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Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert

Last Modified: January 8, 2026

Paia map

Paia Neighborhood Overview

Trade Winds, Yoga Mats, and Mana Foods

🧭Bordered by: Paia Bay and Baldwin Beach to the north, Ho'okipa and Kuau to the east, Spreckelsville dunes and old cane fields to the west, Baldwin Avenue up toward Haliimaile and Makawao to the south, centered on Hana Highway through town.

📌Best known for: Legendary Ho'okipa waves, boho boutiques, post-surf banana bread.

👕You can spot a Paia local by: Reef cuts, sandy car mats, reusable tote bags, and a taste for wind sports.

👍Move here for: Dawn patrol surf, trade winds, tiny town art weirdness.

👎The downsides are: Parking scarcity, relentless wind, coconut confetti hitting your windshield.

The vibe around Paia is: Salty, artsy, windy, buzzed.

Yogis who think slippers are formalwear.

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Moving to Paia - Make Sense Of Your Next Move

Whether you're new to Maui or deciding which part of the island fits you best, Snappy Scout cuts through the noise and shows you what living here is really like. If you're still finding your way, start with our Moving to Maui guide for the big-picture view — or compare Paia against other parts of the island in our Maui neighborhood guide.