• HO‘OKIPA

When gold was discovered in California, miners rushed West in search of the golden nugget. When Ho‘okipa Beach was discovered, windsurfers from around the globe flooded the north coast of Maui in search of ultimate wave and wind. In recent years, Ho‘okipa Beach has become known abroad as “The Windsurfing Capital of the World,” because of its perfect waves and excellent weather that allow for amazing record-setting aerial maneuvers. It’s also the site of two major world-class competitions, where the best of the best battle wind and sea.

Windsurfing has put the nearby sleepy little plantation town of Pa‘ia back on the map. Samuel Alexander and Henry Baldwin built their first sugar plantation just outside of Pa‘ia Town in the 1870s. A gradual and tasteful renovation of this small, historic town has enhanced its charming appeal, while many of the old plantation-style wooden buildings are still intact.

After an exhilarating day at the beach of surfing, sailing and sightseeing, it’s always a pleasure to unwind in Paia with a hearty meal. “Extremely casual” best describes the atmosphere with several good restaurants, clothing stores, quaint specialty shops and surf shops to browse.

Fifteen minutes from the Kahului Airport and only two minutes from Ho‘okipa Beach, Pa‘ia is also the last stop on the road to heavenly Hana for fuel, food and sunscreen supplies. There are several places to gather a picnic lunch, including a well-stocked health food store called, “Mana Foods.”

Located between Pa‘ia Town and Ho‘okipa Beach is romantic Ku‘au Cove. Here you’ll find one of Maui’s all time favorite seafood restaurants–Mama’s Fish House–nestled in a grove of coconut palms on the beach. When traveling to Hana or touring the island, stop to explore Pa‘ia, Maui’s most lovable little beach town and be sure to take in the sights at world-famous Ho‘okipa Beach just one mile up the coast.