Pa‘ia Inn

If the big resorts of West and South Maui aren’t your speed, the Pa‘ia Inn on Maui’s North Shore is a nice change of pace. Located right on the Hana Highway in the middle of town, it’s within walking distance to great shops, restaurants and one of the better North Shore beaches. (The inn has private access to the nearby beach.)

The main building began as a Japanese inn during the late 1920s, and the original five rooms remain true to its historic style. All aspects have been meticulously renovated (the owner is an architect whose passion for the property is contagious) to have modern appeal. The travertine bathrooms are very nice while the HEPA air filtration keeps things feeling fresh. These original rooms are on the small side (120 sq. ft. for the “Petite” rooms, 143 sq. ft. for the standards and 285 sq. ft. for the deluxe), but are comfortable (queen and king beds with luxury bedding and spa-quality toiletries) and make nice use of the space. Each room has its own distinctive feel, and all are surprisingly quiet. Soundproof windows and QuietRock walls (equal to eight sheets of drywall) effectively block out the road noise.

The suites are found in separate smaller buildings behind the main inn and can feel like private bungalows. The trees, fences and general layout of the area give a lot of privacy, with several alcoves perfect for a private dinner (which can be arranged through the front desk). Each of the suites also has its own private patio space ranging from 70 sq. ft. to 100 sq. ft. 

The garden view suites have more wiggle room, and some are very charming with indoor/outdoor private spaces. They have one partial oceanview room, and their three-bedroom oceanfront beach house with garden hot tub and BBQ is stunning (though technically not right on the beach as their community lawn fronts it).

There is direct beach access from this tropical-feeling property, and they let you use their beach chairs. They have an outdoor hot water shower there to clean off the sand. No minimum stay (except at peak times of the year) makes this a nice option if you are on your way in or out of Hana, plus they will store your bags for you. The amenity fee includes fitness passes to a facility in Ha‘iku, 10 minutes away. Laundry service is provided by the load for a fee, so fill it up. They seem to constantly be adding to and improving the property. Staff is very professional and helpful.

Rooms in historic building rooms are 120–143 sq. ft., garden view suites are 285–450 sq. ft., 1/1 oceanview suite is 1,100 sq. ft., and 3/2 oceanfront beach house with full kitchen is 1,350 sq. ft.