Story by Heidi Pool
Cross a renowned architect and designer with a somewhat run-down, plantation-era building and what do you get? Pa‘ia Inn, a trendy new boutique hotel on Maui’s North Shore. Built in the 1920s, the structure had undergone a series of transformations before last year’s striking renovation.
“My challenge was to create a stylish, hip hotel while maintaining the structure’s character and historical aspects,” says Michael Baskin, the inn’s architect, owner and operator.
Downstairs, a clothing store and an art gallery face busy Hana Highway; you enter the lobby from the rear of the inn to reach the guest rooms upstairs. Baskin kept the original configuration of the interior walls, so guest rooms are small, but there’s a spacious common area, and the overall effect is a European-style ambiance.
The inn’s location appeals to those looking to immerse themselves in local life. A bevy of shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants lies within walking distance, and Ho‘okipa, the world-famous windsurfing spot, is just down the road. The inn’s beach access is via the adjacent Maui Beachcomber, a vacation cottage also owned by Baskin. Engaged couples take note: the cottage is ideal for honeymooners, and the inn can accommodate a wedding party of twelve.
Pa‘ia Inn is at the heart of the community in more ways than one. A portion of its profits is donated to local charities, and the inn made the short list of Maui accommodations on environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com, a website dedicated to the greening of the hospitality industry.
Pa‘ia Inn Hotel: 93 Hana Hwy., 579-6000, www.paiainn.com.
