Overlooking a dramatic view of crashing waves and rugged cliffs, it’s always a surprise how much exhilarating views can put the mind at ease. At Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii, the place offers a beacon of hope for wildlife and people alike. Photographer Ryan Fitzsimons explains “out of all of the places on the Hawaiian islands, the Northern side of Kauai is my favorite. It’s quiet, tropical and beautiful. It’s like stepping into the past with minimal people and lots of great birds and other wildlife.” Sometimes, we all need a bit of a break. Why not go where the waves break? Photo courtesy of Ryan Fitzsimons.

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge’s dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs plunging to the ocean is one of the best places in Hawai’i to view wildlife and take in the amazing island scenery. Home to large populations of nesting seabirds, visitors also have a chance to view spinner dolphins, monk seals, lush coastal plants and Hawai‘i’s state bird – the nēnē or endangered Hawaiian goose. Photo courtesy of Andre Raine, Kaua'i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project.

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii joined the Union. Happy anniversary to the 50th state! 

Photo of Kīlauea Point Lighthouse in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge by Raul Ruiz (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge’s dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs plunging to the ocean is one of the best places on the main Hawaiian Islands to view wildlife, and is also home to some of the largest populations of nesting seabirds found in Hawai'i. Visitors also have a chance to view spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, native Hawaiian coastal plants and Hawai‘i’s state bird - the nēnē or endangered Hawaiian goose.

Photo: Stephanie Sawyer (www.sharetheexperience.org)