Collapse of Holei Sea Arch on Hawaii’s Big Island

The Holei Sea Arch, a well-known landmark on Hawaii’s Big Island located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has collapsed. Originally standing around 90 feet high, the arch succumbed to natural forces sometime between September 23 and September 27, coinciding with a temporary park closure due to Tropical Storm Nolo.

The National Park Service shared that the exact timing of the collapse remains unclear and may have happened during the storm’s impact. Tropical Storm Nolo, with winds reaching up to 155 mph, passed by, bringing heavy rain and gusts that battered the region last week. The Trump administration approved an emergency declaration to assist Hawaii, providing federal resources for recovery efforts.

In August, Hawaii faced Tropical Storm Lala, which caused severe damage, including the destruction of nearly 100 homes and widespread power failures. Although the fall of the Holei Sea Arch was anticipated due to its transitory nature, the change marks another shift in the park’s rugged coastal landscape.

The National Park Service emphasized that while the arch was a beautiful natural formation, it had a limited lifespan. Officials advised visitors to avoid the site due to its instability and significant risk of accidents. Photos have surfaced showing individuals entering the restricted area, increasing hazards for themselves and emergency personnel.

Having formed approximately 550 years ago, the Holei Sea Arch derived its name from a native plant belonging to the milkweed family. As a popular tourist destination, its recent disappearance serves as a reminder of the continual evolution of natural landscapes.

“This formation is beautiful, but temporary, and has a limited life span,” said the National Park Service.

Park authorities continue to caution people against venturing close to the location where the arch once stood, urging respect for nature’s unpredictable course.