The Paia Inn: Chic, Boutique, Beach Hotel, in Hip Maui Surf Town

The Paia Inn, a chic, boutique, beach hotel, is located in one of the hippest surf towns on Maui. This private oasis with North shore vibes will appeal to every traveler who wants to live like a local while on a beachy, chill vacation in Hawaii. Relax, meditate, and feel the "aloha" when you stay at this historical, bohemian destination. Traveling alone, as a couple, or with the family, you'll love this secluded beachfront inn with private beach access, tranquil outdoor lounging areas, and island-inspired, spacious suites and rooms.

The tiny town of Paia, located on the north side of Maui, is often overlooked by tourists as they breeze by on their way to explore Hana. The road in and out is dotted with colorful storefronts, galleries, and cafes. Paia has been known as more of a laid-back surfer, hippie town for years, and the locals are considered to be more artistic, earthy, and somewhat eclectic. It's true! Free spirits, artists, hipsters, and tourists in the know come to Paia for a little R&R. Those who want to get away from the crowds of the resorts and just feel zen will find paradise in this quaint little town. You'll find everyone is incredibly friendly with interesting stories about how they got to live in Paia. It's one of those places, that when you do stop and enjoy yourself for a little bit, you wonder, "why didn't I do this before? I've been missing out"! This is exactly how most travelers feel after they've stayed at The Paia Inn.

The Paia Inn is a picturesque beachside hotel full of history and charm. The historic main building is Hawaiian architecture from the 1920s and was used to house Japanese plantation workers. They would sleep in their rooms but then congregate in the communal living areas to socialize and eat. Now, transformed into a hip hideaway, the Indonesian-inspired, town-view rooms are private; however, the upstairs area still boasts a beautiful, relaxing community area for those guests that want to get to know other travelers. There are nine town-view rooms in the main building. There are five garden bungalows throughout the now expanded property, each with a private lanai area. All have a king-sized bed, with the exception of one 2-bedroom with queen-sized beds. In some of the outdoor lanai areas, you'll be able to chill on a cozy daybed after a day of adventures; the ambiance is super relaxing! A three-bedroom beach house is also available for larger parties or families and it's right near the grassy knoll that overlooks the secluded beach area of Paia Bay. The furnishings throughout the resort are equally as beautiful as they are comfortable. The hotel partners with Malie Organics, a luxury spa & beauty brand. Malie's line of natural & organic products are "scent"-sational and you'll love smelling like tropical fruits and tasty island treats. Also, adding more tropical-inspired beauty, local artist Avi Kiriaty (www.instagram.com/avikiriaty ) displays his colorful paintings throughout the rooms which embody the Hawaiian vibes creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Hawaii is all about outdoor living and the Paia Inn brings all that and more to this charming, tranquil oasis. Intimate social areas are scattered throughout the property, including a family-sized table + chairs for eating and another area with a sofa sectional and fire-pit for cozy evenings. Sexy garden pathways lead you in a maze from the main Inn to the soft, white sand and the Pacific Ocean. There you'll find chairs for the beach and some chaise loungers for catching some rays. Relax and enjoy your morning coffee while you watch the sunrise or rinse off in the outdoor shower surrounded by Hawaiian flora. It's uniquely appealing and not what you would normally experience on Maui. There are no high-rises in sight, no traffic, no crowds, and no stress! Travelers have always felt, the minute you get off the plane in Hawaii, you start to relax. Here in Paia, it's exponentially greater, and what a beautiful experience whether you're with friends or family.

Link to the Paia Inn: https://www.loc8nearme.com/hawaii/paia/paia-inn/6399073/

Getting There and Things To Know

If you've never been to Hawaii, you are certainly missing out as it is one of the most unique places on Earth: in geology, culture, history, and aloha spirit. Hawaii is a group of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean and it became the 50th state in 1959. Just a five-hour flight from Los Angeles, you don't need a passport if arriving from the US and you don't need to know another language; unless you want to learn some Hawaiian Pidgin. It's an English-based creole language that is now one of the official languages of Hawaii. I'll never forget hearing a cousin, who grew up in Hawaii, telling us stories in Pidgen when I was little. We thought it was the coolest language ever! Hawaii has always been an amazing place to visit, it's just a little harder now for some due to the pandemic. If you decide to travel to Hawaii, be sure to check my Instagram post (www.instagram.com/chaninvictor/p/CSQBtrJJVCN/ ) where I share some of the important things you need to know in these Covid-times.

