DESTINATION PĀ‘IA

from Savvy360 Maui - Spring/Summer 2023

TRAVELOGUE

The surf town that was once a Hawaiian plantation village, now plays host to a number of laidback luxe shops, buzzed-about eateries and eclectic art galleries.

At one time, the tiny town of Pā‘ia, Maui, was a visitor’s last stop as they embarked on the Road to Hāna, but now this hippie and hip town on the North Shore is on everyone’s radar—or should be—as a destination unto itself.

In 1896, the plantation town saw the opening of Pā‘ia Store, which catered to the ethnically and culturally diverse set of employees of the Pā‘ia Sugar Mill. And thanks to the sugar industry, Pā‘ia saw a boom in the 1930s and 1940s. However, it also faced its fair share of tragedy. Due to a large fire in 1930, the largest tsunami to ever hit Hawai‘i in 1946 and the decline of the sugar industry in the 1950s, Pā‘ia—and its residents—had to reinvent itself time and time again.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, free-spirited people flocked to Pā‘ia, looking for an alternative way of living. Then the secret got out that the area is perhaps one of the best places on Earth for windsurfing. Today, Pā‘ia has become one of Maui’s premier destinations, a breath of fresh air, and a far cry from the resort destinations on the south and west sides of the island.

In the summer months, you can set up on the white sands of Baldwin Beach and enjoy calmer water at Pā‘ia Bay. Farther away from the center of town, towards Hāna, is Ho‘okipa Beach, the place to watch the aforementioned windsurfers dominate the waves. Though no matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’re going to want to wander up and down Baldwin Avenue and Hāna Highway to browse through the interesting shops, find an eclectic mix of dining options and perhaps even rub elbows with Hollywood elite trying to fly under the radar. It has an undeniable bohemian feel, emanating from the diverse mix of people, shops and eateries.

Mornings are sweeter at Better Things Cafe Here, you’ll find your favorite morning beverage, including Americanos, French press and vegan bullet lattes. Non-coffee options include locally made kombucha, matcha and chai lattes—to name a few. On Saturdays and Sundays, the brunch menu features a rotating menu of goods like gluten-free waffles and veggie-packed frittatas. No matter what’s being offered, it’s always organic and locally sourced whenever possible. The contemporary minimal islandinspired interior makes things, well, even better.

For more stick-to-your-ribs type of meals, there’s Hāna Hou Surf Club. The Native Hawaiian owned and operated spot serves up standout dishes for breakfast and lunch, including deep-fried musubi and the Savory 3lb Loco Moco which features a three-pound homemade hamburger patty, rice and egg smothered in homemade gravy. Though, it’s also known for its refreshing acai bowls brimming with local fruits. Enjoy the island breeze in the courtyard as you indulge in a coffee and your meal alfresco.

A one-of-a-kind dining experience awaits at nyloS, a 300-square-foot, 14-seat restaurant in a charming space in this very charming town.

There’s no set menu, but a six-course pre-fixe dinner that’s based on what’s available—and amazing— from around the world. Think fresh produce and line-caught from across the islands, A5 wagyu beef, Hudson Valley foie gras, bluefin tuna from Japan’s Toyosu Market and more. Seatings are at 5 and 8 p.m., and reservations are required.

For another exceptional meal, Mama’s Fish House delivers. There’s a reason why this islandstyle fine-dining restaurant is one of Maui’s most iconic restaurants. Expect the freshest seafood, beautiful craft cocktails and really good wine. The ocean views are incredible, the waitstaff is clad in classic alohawear and you’ll be surrounded by residents celebrating a special occasion, tourists seeing what all the hype is about and in-the-know foodies indulging in an overall amazing culinary experience. But back to the seafood: depending on the day, the menu features tropical ono, mahi-mahi, ahi and so much more, caught within 24 hours by local fishermen. Seasonal fruits and vegetables—‘ulu, avocado, mango, liliko‘i and the like—are picked and brought in from local farmers. The menu changes often based on what’s in season and the result is a true taste of the best of Hawai‘i.

In 2019, the beloved boutique hotel Pā‘ia Inn launched a new dining concept, Vana Paia. Since then, the restaurant has received accolades for its Japanese-inspired dishes that incorporate flavors of Hawai‘i. Enjoy a meal in an oasis-like setting, as you dine under the stars in the open-air courtyard. Or, try to nab a front row seat at the eight-seat Chef’s Table, and watch in awe as the masters of their craft serve up fresh sushi and select grilled items. At the sleek Jade Bar, you can expect prohibition-inspired cocktails that are almost too pretty to sip on—almost.

While perusing the streets of Pā‘ia, you’re going to want to pop into the laid back-chic boutiques that ooze island flair. For beach-ready musthaves, Acacia is a good place to start. You’ll find the Maui-based brand’s beloved bikinis, maillots, cover ups and the like—as well as an assortment of handpicked accessories—all under one roof. Acacia’s designer, Naomi Newirth, was raised on Maui and it’s where she designed her first few collections out of her studio in Makawao, more than a decade ago.

Maui’s most fashionable frequent Nuage Bleu for clothing, jewelry, accessories and home decor. This chic lifestyle boutique has been a staple in the community since 1987, offering the most coveted styles and brands, while keeping the Valley Isle’s laid-back luxe style in mind. Aloha vibes abound thanks to Minnie Rose NYC and exclusive jackets from Maui-based brand Annacoco Hawai‘i. Cozy cashmere knits are perfect for chilly sunsets and transitioning back to cold-weather climes. There’s also a curated collection of kids clothing, beachwear, stuffies, books and more, including items from beloved local brands (think Coco Moon Hawai‘i and Bitty Bambu).

Wings Hawai‘i is a must-stop shop for handcrafted garments and jewelry made right here on Maui by local artisans. Clothing is made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and bamboo fibers and they only use non-toxic dyes. Wings Hawai‘i celebrates the beauty of the island, the community and nature. One-of-a-kind pieces are everywhere. Think curtains made from vintage kantha, vintage china with hand painted whimsical mermaids and handcrafted fine jewelry featuring gorgeous gemstones like labradorite, tourmaline, citrine and sapphire.

For art, peruse Art Project Pā‘ia, a contemporary fine art collective. Since 2013, the multidisciplinary gallery has been showcasing upand-coming as well as established local, national and international artists. In addition to exhibits, Art Project Pā‘ia also offers classes, workshops and hosts artist talks. And if you still can’t get a piece out of your head long after your vacation is over, you can shop the art via the website.

Better Things Cafe: 115 Baldwin Ave. betterthingscafe.com, @betterthingscafe

Hāna Hou Surf Club: 65 Hāna Highway hanahousurfclub.square.site, @hanahousurfclub nyloS: 115 Baldwin Ave., nylosmaui.com, @nylosmaui