Surreal Mono Lake Landscapes

East of Yosemite N.P. and not far from the town of Lee Vining is the singular Mono Lake. Not commonly will you find a place with such fascinating formations and I'd say this is a definitely must for any bucket list (especially if you'll be passing by Lake Tahoe and Yosemite anyway).

The Grandeur of Yosemite N.P.

Yosemite National Park certainly stands out as one of the preeminent national parks in the United States. With gushing waterfalls, spectacular valleys and mountains and an abundance of wildlife, we were particularly excited to be visiting at a time when the waterfalls were in full bloom as evidenced even at a creek near Lake Tahoe. In fact, we were exceptionally lucky to have chosen that weekend to travel as Tioga pass highway had just opened for the season the day before. Here, we are entering the Yosemite area heading westward from the east entrance.

A Tale of Three Lakes - Tahoe, Fallen Leaf & Lily

Spring is a gorgeous time of year and its readily apparent in the beauty of the Lake Tahoe and Yosemite area. I had a chance to visit during mid-May this year just when the snow was melting and the waterfalls overflowing in an abundance of water. Lake Tahoe had a gorgeous emerald color and the town was transitioning for the summer season.

Breathtaking Napali Coast Cruise on the Southern Star

For our last night in Kauai, we decided to take Captain Andy's Southern Star cruise up the amazing Napali Coast. The cruise begins from Port Allen near Hanapepe on the southern side of the island so if you're coming from the north end (Princeville or Hanalei) or from the Westin Princeville like me, leave at least one and a half hours to get down to the port area.

Kauai Scenery in Poipu and Kapa'a

After a gorgeous morning in Hanalei, the entertainment for the evening was a Hawaiian luau on Kauai's south shore on the beautiful beach of Poipu. We left Hanalei Bay/Princeville mid-afternoon and drove along Kuhio Hwy & Kaumualii Hwy down to the Poipu beach area. Enroute, we passed through the mesmerizing Tunnel of Trees made of eucalyptus trees planted over 100 years ago.

Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park

Located on the western side of the island of Kauai is the incredible 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' as described by Mark Twain. The drive into the park was rather peaceful with very few cars in sight on the way up on this pleasant May afternoon. The drive from the Westin Princeville was fairly long (about 2 hours) so budget enough time to get there and back if you're living in the north end of the island.

St Regis Princeville & Hanalei Bay

Located on the north shore of Kauai are the towns of Princeville and Hanalei. Together, they provide a breathtaking view, one of the most formidable I've ever seen. The St Regis Princeville, a Starwood Category 7 property just down the road from the Westin Princeville, sits high up overlooking Hanalei Bay.