Maui, known as "The Valley Isle," is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It's a gorgeous island. The best times to visit Maui are in the spring, April-May, and the fall, September-November. At these times, you're most likely to experience the more pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter. Since Hawaii was just recently opened to travelers and may be crowded in areas, Paia would be the perfect place to stay to avoid the hustle and bustle and feel more leisured and at home. It will almost feel like you're staying at a friend's beach house.

When you stay in Hawaii, you become part of the "ohana" (family) and you are well taken care of with the aloha spirit of the islands. The lifestyle of Hawaiians is slower, relaxed, and uncomplicated. The islands are a melting pot of ethnic diversity and you can find ten of the fourteen climate zones on the islands, which means there are so many adventures to be had by all.

Things to do in Paia

Many people know Paia from driving through town, either to gas up or grab a bite, before heading to another part of the island. If you are someone who loves to explore, there is so much to do in this little beach enclave with the pastel-colored storefronts. Of course, Paia Inn is right in the heart of it all and the perfect location to enjoy everything Paia has to offer. Stay in Paia for a couple nights and ho' omaha (or relax)!

Experience the outdoors and go on adventures with the local shops: Hi-Tech Surfboard Rentals, take a bike tour from Haleakala down to the sea with Maui Sunriders, Visit Makawao Forest Reserve, rent bikes at Maui Cyclery, Flash Kiteboarding School.

Go to the beach: Paia Bay Beach is located mere footsteps away from the Paia Inn and you can access it through the garden maze pathway that starts at the hotel entrance. If you love your sandy beaches, you can head towards Paia's "Secret Beach", which is a clothing-optional beach between Paia Bay and Baldwin Cove. Baldwin Cove is beautiful, but the sandy beach disappears with the tide. Baby Beach is a protected lagoon that is perfect for the kids or Keiki. A short drive away is Ho'okipa Beach, a mecca to the windsurfing world, where you can see professional windsurfing competitions, or watch the pros strut their stuff on most windy days.

Shop: Coast in the Paia Inn, Wings Hawaii, Mandala Creations, Kiwi Johns, Alice in Hulaland, Aloha Bead Company, By The Bay, Boutique Aloha, Biasa Rose, Lilikoi, Lost on Maui, Paia Mercantile, Paia Style, Oceania Maui, Solely Aloha, World Aloha Trading.

Get zen or inked or both: Maui Yoga Shala, Northshore Chiropractic + Massage, Paia Tattoo Parlor, Maha Yoga and Wellness Center, Hula Girl Tattoo Paia Maui, Body Therapeutics Maui, Infusion Barre and Yoga.

Visit art galleries and become inspired: Cesere Brothers, Pueo Gallery, Maui Photography Tours, Maui Hands, Paia Contemporary Gallery, Avi Kiriaty Art.

Eat, Dine Out, Take Out, Picnic, Indulge: Café Mambo (try the duck!), Café Des Amis, Paia Fish Market, Paia Bay Coffee and Bar (great breakfast), Nylos (amazing), Flatbread, Milagros, Maka By Mana, Paia Gelato, Rock + Brews, Surf Club Tacos, Thai Spice, Tobi's Shave Ice (so good!), Ululani's Shave Ice, Aumakua Kava Lounge, (Willie Nelson's favorite place in Maui) Charley's Restaurant + Saloon, Vana at Paia Inn (incredible sushi and experience).

The Ultimate Way To Celebrate on Paia: Getting Maui'ed? Plan a wedding or throw a beachside party with Surf Club Events! Just a few sandy footsteps away from the Paia Inn, Surf Club is the romantic secret of Paia town. Light breezes and a soft, green lawn leading up to the sandy shore on one side and on the other, Surf Club has its own ceremony site, Temple Makai. Experience an award-winning restaurant and plenty of space to meet social distancing requirements with Surf Club. It's the perfect blend of beachy-chic and classy island oasis.

