PARADISE might be sparkling clear waters, year-round temperate weather, or, for some, permission to lounge naked on a beach without repercussions. If that sounds like your slice of heaven, Pa'ia, Maui in Hawai'i is just the spot. With just 2,470 residents, visitors may be pleasantly surprised by the Mauian North Shore beach town's robust local offerings and "rustic storefronts," named by Travel + Leisure as the country's "Best Small Beach Town.
" The lineup of eye-catching restaurants and small businesses, decorated in a bright array of pastels, is as charming as it is aesthetically pleasing. Foodies can make a first stop at Paia Fish Market for the day's freshest catch. However, the early bird gets the worm — or, in this case, the fish — as lines tend to stretch down the street for a spot at the popular restaurant.
Read More on Travel Eager patrons should aim to arrive early at the no-reservation spot if they're hellbent on trying the market's lineup of signature ready-to-order fish sandwiches, with protein options of mahi, ahi, snapper, and salmon. Savvy customers can ditch the line and order online for a seamless meal, leaving just enough time for a relaxing picnic at the nearby Pa‘ia Bay beach. The Hawaiian town is, without saying, a hotspot for fresh seafood, Polynesian-inspired cuisine, and fresh produce — other must-try spots include Mama's Fish House, Cafe Mambo, and Mana Foods .
Grab breakfast at the popular Cafe Mambo , which offers American classics with a twist, like their Breakfast Burrito with housemade habanero jelly and sour cream. Most read in Travel Like Paia Fish Market, entry to Mama's Fish House is tough to come by — while reservations are open, the restaurant is often booked out for months. Last-minute visitors can still score one of Mama's 42 tables if they aim for a lunchtime visit over dinner.
The menu features catches from local fishermen and abroad, such as grilled salmon from Scotland, sauteed Mahi-Mahi from Mike Fisher, and seared Ahi Peppercorn caught by Amanda Baula near ocean buoys. Local grocer Mana Foods , open for 40 years, is perfect for a quick snack and any meat and produce needs. The family-operated small business features products from over 400 local vendors, with their produce aisle "[boasting] an average of 50% locally grown and 90% certified organic or unsprayed items.
" Mana's seafood selection regularly fluctuates, with over 90% of their fish caught locally and varieties from Scotland and Alaska. After a satiating fish meal, travelers can feel the sea breeze at Baby Beach, a protected lagoon at the western end of Baldwin Beach Park. Sport-goers can surf, windsurf, and kitesurf at spots like Taveres and Ho'okipa beach.
The island has waters for everyone — daring thrill-seekers can lounge on the clothing-optional Secret Beach. Maui's former main tourism town, Lahaina, and West Maui were decimated by wildfires in 2023. As Lahaina rebuilds, tourists have turned their attention to Pa'ia, a former plantation town located ten minutes from the airport.
Read More on The US Sun While Hawaiian natives have spoken out about the harms of over-tourism on local populations and wildlife, tourists can exercise mindful visitation by donating to rebuilding organizations and supporting local businesses. Hawai'i Tourism Authority urged visitors to Hawai'i to "be especially mindful and respectful in our island home as our community continues through this difficult time.".
