Paia (pronounced pa-ee-uh) is a fun little town on the north side of Maui – sort of a cross between New Age and Hippie. Very popular with both locals and visitors, Paia has a number of small restaurants and Cafe Mambo is one of our favorites. It’s easy to find – there are only two main streets in Paia. Located at 30 Baldwin Avenue, Cafe Mambo is a short walk from the town’s one and only stop light.

Cafe Mambo (in Paia and now NEW YORK!) boasts “the second best burger on Maui.” To me, their Kalua Pig Burger would be number one anywhere. Kathy loves the fresh fish island burger without the cheese. The fajita plate is huge (and delicious). Nice beer on tap too. We haven’t tried everything, but everything looks great.

Family oriented – including high-chairs for the little ones. Check out the unisex bathroom even if you don’t need it – not another like it in the known universe.

A word to the wise: parking is tricky in Paia. On street parking is a matter of luck. There are two free public parking lots – one as you enter town and another on Baldwin Avenue not far from Cafe Mambo but on the opposite side of the street. Nothing in Paia is far from anything else.

While you’re in Paia, check out the surfers and/or wind surfers at Ho’okipa a few miles down the Hana Highway.