital of windsurfing, tourism has been the biggest economic fuel for the town.
Beaches
There are so many beaches within Paʻia that it’s hard to just choose one of them. So, hereʻs a list of them to pick from:
- Paʻia Bay (bring a picnic)
- Baldwin Cove (this one vanishes!)
- Baldwin Beach Park (long sandy beach)
- Baby Beach (scenic & great for keiki)
A short drive:
- Ku’au Cove (aka Mama’s Fish House Beach)
- Ho’okipa Beach Park (windsurfing capital of the world!)
My Take On Paʻia
I love it! I feel everything in Paʻia gravitates towards Mana Foods. Their parking lot is the greatest, their deli, juice bar, and selection of items in the store is by far one of my favorite places to go to. The employees there are also top tier with their knowledge and customer service.
There’s a cute coffee shop called Paʻia Bay Coffee, they have a great menu, their drinks are some of my favorites in paʻia, and they also have live music. It’s a great place to relax, maybe plan out the rest of your visit, or to just take in the relaxing vibe that is in the cafe.
This is a favorite spot of mine and it’s been a struggle to suggest this or not. If I tell yʻall, the line will be longer for me to eat there. If I donʻt, I would be doing my due diligence in being an honest blogger/writer about great spots in Paʻia. So… If you’re wanting great Mediterranean, French, and Indian food then look no further than Cafe Des Amis. Located across from Mana Foods, it is my go to place for curry and crepes.
Thereʻs good massage spas, tattoo shops, and so much more that you could spend an entire day just discovering things in Paʻia. That includes just walking along the road to see the paʻia community center and the Paia Mantokuji Soto Zen Mission where they have the Bon Dances every year.
Youʻll also never know who youʻll see in Paʻia. Willie Nelson and Owen Willson have been known to just hang out in Paʻia. You’ll also have eccentric personalities, tourists (of course) and local people just hanging out, eating, or simply enjoying a beach day with their family.
In all, Paʻia is a great place to relax, take in some of the mixed cultured atmosphere that has grown in the town. Enjoy some great foods, drinks, and people in this little town that has a lot of history and a bright future ahead.
Baby Beaches on Maui
Maui has an abundance of beaches. Each has their own set of qualities and unique appeal. From Kaanapali’s sprawling award winning beach that attracts mass crowds, to the sea turtle covered Hookipa beach, everyone will find a beach that works for them on Maui!
Among the wide variety of beaches include those perfect for babies and young toddlers. Here is a list of the top beaches on Maui that are perfectly suited for you and your youngsters.
Launiupoko Beach
Launiupoko Beach, located off the Honoapiilani Hwy on the way from Maalaea to Lahaina, this beach attracts a wide variety of people, from locals to tourists, surfers to sunbathers, and particularly parents with their young children. At Launiupoko, there is a part of the beach that is sheltered from the incoming waves but still allows a small amount of water to flow in and out of the cove. This allows for perfect baby playtime in warm, protected water!
Find Launiupoko Beach on Google Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/0AXWW
Baby Beach, Paia
As the name itself tells, Baby Beach is the perfect spot to take your little ones for some fun in the sun. Much larger than other sheltered beaches, Baby Beach is the ultimate spot to let your children splash around in the warm, still waters protected from the current by a large straight line of reef.
Find Baby Beach on Google Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/SFZiu
Baby Beach, Lahaina
Baby Beach in Lahaina provides a perfect location to sit back and relax with your kids. Low tide, no waves, and soft sand make for a perfect spot to do some splashing around, snorkeling, and sand castle building.
For optimum enjoyment, visiting this beach during the week and earlier in the day will mean easier parking and more options to choose your beach spot!
Find Baby Beach on Google Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/MktkK
Kuau Cove, Paia
Kuau Cove, also known as Mama’s Fish House Beach, is a small, secluded beach right behind the world famous Mama’s Fish House located in Paia. Like the other baby beaches listed, this small white sand beach is protected from the waves by rocks, and is surrounded by tide pools and a coconut grove.
Find Kuau Cove on Google Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/9Pg5i
More Kid-Friendly Activities
Looking for other activities to do with your little ones that don’t include the beach? Check out these two family-fun options.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is a popular waterfall location that is suitable for families. The hike is short and the first waterfall can be accessed by foot. The second waterfall is accessed by a short swim into the fresh-water waterfall.
Families with young children can easily see the first waterfall and if your young children are good swimmers, you can get to the second waterfall, as the water is very calm.
Strollers are not conducive due to rough footing; otherwise, the pathway is relatively flat and easy!
Twin Falls is located about 30 minutes from the Kahului airport at mile marker 2.1 off of the famous Hana Highway (before the extremely winding part begins, making it hassle free for families with young children).
A parking lot is also available for your convenience.
Find Twin Falls on Google Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/Gh52R
Surfing Goat Dairy Farm
Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala in lower Kula, this dairy farm is a great way to entertain the kids, see beautiful bi-coastal views, and experience feeding and milking goats, the cheese making process, and cheese sampling.
Surfing Goat Dairy has over 30 different cheeses, and includes 18 national award winners! This certified humane raised and handled farm offers a fun and unique experience for the whole family! Casual tours of the farm are offered on a stop-by basis with no reservation needed, whereas the evening chores & milking tours as well as the grand dairy tours are reservation recommended. Surfing Goat Dairy is open Monday-Saturday from 9-5 and on Sundays from 9-2.
Find the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm on Google Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/PdE2c
