Hawaii’s 550-year-old Hōlei Sea Arch collapses into ocean

Hawaii’s famous Hōlei Sea Arch has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean after centuries of waves gradually eroded the natural landmark.

The 90-foot arch stood along the coastline of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, where it was carved from a lava flow dating around 550 years ago.

Landmark’s collapse was long expected

The National Park Service confirmed Hōlei Sea Arch was still standing on September 23, but had disappeared by September 27.

Exactly when the structure collapsed remains unknown. The park was temporarily closed during Tropical Storm Nolo, and officials said the collapse could have occurred while visitors were away.

Its eventual demise had been expected for years.

Hōlei was formed through differential erosion, with waves gradually removing weaker rock and exploiting cracks in the ancient lava flow. The US Geological Survey warned more than a decade ago that the Pacific was eroding the arch every day and that it would eventually disappear.

The US Department of the Interior confirmed the Arch’s collapse in an October 2 post on X.

Its condition had also deteriorated more recently. Earthquakes during Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption and summit collapse damaged nearby cliffs, while further cracks and instability forced the park to close the original viewing area in January 2020.

While Hōlei itself is now gone, the same forces responsible for creating it continue to reshape Hawaii’s coastline. The National Park Service explains that sea arches are temporary formations, with waves eventually causing their remaining rock bridges to collapse as cliffs gradually retreat inland.

Park officials are now warning visitors not to approach the site after photos showed people entering the closed area where Hōlei once stood.

The surrounding cliffs remain unstable and can collapse without warning, with the park cautioning that anyone entering the area risks falling into the rough waters below.