Paia, Maui - A Mecca for Watersports Enthusiasts!

Paia has been shaped by many influences, from its roots as a sugar plantation town starting in the 1880's, to the influx of hippies in the 1960's, and being put on the international map as the 'windsurfing capital of the world' in the 1980's when Ho'okipa Beach became the sport's top spot.  Paia was hopping, especially during the once regular competitions, such as the Aloha Classic, when windsurfers and fans alike would head to the popular bar of the time (Wunderbar, anyone?) for a chance to stand near the best windsurfers in the world.  Windsurfing has diminished a bit in recent years, but Paia is no less crowded with watersports men and women.  In the past 5 years, surfers and kitesurfers alike have also laid claim to the waves at Ho'okipa, and now stand-up paddlers can also be seen at this popular beach.  
Photo: Robbie Naish at Ho'okipa circa 1989.

Paia's Famous Surf Shops!
Paia is now home to no less than 5 surf shops, each with its own specialties and vibe.

HANA HWY SURF

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Hana Hwy Surf opened in Paia ten years ago, when owners Jud (photographed above, surfing his own Lau Lau board)& Kelly Lau started the business because of their love of surfing.  "We strive to be the greenest and the most "core" surf shop.  Hana Hwy Surf is one of the only businesses in Paia owned by someone born on Maui.  We are also the only surf shop you can walk in to and talk to a real surfboard shaper."

HOT RETAIL ITEMS: Hana Hwy Surf carries Volcom, Hurley, Reef, Da Kine, Kaenon, Pualani, Manini Gangini Bikinis, Pashey Designz, Lau Lau Surfboards, tons of t-shirts and much more.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT: Surfboards, bodyboards, and snorkel gear.

SIMMER HAWAII

Simmer Hawaii has been on Maui since 1981, and Paia-based since 1996. Simmer Hawaii has evolved into a hip beach lifestyle surf and windsurf boutique. With their roots in the windsurfing world, Simmer Hawaii has an authentic and unique mix of water gear, clothing, and accessories.

HOT RETAIL ITEMS: Many products found at Simmer Hawaii are from industry leaders such as Patagonia, Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Lucky Brand, UGG, Dakine and more. "We also go to great lengths to find the best products from smaller, less mainstream brands. Clothiers who offer cut and sew garments made from top quality materials and beautiful design, such as green dragon, om girl, pompei swim, and idylle clothing. We also have jewelry designs that are unique and striking often in their simplicity from both local and int'l artists alike, Talia Gangini, Amy Grace Dogearred and more."

RENTAL EQUIPMENT: High performance windsurfing equipment and entry level surfboards.

LIGHTNING BOLT

Lightning Bolt Surfboards was started in 1972 in Honolulu by Gerry Lopez and Jack Shipley.  According to Jerry it was just a stupid name they came up with but it made a nice symbol on the deck of a surfboard. A lot more than a nice symbol: this was when Gerry Lopez and Rory Russell were ruling Pipeline on Lightning Bolt surfboards. Also in the Summer of 1972, Jack's friend Nino Baltar went to Maui and started the Lightning Bolt Maui store, as Maui's first surf shop, in Kahului. In 1974 Gerry Lopez moved over from Oahu and took overLightning Bolt Maui, which moved to Paia last year. "We carry a wide range of equipment, supplies, and clothing for all your surfing needs. Join us for a different surf flick every week at Movie Night on Fridays!"
RENTAL EQUIPMENT: Surfboards and Stand-Up Paddle Boards.

HI-TECH

Hi-Tech started on Baldwin Avenue in 1982 right across the street from it's current location. It started as a board outlet for the Hi-Tech Sailboard factory in Haiku's Pauwela Cannery. The windsurfing business eventually moved to Hi-Tech's main store in Kahului, and left a Hi-Tech store in Paia with a lot of local character. Twenty years of Hi-Tech shop ads cover the walls.

HOT RETAIL ITEMS: Hi-Tech has a great selection of its' own T-shirts as well as clothing from companies like Billabong, Quiksilver, Volcom, Hurley, and O'Neill. Hi-Tech also has the largest selection of used surfboards in Paia.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT: Surfboard and bodyboards.

SAILBOARDS MAUI

Sailboards Maui is the historical name of the first windsurfing shop in Maui and the initiator of the windsurfing custom boards and the wave sailing lifestyle. Created in the late 70s by partners Mike Waltze, Fred Haywood and Bill King, Sailboards Maui's business plan was to bring windsurfing to Maui.  Together, they sponsored the first ever wave contest in windsurfing history called the Maui Grand Prix. After Sailboards Maui's success, the word was out, and Maui became a windsurfing mecca and custom boards became a must for wave riding and jumping. After 11 years of shaping surf boards in Santa Cruz, California, Dave Mel joined Sailboards Maui in the middle 80s.  A few years later, Dave was to become the heart and soul of Sailboards Maui.  In 1990, Dave became the sole proprietor, thus assuring Sailboards Maui's continuing role as a leader in the custom sailboard market.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT: Surfboards and bodyboards.

Shop like a surfer!
Even if you don't surf, you can still check out these awesome finds!

For more details contact lizsmithPR@yahoo.com

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