About the Organization
Preserves and interprets old capital of Hawaiian Kingdom. Operates historic sites including Baldwin Home Museum and documents whaling era that shaped Maui's economy.
Founded in 1962, the Lahaina Restoration Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Lahaina, the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Located on the west side of Maui, Lahaina was a center of the Hawaiian monarchy and later a hub of the Pacific whaling industry, and the Foundation has long worked to protect the historic sites that tell those stories.
Preservation and Historic Sites
The Foundation has historically cared for and interpreted a number of Lahaina's most significant landmarks, including the Baldwin Home Museum, one of the oldest surviving Western-style houses on Maui. In August 2023, a devastating wildfire swept through Lahaina, destroying much of the historic town, including many of the wooden structures the Foundation stewarded. Since then, the organization has been part of community efforts to document what was lost and to support the long-term recovery and restoration of Lahaina's cultural heritage.
Planning Your Visit
Because Lahaina is recovering from the 2023 wildfire, access to historic sites and museums in the area has changed significantly, and many sites may be closed or limited. Visitors planning a trip are strongly encouraged to confirm current conditions, access, and which sites are open before traveling. The Foundation has historically been based at 120 Dickenson Street in Lahaina, Hawaii.
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