Paia is a Hawaiian beach town situated in the north of Maui island, famed for being a favorite haunt of the singer Willie Nelson. It's not just country and western singers who enjoy Paia, though; the town attracts plenty of tourists --- not to mention windsurfing enthusiasts --- each year, who come to Paia to enjoy its beaches, water sports and food.
When tourists head to Paia depends on the kind of vacation they'd like to experience. Families with young kids, who'd like to take part in plenty of activities and festivities, will want to head to Paia during the summer months, as will windsurfers wanting to participate in the town's summer sporting events. Couples without kids who are perhaps seeking a quieter time might want to wait for the fall instead, when the town will be less busy.
The main activity which attracts tourists to Paia is windsurfing, with many of the sport's big players heading to nearby Ho'okipa Beach to perform stunts and take part in the area's regular competitions. The beach tends to appeal to celebrities too, who come to watch the windsurfers at their art, as well as to kite boarders. Many kite boarders see the area as the birthplace of the sport, according to the Three Best Beaches website, and parts of the beach are assigned exclusively to kite boarders to prevent accidents with swimmers. Hikers, meanwhile, can explore the area around Paia for some picturesque views of the Maui coastline and nearby villages, with multiple coastal trails available.
Popular with kids and their families, Baldwin Beach Park is one of the most appealing spots for holidaymakers in the Paia area. This beach is generally packed with tourists, and offers opportunities to paddle in the shallows as well as to body-board on the waves. Near to the beach itself is an area designed for picnics and barbecues, with seating facilities and grills available. Art fans can enjoy the Paia Contemporary Gallery, which houses the freshest work by a number of local artists, with new exhibits appearing on a regular basis.
Accommodation in Paia itself ranges from luxury establishments such as the Paia Inn, to the more mid-budget Nalu Kai Lodge. Also available are plantation-style houses for rent, reflecting the Paia's past as a sugar plantation town.
The diversity of the stores in Paia often make a shopping trip high on the priority list of those taking a vacation in the town, who enjoy the opportunity to purchase goods which aren't available elsewhere, such as ethnic crafts and jewelry. Restaurants in Paia serve a range of delicacies, with Mexican, Indian and Mediterranean food all available.
