Hawaii's 550-Year-Old Hōlei Sea Arch Collapses Into Pacific Ocean

Hawaii's Hōlei Sea Arch, a towering lava-rock formation that had stood along the Big Island's coastline for approximately 550 years, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. The 90-foot natural landmark, located at the end of Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, was one of the most photographed formations in the park.

The National Park Service confirmed on September 30 that the arch had collapsed. The structure was still visible on September 23, but disappeared by the night of September 27. The exact timing of the collapse remains unknown, though it may have occurred while the area was closed during Tropical Storm Nolo over the weekend.

The NPS had warned in 2021 that the arch would eventually crumble due to natural erosion. Its sudden disappearance has prompted visitors and social media users to reflect on how quickly centuries-old natural formations can change.