Iconic Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawaii Collapses into Pacific Ocean

The Hōlei Sea Arch, a celebrated geological formation in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has fallen into the Pacific Ocean. The 90-foot (27.4-meter) lava rock structure, which had stood for approximately 550 years, was last seen intact on September 23 but was confirmed missing by September 27, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

While the precise moment of collapse remains unknown, the NPS believes the structure likely gave way during Tropical Storm Nolo over the previous weekend. The arch, located at the terminus of Chain of Craters Road on the Big Island, was one of the park’s most photographed attractions.

Officials have long anticipated the arch’s demise. In 2021, the NPS issued a warning that the formation was unstable and would eventually crumble into the sea. Historical damage from the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption and subsequent summit collapse had weakened the surrounding cliffs. By January 2020, new fissures prompted the closure of the original viewing area, leading to the establishment of a safer viewing platform at a distance.

Earlier that year, storm waves had already dislodged a significant portion of the arch’s base. A park service statement from 2021 described the formation as “beautiful, but temporary,” noting that while this specific arch would not survive, the coastline would continue to erode and new formations would arise as the cliffs migrated inland.

The news of the collapse has drawn widespread reaction on social media, with thousands of users sharing memories and photographs. Reflecting on the transient nature of the landmark, one Facebook commenter wrote, “Nothing and no one is here forever… Appreciate the good, the beauty, now.”