Centuries-old lava rock arch in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park collapses into ocean following Hurricane Nolo
The Hōlei Sea Arch stood 90 feet high and extended into the Pacific Ocean. Ancient lava flows created the sea arch 550 years ago, the national park said.
Before and after collapse of iconic Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
The Hōlei Sea Arch stood for more than 550 years and was formed from lava rock. The arch sustained numerous cracks and damage over the years, and collapsed sometime between Sept. 23 and Sept. 27, 2026, during Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's closure for Hurricane Nolo.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Hōlei Sea Arch collapsed into the Pacific sometime between Sept. 23 and Sept. 27.
- The arch had sustained damage in past years due to tropical systems and volcanic activity.
- Visitors are told to stay out of closed areas and away from cliff edges which are unstable and could collapse without warning.
The iconic Hōlei Sea Arch, which stood for more than 500 years in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, collapsed into the Pacific during what has been a tumultuous hurricane season for Hawaii.
According to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the famous lava rock arch was still standing on Sept. 23 before the national park closed ahead of Hurricane Nolo's impacts near the Big Island, but by Sunday, Sept. 27, when the park reopened, the arch collapsed.
The Hōlei Sea Arch before its collapse in July 2022. (NPS Photo/J.Wei / FOX Weather)
The Hōlei Sea Arch stood 90 feet high and extended into the Pacific Ocean. Ancient lava flows created the sea arch 550 years ago, the national park said.
Photos shared by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park show the arch prior to its collapse in 2022, versus the changed coastline after the arch disappeared.
Photo after the Hōlei Sea Arch collapsed on Sept. 30, 2026. (NPS Photo/J.Wei / FOX Weather)
The coastline on either side of Hōlei Sea Arch has shown signs of instability for years, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park said.
In 2018, Kilauea erupted, and a new summit crate formed, causing damage to the cliffs near the arch.
Two years later, in January 2020, new cracks and instability prompted the national park to close the original viewing area near the arch.
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A few months later, the national park opened a safer viewing area further back from the dangerous part of the coastline.
Cracks and damage to the the Hōlei Sea Arch in 2018 after the Kilauea eruption and summit crater formation. (NPS Photo / FOX Weather)
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Later in 2020, Tropical Storm Darby caused further damage, breaking off a chunk of rock on the lower part of the arch, the national park said.
Recent photos circulating on social media have shown people entering the closed-off portion of the park near where the sea arch stood.
"Visitors are required to stay out of closed areas and away from cliff edges which are unstable and can collapse without warning," Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park said.
The Hōlei Sea Arch on Jan. 3, 2024. (NPS Photo/J.Wei / FOX Weather)
Those entering closed areas are putting themselves and first responders at great risk of falling and drowning off the rough, wave-swept coast, the national park said.
Hawaii has seen impacts from several different tropical systems this hurricane season, as well as at least eight different Kilauea volcanic eruptions since May and plenty more earthquakes on the Big Island around the volcano site.