After miraculously finding a spot in the Pāʻia public parking lot, the day already feels auspicious. It’s been over a year since I last spent a full day in this bohemian coastal town on Maui’s north shore, and I’m eager to see what—if anything—has changed.
Classic spots like Māna Foods, which has been around since 1983, and Pāʻia Fish Market, which opened not too long after, in 1989, are as beloved as ever. One of my personal favorites, Flatbread Pizza Co., has been a go-to since I was a middle-schooler, and there’s almost always a line of hungry patrons out front.
As I begin my walk through town, I immediately reach a new shop among all the longtime ones. Boho Bungalow is a boutique with shelf-lined walls of bath and body products infused with Hawaiʻi-inspired aromas like Bamboo Forest, Maui Sunset and Paniolo Cowboy. Its fragrance lab offers a hands-on experience for visitors, who can choose from an apothecary of scents to create a blend for their own perfume, rollerball, candle, body oil, or body and linen spray. I leave eager to return with friends for a group activity and with my partner for a date night.
Next door is Pāʻia Bay Bodega & Smoke, which houses a convenience store in the front and a smoke shop in the back. Shoppers can pick up souvenirs; beach gear; locally sourced snacks like Hula Cookies ice cream sandwiches, Pauwela Beverage Co. soda, and Haleakava’s Taha sparkling kava; as well as smoking accessories, vapes, and edibles—all in one place.
I continue down the street and turn up Baldwin Avenue, where I notice something is different about the boba bar on the corner. After a quick chat, I learn that Pāʻia Corner Café has rebranded and made slight interior adjustments, but the menu still features café favorites like coffee, smoothie bowls and pastries. And yes, they still serve boba—you can even build your own with a choice of base, flavor and toppings like tropical fruit-flavored jellies or popping boba.
Up the street is another coffee shop, CLHEI CAFÉ, which opened in 2024 as a collaboration between CLHEI, Pāʻia’s luxury leather store, and Espresso Mafia, an award-winning Italian espresso bar in Makawao. This hidden oasis behind the retail store offers a selection of classic coffee drinks and specialty lattes like lavender-vanilla and Hoʻokipa Honey Cream.
Nearby, Café Mambo features a modern interior and refreshed menu that debuted with a change in ownership in early 2024. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, patrons can get a taste of American-European fare any time of day. Stop in for happy hour from 2:30-4:30 p.m. for snacks priced at $8 or less, a smash burger for $12 or $14 with fries, $5 beer, and $10 wine or Aperol Spritz.
Making my way back down Baldwin Avenue and to the north side of Hāna Highway, I pass by Maui Memories, a fashion and art boutique that was originally on Front Street in Lahaina. It reopened in Pāʻia in December 2025. Fans of the brand and those looking to support a former Lahaina business can shop resortwear, souvenirs and other made-on-Maui goods.
My next stop is Aumakua Kava Lounge for a kava-based mocktail. When I walk in, I realize that the interior has been reimagined and the wall that once separated the bar area from the adjacent room has been removed—opening up the space and giving it more of a lounge feel with comfy seating and plenty of games. I inquire about the new food options, as advertised on the sign outside, and the bartender tells me they have chicken pot pie or shepard’s pie. I stick with drinks only, opting for a nonalcoholic espresso martini that gives me an energy boost as I continue on my walking journey.
Just up the road is Salt Spa Maui, which will celebrate its first anniversary with a special event on Feb. 22. This healing space centers around a “saltuary” (salt sanctuary), offering halotherapy (salt therapy) in a room with walls made of Himalayan salt bricks; on the and in the air, pharmaceutical-grade dry salt. Other treatments include head spa services, foot baths, massages, facials, and waxings—perfect for a relaxing, revitalizing spa day.
Although I don’t have time to eat there today, my mouth waters when I see the sign for Wabisabi Soba & Sushi, a hole-in-the-wall Japanese eatery that specializes in, you guessed it, soba noodles—served both hot and cold—as well as sushi. Stepping into the quaint dining room is like being transported to a small, family-owned business in Japan. The restaurant has been open since 2023 but may still be one of Pāʻia’s best-kept secrets.
Heading back toward the public parking lot, I pass by San Lorenzo Bikinis and notice a sign for 13 Moons Tattoo’s Friday the 13th flash sale. This new studio is owned by Maui native Angel Rose of “Ink Master” fame, who’s joined by six other artists all of whom have incredible portfolios, ranging in styles from tribal to fine line.
On the other side of the bikini shop is Belle Surf Café & Lounge, which became the company’s flagship after its original location was destroyed in the Lahaina fire. Touting a cozy and eclectic vibe, this space offers a feminine appeal as well as delicious coffee, smoothies, and brunch bits like loaded bagels or crepes. Weekly events include Taco Tuesday, sushi Thursday through Saturday, and DJs every Friday night.
The Jewelry Stand Maui, another former Lahaina business that has found new life in Pāʻia. Here, locally designed and made jewelry features ecologically harvested black coral, semiprecious stones and other island-style elements.
One door over is Scape Maui, a wellness space and day spa specializing in massage, facials, foot baths, contrast therapy with an on-site sauna and cold plunge, as well as holistic therapies like psychic readings and art therapy. The refined space features a retail section in front, treatment room and an adjacent cafe out back, plus space for private treatments.
After returning home, my social media algorithm surfaces another shop set to open soon: the new location of Mint Maui, a Lagree and Versaclimber fitness studio. Expect more details to come.
Ashley Probst is a contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.
