Stories
Hawaii's 550-Year-Old Holei Sea Arch Collapses Into Pacific Ocean
- •Hawaii's iconic Hōlei Sea Arch, a 550-year-old lava-rock formation, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean.
- •The 90-foot natural arch, located in Hawaiʱi Volcanoes National Park, was last seen on September 23 and disappeared by September 27.
- •The collapse is believed to have occurred during Tropical Storm Nolo, which led to the temporary closure of the park.
- •Signs of instability, including damage from the 2018 Kīlauea volcanic eruption and tropical storms, had been evident for years.
- •The Hōlei Sea Arch was a popular tourist attraction and a favorite spot for photographers, with many sharing memories online.
Key Questions Answered
The 90-foot Hōlei Sea Arch collapsed into the Pacific Ocean after years of erosion, wave action, and structural deterioration. The formation had also been impacted by earthquakes linked to the 2018 Kīlauea volcanic eruption and a subsequent tropical storm that broke off parts of its base.
The Hōlei Sea Arch was still visible from the coast on September 23 but had completely disappeared by September 27 according to the US National Park Service. It is believed to have collapsed during a temporary park closure caused by Tropical Storm Nolo.
The natural lava-rock formation stood at the end of Chain of Craters Road within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. It was a popular tourist attraction and one of the most photographed landmarks along the remote coastline.
