From breathtaking golden sunsets and secret snorkeling reefs, epic hiking, dining and more! Palmers' Maui was Written with a genuine love of the island by Steve and Sarah Palmer.
Curated
Beaches & Coves
Local Favorites
Dining & Hiking
Adventures
Reefs & Whales
Latest Status
Lahaina Renewal
Palmers' Maui is an interactive travel companion crafted for anyone planning their dream getaway or looking to discover Maui beyond typical tourist brochures. Distilling years of personal family visits, this guide brings you the island’s finest hikes, crystal-clear snorkeling spots, mouthwatering oceanfront dining, and serene sunset vistas.
Curated spots across West Maui, South Maui, and Hana.
Parking secrets, best times to visit, and gear advice.
High-definition photography and clear directions.
Kid-friendly and multi-generational approved itineraries.
Dive into our favorite categories and chapters featured in "Palmers' Maui", highlighting the unforgettable essence of island life.
From the golden sands of Kaanapali and tranquil bays of Kapalua to the expansive surf of Makena (Big Beach), discover the premier coastal spots for swimming and sunbathing.
Experience Maui’s diverse food scene—from fresh line-caught fish to local food trucks and unforgettable oceanfront sunset dinners.
Trek into the other-worldly crater of Haleakala National Park, wander through bamboo forests along the Pipiwai Trail, and discover cascading rainforest waterfalls.
Swim with green sea turtles (*Honu*), explore the marine sanctuaries of Honolua Bay and Molokini Crater, and discover the top reef-safe spots for all skill levels.
Watch majestic humpback whales breach the Auau Channel, navigate the iconic 620 hairpin turns on the Road to Hana, zipline above lush canopies, or try paddleboarding.
Nothing compares to golden hour on Maui. Learn the best viewpoints along Front Street, Wailea Boardwalk, and the summit of Haleakala for catching the elusive green flash.
“Lahaina Luna, high above the town, watching over the quiet streets... a place that lives forever in the hearts of those who loved her.”
Cherished Memories, Family Milestones, and Enduring Hope for the town of Lahaina the people who called it home.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Maui. When we heard the news about the Lahaina fire, we were devastated. Our family travels to Maui every few years, the island always fills us with a profound sense of calm, and without fail, every journey drew us to Lahaina. We loved hanging out on Front Street, sipping cocktails on the open lanais while watching the humpback whales breach offshore, and always making a point to walk beneath the majestic canopy of the Banyan Tree. Whenever we had a milestone to celebrate—a wedding, an anniversary, or our own honeymoon—we celebrated it at Kimo’s, and we filled our home with original art brought back from the local Front Street galleries.
Our last trip to Maui was especially unforgettable, marked by so many meaningful firsts: our son’s very first trip in an airplane, his first journey outside the continental United States, and it was the first time we traveled to Maui together with my wife’s parents. Watching our son stand in wide-eyed awe of the Banyan Tree, and his amazement at the size of the humpbacks we saw on a whale watching trip that left from Lahaina Harbor are memories we will cherish forever. We are deeply thankful that the Banyan tree survived - a resilient living testiment to the spirit of hope. That trip took place just a few months before the fire, and we are profoundly grateful that our son had the opportunity to experience the same Lahaina we fell in love with.
Again, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Maui who lost far more than we can ever know. Although we miss Lahaina deeply, it was not our home, it was not our livelihood. All that we (the authors of this book) lost was a fun place where a lot of meaningful memories were made, we did not lose literally everything like the people of Lahaina did and a lot of them can use your support. As Lahaina rebuilds, we know it will never be quite the same, we remain hopeful that it will once again become an amazing place to live & thrive where great memories are made for generations to come.
Long before Front Street was lined with wooden boardwalks and art galleries, West Maui was known as Lele—the place of the relentless sun. In the early 19th century, King Kamehameha I established Lahaina as the capital of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom. Here, Queen Keōpūolani and royal residences sat beside sacred wetlands beneath the shadow of the West Maui Mountains (*Kāhana*).
Planted on April 24, 1873, by Sheriff William Owen Smith, the Banyan Tree grew from an 8-foot sapling into a quarter-acre living canopy spanning 16 major trunks. Following the severe fire damage of August 2023, dedicated arborists, community volunteers, and botanists applied deep watering and soil aerators. Today, flourishing green shoots and a thriving canopy stand as a living symbol of hope for all of Maui.
“E pūpū kahi i holomua” — Unite to move forward. Explore the key milestones and return of iconic community staples as Lahaina honors its past and builds a resilient future.
In a monumental milestone for West Maui, Front Street has officially reopened to vehicular traffic following extensive environmental remediation, seawall reinforcement, and sidewalk reconstruction. Commercial rebuilding along Front Street remains stalled as business owners await official building permits.
Featuring 17 modular retail suites and 8 local food trucks at the former Outlets of Maui site, providing displaced merchants and artisans a vibrant temporary home to serve customers.
T S Restaurants announced a landmark agreement to establish a new flagship for Kimo’s Maui at 730 Front Street inside the restored historic Chan Wa Building, with future waterfront planning underway.
Three years after the devastating August 2023 wildfires, Lahaina's residential rebuild is gaining momentum with nearly 600 completed housing units and 400 more under construction - over 1,000 people still displaced and living in temporary housing.
As Maui welcomes visitors, travelers have a special role to play in the emotional and economic revitalization of local communities.
Shop at the ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, dine at family-owned food trucks, hire local guides, and buy original Hawaiian art. Keeping your tourism dollars local directly empowers recovering families.
Shop Local FirstHonor memorial markers, designated quiet zones, and active construction areas. Always ask before photographing people or restoration efforts and tread with gentle reverence.
Honor Cultural HeritageConsider volunteering a morning during your stay. From native tree planting to beach cleanups and community relief support, giving back deepens your connection to the island.
Volunteer Opportunities
Steve and Sarah Palmer have a passion for traveling and exploring the diverse beauty of cultures around the world. Of all the places they have visited, Maui has always held a truly special place in their hearts—becoming their go-to destination for family milestones, honeymoons, and peaceful retreats.
Driven by their deep love for the Valley Isle, they created "Palmers' Maui" to share authentic, firsthand recommendations with fellow travelers. Through their interactive guide, they hope to help families, couples, and adventurers forge lifelong memories while honoring the true spirit of Aloha.
Have a question about your upcoming trip to Maui or feedback on the book? Drop us a line below and we’ll get back to you with aloha!
