UPDATED 5/4/14
WOW! What a tremendous response I have received for this post. Looks like Paia gossip (and news!) is a hot topic! And I’m going to make it easy for you – If you like this post, please follow us on Facebook for more buy-local/support-local news from Maui!
There are rumors flying all over the island about what is happening in Paia – and one thing is for certain – Paia is booming! So, I took a walk around my favorite little town to see if I could separate fact from fiction. Construction was happening all over the place, and luckily everyone was working with the doors open! Sorry about the crazy paparazzi photos!
5/4 Updates:
TRUTH: The glass blowers from Makai Glass Creations will be opening Makai Gallery at the former Paia Pharmacy location this week! They will be featuring other artists as well, including Spar Street.
4/30 Updates:
It is with sadness that we share the news, just released this morning, that a shop I reported on for this original post is not getting their lease renewed. Paia Bay Coffee will be closing at the end of June. Let’s support them as much as we can over the next two months – and hope they find a great new location!
4/24 Updates:
TRUTH – Cariloha Bamboo is looking for a retail location in Paia. They currently have stores on Front Street and Shops at Wailea.
More about the Cariloha Brand: You probably know that bamboo as a hard, woody plant that grows very quickly, but did you know that it can also be made into ultra-soft clothing, bedding, and bath goods that rivaled the softness of cashmere and silk? Bamboo is 3 degrees cooler than cotton and wicks moisture away from your body. It even helps repel odors and allergens. Cariloha has over 40 full, stand-alone stores in 13 countries, and coming soon (hopefully) Paia!
TRUTH – Renovations are currently underway at the F. Garcia Building along Baldwin Avenue, just above the Stupa. Construction should be complete in late summer, presenting a rare opportunity for fresh retail space in Paia! Its right across from the free parking lot below the Post Office too! With limited free parking in Paia now, this lot is becoming very popular and the space is already seeing some great foot traffic, with only more to come (and no, I’m not getting commission for this listing – but I probably should…) For more information, contact Cindy Greenwell or Robin Kean at Kean Properties – Here’s more info from the flyer – (and click on the image below to see the full size rendering of what the completed renovation is expected to look like)
Perfect opportunity for retail tenant to customize interior buildouts to suit their needs.- Single Tenant is prefered, but possible multi tenant.
- Up to 2254 sq feet of completely renovated space.
- Perfect for bakery, deli, coffee bar or even office space with great exposure!
From the original post:
TRUTH – There is a darling little coffee shop next to Aloha Bead Company! I’ve never been in their before, but with the closing (renovation?) of Nellie’s and Haz Beans (which appears to now be a food truck by Paia Bay), there was a sudden lack of a coffee shop where you can just sit and enjoy a cup of joe or a snack, (sorry Anthony’s – that shipped sailed for you a while ago) – I finally ventured into the charming little Paia Bay Coffee shop. There is some outdoor seating, along with a couple quaint indoor tables. I just had the coffee- but it looked like a place I’d go back to just for some nice quiet time. Paia Bay Coffee is open from 6:30am to 5:30pm daily. Check out their Facebook page –
TRUTH – Rock ‘N Brews is Open for business. Haven’t been in here yet but it looks fun, especially if you are into family style (as in shared tables) dining. I’m waiting until they get all their beer taps filled!
TRUTH – The Butterfly Effect is this weekend! This non competitive SUP event takes the women paddlers from Baldwin Beach to Kanaha Beach. Entry is $35 and includes all kinds of fun bonuses. Starts at 9am on Saturday, April 26.
TRUTH – The Turnbull Gallery has sadly closed, taking all their awesome outdoor sculptures with them. You can now find them at their Studio and Sculpture Garden in Kahakuloa – follow the Kahili Hwy from Wailuku.
RUMOR? – The former Nellie’s location is rumored to be turning into a full restaurant – and perhaps expanding into the former Turnbull space? (this may very well be true, it just hasn’t been confirmed by an owner or authorized representative to me personally yet)
TRUTH – For a massive selection of Esky Flavor (a Maui Made favorite!) hats, (and possibly some shave ice), check out Toby’s Shave Ice!
TRUTH- The tiny shops (where Pakaloha Bikinis and a few other shops where) have definitely been torn down. Rumor that a more permanent building will be going in.
TRUTH – Sad to say, got the official email today that EVE BLACK HAWAII has lost the lease to their Paia shop. Home decor items will be on sale, and their last day will be Friday, May 9th.
RUMOR – The vacant space next to Milagros is also in the works to be under construction at some point. (Who didn’t see this coming? Its prime real estate!)
RUMOR- Paia Pharmacy is indeed gone, and rumored to be another gift shop (anyone know any details?).
TRUTH – After months of hearing ‘next month’ – bakery fanatics will now be pleased to hear that Moana Bakery should indeed be opening – next month. Construction is taking place on the vacant location, next to Dazoo, but fans of fresh cookies and cakes and pastries of all sorts should fear not – an awesome selection of goodies is available daily at Dazoo. They also take special orders! The other TRUTH in this section is that the parking lot adjacent to Pearl and Dazoo (and a handful of other spaces in that building) – has turned into yet another ‘PAY TO PARK’ lot.
TRUTH – Mana Foods unveiled a totally redesigned DELI section today, and the rumor from the deli section employee today? The new section has more ‘serve yourself’ deli favorites. Just wait to see what happens tomorrow! We can hardly wait.
RUMOR – Rumor is that a currently operating operation will be operating an additional operation in the former Haz Beans.
And if you are still reading this far down, you must really love Paia town too – Please leave a comment with your favorite shop and/or restaurant, and if you know the TRUTHS to any of these rumors – please email me at lizsmithonmaui (at) yahoo (dot) com
Oh, and take a moment to vote on this highly scientific poll while you are here…
Maui Made 
Comments on: "Paia Town – Truths vs Rumors" (6)
Love this! I am so out of the scene- I didn’t know half of what you were referring too! I need to get out to Paia more!
When I moved, after 40 years on the Big Island, to Maui I was sad to leave the little funky town of Pahoa behind. But, lo and behold, there’s a twin…Paia! It has the same country charm and an eclectic vibe to it and I’m so happy to hear that it is indeed thriving. I am thrilled a new coffee shop is coming to town. I can’t wait to check out all the new goings on. Mahalo for keeping us in the loop.
this is perfect for all of us paia junkies. put all the deets in one place. A+ for Paia Bay Coffee too.
Once you’ve discovered Paia Bay Coffee you’ll want to go back again and again. The staff, customers, and atmosphere are awesome. Good people, gathering in a quaint space, to enjoy some good food & drinks. Best to go in the afternoon as they are super busy in the mornings.
What about that construction site behind Charley’s parking lot, off Luna Lane? What are they going to build over there?
I spoke to a person working in the old pharmacy building and he said it is going to be Makai Glassworks – the same folks with a glass studio in Makawao. And also, Paia Contemporary Gallery has left – I am very sad about that! I’ve heard a rumor about new tenant – we’ll wait and see.
And yes, great post!