Whether you are traveling to Hawaii for a long weekend or an extended stay, if you've never thought about staying in Paia, you really don't know what you're missing. At the Paia Inn, you can indulge in the best Maui-style hospitality and friendly aloha vibes, all on one of Hawaii's most beautiful natural playgrounds. Unwind in one of the historic rooms of the Inn or a chic, beachside suite or bring friends and live it up in the ultimate beach house, all with private beach access! Have your tea or coffee looking out over the ocean and then body surf the rest of the afternoon. Schedule an in-room massage to relax before enjoying the flavors of Hawaii at Vana, with incredible sushi, tapas, and creative cocktails. Explore the town of Paia and live like a local!

Whatever your vacation style might be, here you will live authentically Hawaiian.

Here are some of our top favorite things to do on Maui.

Hike Iao Valley State Park - see the incredible Iao Needle, which rises 1,200 feet into the air, and learn about the park's legendary history. During the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, King Kamehameha was victorious over Maui's tribal army and he was able to unite the entire Hawaiian archipelago under his rule.

Visit Haleakala State Park - see the sunrise and ride down the volcano on your bike or go down into the mouth of the volcano via the trails into the crater. Or hike the park's most popular trail, Pipiwai, which meanders 4 miles (roundtrip) along Maui's southeast coast. The trail goes through a beautiful bamboo forest and ends at Waimoku Falls. There is no public transportation to or in the park, but there are several tours. Want to just see it from afar? Try ziplining nearby and see the volcano from a distance.

Visit Honokalani located in Waianapanapa State Park. It's 122 acres of black sand beaches, formed by a lava flow that has cooled, hardened, and then fractured into tiny pieces by the relentless battering of the ocean waves over thousands of years. There are lava caves, beautiful plants, Hawaii's largest known heiau (temple), and blowholes. There are even a few wet, spring-fed sea caves and lava tubes. A great hike!

Take one of the many farm tours - pineapple, coconut, lavender farm, etc.

Take a helicopter tour - take a scenic flight with a bird's eye view of Maui. See stunning vistas of Maui's waterfalls, craters, cliffs, and valleys. Fly over the Haleakala volcano, Hana or see other sights on the island that you wouldn't otherwise be able to see from land. A private helicopter is a memorable (albeit a bit pricey) experience.

Visit the giant Banyan Tree in Lahaina's central square and overlooking Lahaina Harbor. One of the largest Banyan trees in the country and free to visit, it rises more than 60 feet in the air, offering tons of shade. The park hosts a variety of events, including Art in the Park, twice a month, featuring a variety of local artists selling paintings and handmade crafts. The park is also within walking distance of Lahaina's shops and restaurants.

Eat at Mama's Fish House - Dine here when on the island and if you go early, relax on the beach with the kids. Kuau Cove, in front of Mama's Fish House, is perfect for Keiki and anyone that loves to explore the tidepool sea life.

Travel the Road to Hana - aka "Highway to Heaven" or "Divorce Highway" depending on whom you talk to, yikes! It's a roughly 60-mile winding road full of lush rainforests, dramatic and rugged ocean vistas, countless waterfalls and pools. Plan to spend about half the day (or more) driving this road and make sure you visit Ho'okipa Beach Park, Twin Falls, Huelo Lookout, Maui Garden of Eden, Keanae Peninsula, and Wailua Valley State Wayside, among the many stops.

Go on a Snorkeling Tour - Molokini Crater is an awesome day trip!

Take a Submarine Excursion - Explore Stunning Reefs & Marine Life. Your submarine is spacious, air-conditioned and comfy. See Rays, Turtles, Fish & More.

Go to a Luau - there are so many to choose from, be sure to look at the length and the food options. Check on the Viator app for options, tickets, tours, and more.

Chanin Victor, the Travel and Lifestyle Editor at the Santa Monica Observer, presents her column "Travel Trends" bi-weekly in the print edition, offering readers a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of travel. Become a Subscriber Today! Beyond her role at the Observer, Chanin is a versatile freelance travel journalist, crafting engaging narratives that transport readers to intriguing destinations. In her 9-5 role, she serves as a creative director, dedicating her expertise to promoting tourism destinations across Southern California, blending her passion for storytelling with her professional pursuits. Based in Los Angeles with her family, Chanin seizes every opportunity to embark on new adventures. Discover her travels and insights at chaninvictor.com - PLUS - if you're interested in Chanin's family-friendly travel stories, inspiration and travel tips, look HERE: https://chaninvictor.com/travel-trends/ at the Santa Monica Observer!