Paia, Maui County, Hawaii
Breathtaking natural sceneries, coupled with lush and colorful history, are the stuff picturesque Hawaii is made of. America's Aloha state nurtures unadulterated beaches that magically blend with the mellow and comforting whispers of the breeze. Even the simple pleasure of watching the serene seas pacifying the enthralling waves is enough to make anyone melt in utter delight and admiration. Indeed, Hawaii's universal appeal has long been established and revered. In visiting the highly impeccable Aloha state, tourists get to navigate not just a single area but a group of exceedingly adorable islands which are abode to myriad exciting destination spots.
In the northern shore of Maui island, guests flock to the small and whimsical town of Paia to pay tribute to nature's finest expressions of bounty. A census-designated place, this sylvan and prismatic beach town is very much like a dainty bouquet with a land area of 17.5 square kilometers or 6.1 square miles.
As of the 2000 demographics data, there are 2,499 residents who call Paia a home and a sanctuary. The population density in this part of Maui is pegged at 158.7 per square kilometer or 410.8 per square mile. Of 783 households, majority of this figure (35.4%) is composed of couples living with children no older than 18 years old. Not only native Hawaiians get to experience the lovely life in this idyllic countryside but also expatriates who currrently dwell in the vast area. Of the total population, 27.13% are native Americans while a colossal 28.45% are residents with dual races. Asians, mostly Filipinos, Japanese, and Chinese, make up 8.80% of the demographics. Other dwellers in the town are Pacific Islanders, Whites, and Latinos and Hispanics.
Paia's History
Though tiny, the village of Paia has undeniably significant contributions in the success of the sugar cane industry not only in Maui but also the entire Hawaii. Back in the 1880s, the primary branch among the biggest sugar mills in the region was erected near the unassuming Paia town. The popularity of the sugar mill, owned by Alexander and Baldwin Company, attracted Asian and European expatriates who were also involved in the cane industry. In time, these foreign dwellers proved to be instrumental in the much needed development of the sleepy town.
Up until the 1940s, residents depended on the flourishing sugar industry in order to develop the area. Though gradually, the once passive town welcomed the modern times as movie theaters and other public and private establishments were built one after the other. The following decade was the start of the unforeseen crisis. During the 1950s, the residents witnessed the decline of the cane industry. Though some plantation owners continue to operate at this point, many decided to move on and venture in other agricultural industries. A decade after, Paia welcomed the coming of the hippies who severely contributed in transforming the town. Free-spirited and enterprising, the hippies opened the first few arts and crafts shops and specialty restaurants in the vast area. These people even helped downtrodden residents find new hope and meaning in life after the sugar cane industry floped.
From 1980s to the present, Paia residents continuously improve on their chosen industries. In the 1990s, this once sluggish town embraced a new identity as the capital of windsurfing in the whole world. More and more tourist-friendly shops and destinations were established. Despite a bright and sunny future ahead, Paia will still be distinctly remembered as a sugar town.
Paia's Attractions
The adage "the journey is far better than the destination" doesn't hold true when guests visit the small yet extremely marvelous village of Paia. After a long and exhausting plane trip, tourists are treated to the lush tropical paradise, which serves as a watering hole of charismatic and intriguing destination spots -- from sophisticated arts and crafts boutiques to the laid-back and natural must-visits like beaches and parks.
Highly touted as "The Windsurfing Capital of the World," Paia's calm and moderately tempered Hookipa Beach is perfect grounds for amateur and pro surfers. This rustic town, with favorable wind and wave condition, is the choice location of several international and local windsurfing competitions year after year. But tourists who are about to try this water activity for the first time need not be intimidated. There are actually several windsurfing packages that allow newbies to explore the beaches while learning the basics of this extreme sport. Hookipa Beach Park, adjacent to the famed windsurfing site, is adorably perfect for an afternoon picnic or strolling.
Paia's fairly busy roads are teeming with various specialty shops that sell artifacts and rare paintings of both international and local visual artists. In these boutiques, tourists are bound to acquire precious decorative pieces for home or whatnots for collection of every kind. After a tiring but definitely fulfilling day, tourists should nourish their palate with scrumptious gourmet and local delicacies at nearby restaurants and coffee shops. Depending on the tourists' preference, budget, and appetite, there are a number of creperies, full buffet diners, and al fresco food carts and stalls to choose from. Guests will surely love the unique Hawaiian cuisine with a fuse of international flavors, so much that they'll be craving for it.
Paia's Economy
Among former successful sugar towns in Maui, Paia managed to turn to alternative industries after cane industry dramatically faltered decades ago. Sugar industry, with a history tracing back to the 1800s, had been the backbone of the economy of most islands and towns in the Aloha State up until the 1970s and 80s. Paia is no different from these towns, since almost all its residents worked in sugar plantations and relied on this industry for sustenance. The cane industry in this town prompted the establishment of irrigation systems, stores, and other significant structures.
Native residents of Maui and Paia had already learned the value of resourcefulness and ingenuity as a way to cope with the drastically changing times. Way before the sugar cane industry, native inhabitants bank on sandalwood forests for their everyday needs. When the forests were adulterated, the residents who stayed in the vast area rely on whaling as a way to improve the economy. Along with the distant towns Lahaina, Paia used to provide harbors for whale hunting. But this industry didn't last long due to its negative effect on the town. The onset of the whaling industry triggered prostitution and alcohol dependence among the town dwellers.
Nowadays, the rustic village of Paia was able to clearly recover from a somewhat tumultuous economic background. In fact, according to the 2000 data, Paia has a household income of $51,696 and a gross domestic product of $18,644. With a fairly rosy job growth of 3.61%, analysts believe this rate will still improve in the coming years and will reach the all-time high of 17.80%. Whether this prediction will materialize or not, Paia's economy is sure to remain favorable to its residents.
Paia Statistics:
Population: 2,499Households: 783
Median resident age: 33.9 years
Median household income: $51,696
Median house value: $210,900
Land area: 6.1 square miles
Elevation: 295 feet
Latitude: 20°54'N
Longitude: 156°22'W
Zip code: 96779
County: Maui
