my contractor had the painters start before the cabinets were installed, but the final paint was not done until after cabs were in (but before appliances and counters are in). I don't know if that was the "right" way or just the most convenient way, but it definitely seems to have worked out well.

Carpenters like to make a number of marks on the walls when they're installing the wall units and shelves -- I'd wait for the final paint until after the cabs are completely installed. Finish painters are used to working around cabinets and this isn't a big deal for them -- the ones I know prefer it that way, so that they don't have to keep coming back and touching up.

I DIYd the painting, so I did it before installation of cabinets. With bare walls it was a snap to get paint on the wall with no taping, masking, etc. I knew that I would have to do touch up after everything was finished. There is minimal touch up to do now. I didn't trust myself to not get paint allover my new cabinets and granite!

I would suggest priming and doing the first coat before cabinet installation. Then doing the second coat after cabinet installation. That way, you only have to be neat and cut in around the cabinets once.

We did as Cindy did...Painted ourselves and were very glad to do a quick and easy job without having to work around finished materials. The couple of nicks on the wall we had during cabinet installation will be easy to touch up. I also like gardenburgher's suggestion, depending on paint coverage and color. (Don't want to be able to tell the difference between the first and second coat right around the cabinets)