Paia is a small beachfront hippie town, on the way to Hana, on Maui's Hana Highway. It's a curvy, jungly, incredibly beautiful and hair raising road that leads to one of Maui's true jewels, Hana. On the way, you'll definately want to stop and get some local, organic snacks for the road. Ask any local and they will tell you that you need to stop at Mana, a grocery that's been open on Maui since the 70's. They own the building outright, so they can offer incredible prices, on the best local and organic fruits and veggies from the island. 
Outside there's usually always someone playing a guitar, and girls just coming from the next door yoga center, and a bunch of dreadlocks. It like walking back in time to the late sixties. I admire how the styles in Paia are completely unabashed. Anyhow it's a great scene outside, as Paia is really growing as a tourist stop, and the local community is strong and very artistic. You will definately catch the smell of weed in the air.
Immediately inside there is a coffee and juice bar, and they also do the very best fruit and yogurt bowls anywhere. You can get a green juice with a shot of ginger and cayenne if your travels have left your immune system a bit compromised, you'll feel better by the time you walk out the doors. You will inevitably pass the wall of chocolate right after that, which is exactly what it sounds like. Chocolate from all over the world, and local chocolate, sugar free chocolate (which is surprisingly awesome), cherry filled chocolate, chocolate with little chunks of truffles or macadamia nuts, anything you can imagine. This alone is worth the drive.
Wall of chocolate.. .
Shopping here please keep in mind that the prices are insanely low, partly because the store is really old school. The isles are small, and full of half baked people talking about their yoga guru's favorite pranayama breathing technique, or whatever. . It's so worth it though, and they are nice enough, just say excuse me and walk by. It's always busy, because this is where the island gets their organic groceries. Nowhere else can you find such amazing selection at such low prices.
In the back of the store is a huge selection of bulk Kona and Maui coffees, local macadamia nuts, teas, spices, sprouting seeds, etc. Definately lots of cool things for a present for someone back home.
The fruit and veggie section is way too awesome to describe, my one recommendation is definately try a local Maui Gold pineapple. It will knock your socks off. There's a great hot and cold food bar, which is perfect for a beach picnic or a long drive to Hana. If you are brave enough sit down outside the store and have a picnic, and just watch the crazy scene all around you. Paia has such a wonderful array of people, most of them are hippies and quite friendly.
I know I missed some things, but I definately wanted to put this on my list of must visit places when in Maui. I happened to be there for sunset in this last photo. Have a great time in Maui, and feel free to write to me if you have any questions prior to or during your trip! Aloha, and thanks for reading!
I love Hawaii. I have never been to Maui. My place of peace is Waimanalo Beach on Oahu. This market is definitely a place to check out!
Hawaii is truly a paradise, so glad you have you're own little place, I bet you can go there even when not in Hawaii. It stays in your heart forever. Thanks for reading my post!
So true! Plus, I have pictures! :-)
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