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.

A skylight​ is not just a view to the world above you, but ​a window to the world beneath. In this photo​,​ taken last month on the Puʻu ʻŌʻō crater at Kīlauea​ in Hawaii, a volcanic skylight reveals a river of molten rock, drifting just below the charred surface. It’s a powerful reminder of the forces at work below us. Photo by U.S. Geological Survey.