EAST MAUI: THE ROAD TO HANA - Maui: Including Molokai and Lanai - page 452

on Nonohe Place off Hana Highway, followed by a right on Pa'ani Place, and a quick left
onto Kealakai Place. On the far eastern end of Baldwin (the side closest to Pa'ia), a small
trail leads around the point and connects with a hidden beach that's next to Pa'ia Bay. This
little-known stretch of sand is often occupied by sun-worshipping nudists, affable hippies,
and locals passing around the pakalolo . If you visit during the afternoon and the wind is
howling, the cove on the far eastern end of Baldwin is protected from the wind and offers
calm swimming during most of the year.
Not everything here is idyllic. The parking lot can attract unsavory characters. Don't
leave any valuables in your car. Respect the warning signs that lifeguards have posted. Al-
though there are plans for restrooms in the near future, green port-a-potties are the lone
facilities.
Pa'ia Bay
The closest beach to the center of town, Pa'ia Bay is as active as Baldwin is calm, with a
basketball court in a small park area and overflow parking for the town. The skate park at
the Pa'ia Youth Center teems with area youth. Bodyboarders and surfers flock here for the
waves and a number of downhill bike companies finish tours here after descending 6,500
feet down the mountainside. There are restrooms, a beach shower, and an ever-changing
cast of entertaining and colorful characters.
Kuau Cove
The scenic backdrop for Mama's Fish House, where most visitors take an obligatory sunset
photo, is this public beach. This small cove has a smattering of sand and an intriguing sys-
tem of tidepools great for exploring with small children. The beach shrinks at high tide,
so low tide is the best for poring over the rocks to take a peek at all the slippery critters.
There are a few parking spots near Mama's Fish House; the spaces with blue cones are
designated as beach parking.