ttt for any new advice.

OK, I'll bite.

Be careful of leaving things in your car in the parking lot in Paia, same as anywhere else.

We had no bad experience, but I've read of a few here. We DID observe an obvious dilapidated old car turned 'home' with someone in it on the property abutting the parking lot ( I mean CLOSE! ).

Hike to Charles Lindberg's grave for me, as we didn't have time to do this.

Also, if you see Oprah, say 'Hi' for me!LOL!

OSB, what about Clint Eastwood? Shall I say hello to him for you as well?

Is HE there too!!!!!! Drooling now!!!!

Hey, if I could get him to meet us, I KNOW for a fact DH would return to Hawaii! He watches GB&U over and over - probably his favorite movie (of course, we've seen all of his)!

I have spent four weeks in Paia over the last few years, so here is my two cents:

I will second the recommendation for Mana Foods- a great natural food market with lots of gourmet items as well.

Nagata is the place to buy fresh fish- the store itself looks old and dusty but they bring fresh fish in every day and it is excellent. You can get freshly cut tuna sashimi to go- yum.

I must confess that I have never been that impressed by the Paia Fish Market- it is okay but not amazing.

However, on my last trip (2 years ago- wahhh!) I was blown away by the food at the Sand Bar. I ate lunch there almost every day. They had amazing spring rolls crisply fried with fresh ahi tuna in the middle that stayed rare, with a fabulous dipping sauce that I still dream about. Their fish tacos and grilled fish plate were also stellar. Just high quality and a good deal. We are going back this summer and I hope they are still there so I can get my fix of those spring rolls.

iceeu2- We splurged on Mama's Fish House one time. It was a fabulous meal with great food, service, view, etc., but SOOO expensive. I don't think you should regret giving it a miss. With such amazing fresh fish for sale, we are happy to grill our own.

Another place in Paia that we like is Jacques, although it is a bit "trendy". A pretty place to hang out during the day.

Hailiimaile General Store was excellent, pretty, and a very nice experience. Worth it!

Thanks for your input BlueSwimmer. Only 46 more days and we will be in Heavenly Hana! I'm going to buy shorts next weekend so I really will have the itchy britches then!!!!

Have a great trip! I am jealous!

Haven't seen anyone mention this yet, so I'll toss in a suggestion for all Hana Highway drivers -- take the Keanae cutoff and buy a loaf or two of banana bread. Small loves, freshly baked, loaded bananas (no nuts), and yummy.

Last trip, we had to wait a few minutes for the batch to come out of the oven. Went great with our morning coffee the next day! 8-)

auntie, how far out of the way is this? Yum, sounds like a great breakfast?

Did you see the family on the side of the road that prepares meals while you were there this time?

Sorry, no more SandBar

Fresh hot banana bread. Sounds wonderful! We will be in Heavenly Hana in only lucky 13 more days!

here_today-

Oh no! No more Sand Bar! I am so sad! According to my Google search, a brick oven pizza place has taken over the location.

Thank goodness we got the recipe for the ginger mustard dipping sauce last time we were there. :)