Thanks for several wonderful experiences! We’ve had couples massage, yoga, surfing lessons and enjoyed their nice café – definitely a place to visit when in Paia! Mahalo!
– Truls L.
Historic Paia Train Depot turned Healthy Cafe and Yoga Center on Maui
In the not so distant past a train traversed some of north Maui’s rugged terrain. The Paia Train Depot was a stopping point for the freight and passenger line which connected Haiku and Kahului. The freight on this train line was pineapple and sugar, but the Paia station also served as an important passenger link from 1884 to 1966. The train had to traverse the Maliko Gulch on a trestle, finally reaching Kahului on the northwest coast with it’s freight and passengers.
Now, this charming historical landmark stands as a center of activity for food, fitness, and fun just minutes from Maui’s famed North Shore beaches. Within the arches of this unique structure the Maui Yoga & Dance Shala and the Island Fresh Cafe welcome locals and visitors from around the world to participate in a variety of yoga & dance classes and trainings or to experience delicious locally sourced meals. The Maui Yoga Shala is a place for feeling and expressing the beauty of the human spirit – a portal for all seekers to connect deeply with their own bodies and each other, and move as their hearts desire. Yoga teacher trainings and retreats are offered year round contributing to the vibrant energy exchange between people from all walks of life interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Owner Nadia Toraman opened the doors to the first location 23 years ago on Maui. Since then her studio has become one of the most established and well recognized centers on Hawaii. The Shala is now a highly popular place for all to come to enjoy top yoga, hip hop, ballet, candlelight classes, belly dance, latin dance, contemporary, and meditation from some of the island’s best instructors. Also featured are Workshops from world-renowned teachers, musical and holiday events, kirtans, and much more. Nadia founded the original Maui Yoga Shala in Paia with the intention to share her passion for Yoga, and that strong passion and love for the practice continues to today.
The Island Fresh Cafe in Paia displays a breezy, tropical setting for outdoor seating as well as cozy indoor seating, both areas featuring murals and hanging art by local artists. There’s plenty of breakfast & lunch options and specialties with many of the ingredients from Maui’s farms and the Shala’s own garden. The Cafe’s featured fresh catch of the day, Hawaiian coffees, smoothies, fresh drinking coconuts, and other treats has became a draw for locals and visitors alike and those who want to venture just up the the road from bustling Paia town. Besides the delicious food offerings, the Cafe routinely offers music events featuring local artists and is available to rent for weddings, birthday parties as well as being a perfect a perfect place to bring your family or group.
The Maui Yoga Shala also houses Paia Massage and Wellness offering various services like Lomi Lomi, in a serene and tranquil studio space with licensed massage therapists. And if you’re ready to catch a wave check out Paia Surf Lessons and book your lesson here. Plus there’s private yoga lessons, hiking and yoga, and excursions, including the road to Hana. There’s numerous yoga and dance classes from early morning into the evening and catering to a wide variety of people of all ages and levels. From holiday makers looking to relax and unwind to top sports people who are here to surf, kiteboard, windsurf and cycle, there is something for everyone. The Yoga Class Schedule includes the popular styles of Vinyasa Flow, Gentle, Beach Yoga, Restorative, Kundalini, and Maui Aloha Yoga.
Our highly rated 200-hr and 300-hr Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher Trainings in Maui, Hawaii happen monthly and attract a large following of practitioners looking to deepen their practice and become teachers. In addition our Yoga Retreats offer are wonderful, rejuvenating and transformative get-aways to connect with the land and sea and enjoy your practice.
You can also find a colorful farm stand at the top of the parking lot. There is an abundance of locally grown offerings displayed and is Paia’s number one farm stand! You’ll find drinking coconuts, fresh flowers like awapuhi, heliconia, red ginger, and bird of paradise. There’s pineapple, mango, papaya, avocado, apple banana, lilikoi, and much more. Don’t forget the banana bread and local honey!
Join our ohana! The Maui Yoga Shala ohana (family) is committed to Aloha ‘aina, the love and nurturing of the natural landscapes of Hawaii and the vision which teaches us to respect ourselves, each other, and our planet. Come to the station, leave your baggage at the door while you move, breathe, and explore your body and soul, and enjoy the ride of your life in greater grace and joy.