A notable natural landmark on Hawaii’s Big Island has disappeared after collapsing into the sea. The Hōlei Sea Arch, a 90-foot-tall structure composed of lava rock that formed roughly 550 years ago, was confirmed destroyed by the National Park Service. The formation was visible from the coast near Volcanoes National Park on September 23 but had vanished by September 27. Park officials believe the collapse occurred during a period when the facility was temporarily closed due to Tropical Storm Nolo.
The arch’s deterioration had been anticipated for several years. The National Park Service issued a warning in 2021 that the formation would eventually fail due to ongoing instability along the coastline. Seismic activity from the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption and subsequent summit collapse had previously caused damage to nearby cliffs. Additionally, tropical storm activity in later months had broken off pieces of rock from the arch’s lower sections.
The location, situated at the end of Chain of Craters Road, had served as a heavily visited tourist destination known for its dramatic seaside views and photogenic qualities. Following safety concerns that emerged in January 2020, the park service closed the original viewing area and established a new observation point at a greater distance from the structure. Officials noted that while the arch’s loss marks a significant transformation of the remote coastline, the natural process of coastal erosion would likely generate replacement formations as the cliff line gradually retreats over time.
The collapse prompted considerable engagement on social media, with visitors sharing photographs and reflections about their experiences at the site, emphasizing the temporary nature of natural formations.
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