The Last Stop Before the Adventure

Almost every Road to Hana journey begins in the same charming spot: the little north-shore town of Paia. It is the last real town with full services before the long, winding drive, which makes it the perfect place to fuel up, grab breakfast, and stock up before you head into the rainforest. But Paia is also a fun destination in its own right. Here is why you should give it a few minutes of your morning.

A Bohemian Surf Town

Paia is a colorful former plantation town that has become Maui’s laid-back surf and hippie hub. Its small grid of streets is packed with historic wooden storefronts, surf shops, art galleries, boutiques, and some of the island’s best cafes and restaurants. The vibe is relaxed, artsy, and unmistakably local, a lovely little slice of Maui character before the wild drive ahead.

Fuel Up and Stock Up

Practically speaking, Paia is your best chance to prepare. Fill your gas tank here, because there are very few places to get fuel along the Hana Highway. Grab coffee and breakfast, and pick up water, snacks, and a picnic lunch from a local shop or market. Once you leave Paia, services become scarce, so a few minutes of preparation here saves you trouble later.

Why Start in Paia

  • It is the last town with gas, food, and shops before Hana.
  • Great cafes and bakeries for an early breakfast and coffee.
  • Stock up on water, snacks, and a picnic lunch for the drive.
  • Charming surf-town shops and galleries if you have a few minutes.

Start Early, Start Here

The golden rule of the Road to Hana is to start early, and Paia makes that easy. Roll in around sunrise, grab your coffee and supplies while the town is quiet, and hit the highway ahead of the crowds. Just past town you will pass Hookipa Beach, where the real adventure begins. Beating the traffic out of Paia is one of the best things you can do for your day.

Begin Your Journey the Easy Way

Paia is the perfect launch pad for the Road to Hana, but you do not have to plan the logistics yourself. On a guided tour, you can skip the gas-and-grocery scramble and simply enjoy the ride from the start. Ask us about our Road to Hana tours with convenient hotel pickup, so your only job is to soak it all in.