8 Best Sights in East Maui, Maui

If you enjoy hiking, go up the stream from the Pools of Oheo on the 2-mile hike to Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail. The trail crosses a spectacular gorge, then turns into a boardwalk that takes you through an amazing bamboo forest. The hike also includes a giant banyan tree, views of Makahiku Falls, and forests of tropical plant life. After returning from your hike you can pitch a tent in the grassy campground down by the sea if you've made reservations in advance.

Many people travel the mile past Oheo Gulch to see the grave of Charles Lindbergh. The world-renowned aviator chose to be buried here because he and his wife, writer Anne Morrow Lindbergh, spent a lot of time living in the area in a home they'd built. He was buried here in 1974, next to Palapala Hoomau Congregational Church. The simple one-room church sits on a bluff over the sea, with the small graveyard on the ocean side and gorgeous views. Since this is a churchyard, be considerate and leave everything exactly as you found it. Next to the churchyard on the ocean side is a small county park, a good place for a peaceful picnic.

The Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park, also known as the backside of Haleakala, is rich with greenery, waterfalls, ocean vistas, ancient archaeological sites, and a variety of hikes. Camping is also an option at the park via an online reservation system; just make sure to stock up on provisions. A single private vehicle costs $30 for a three-day park entrance permit; without a vehicle is $15 per person. Once in the park, the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls is a challenging 4-mile hike, while the Kuloa Point Trail and Kahakai Trails offer easier, 1/2-mile trails.

Originally constructed by Christian missionaries and their Hawaiian followers in 1859, the church has weathered earthquakes and storms, though it has needed major repair projects approximately every 30 years, beginning in the 1940s. The commitment to care for and restore the church, from both Kaupo residents and other visitors who fall in love with it, is just as beautiful as the two-foot-thick white rock walls that hold it up. The church is still used on occasions such as holidays, with one Sunday service per month, and the occasional wedding. Visitors often stop here for a picnic with gorgeous views, as the church sits oceanside.

Also called Piilani Highway, this road winds through what locals say is one of the last parts of real Maui. It goes all the way around Haleakala's back side through Ulupalakua Ranch and into Kula. The desert-like area, with its grand vistas, is unlike anything else on the Island. This road has a reputation for being treacherous, and while narrow sections and steep cliffs can be intimidating for some drivers, recent road improvements have made this a much smoother ride.

Some car-rental agencies call the area off-limits for their passenger cars, and they won't come to your rescue if you need emergency assistance. However, four-wheel drive isn't necessary.

The small communities around East Maui cling tenuously to the old ways—please be respectful of that if you do pass this way. Between Kipahulu and Kula may be a mere 38 miles, but the twisty road makes the drive take up to two hours. If you must drive this road at night, keep an eye out for free-range cattle crossing your path.

Fill up on gas and food before departing, as the only stop out here is Kaupo General Store, which hawks a few pricey necessities.

The shoreline on this little peninsula is full of black sand and stones, but the rough waters make this an unsafe place for swimming. Instead, enjoy the views, watch a few local fishermen fight for their catch, and try to spot one of the Hawaiian monk seals that occasionally bask here (be sure to keep your distance from them). Amenities: none. Best for: hiking.

One branch of Haleakala National Park runs down the mountain from the crater and reaches the sea here, 12 miles past Hana at mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway, where a basalt-lined stream cascades from one pool to the next. Some tour guides still incorrectly call this area Seven Sacred Pools, but in truth there are more than seven, and they've never been considered sacred.

While you may be tempted to take a dip, know that the pools are often closed because of landslides and flash flooding. If you see a closure notice, take it seriously, as people have died here.

The place gets crowded, as most people who drive the Hana Highway make this their last stop. It's best to get here early to soak up the solace of these waterfalls. The $30 entrance fee per car is good for three days and includes entry to Haleakala's Summit District.