Hawaii’s Picturesque Hōlei Sea Arch Collapses Into the Ocean

The Hōlei Sea Arch at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park collapsed sometime between September 23 and 27, officials said. The 90-foot formation was created about 550 years ago when lava flows were gradually carved by Pacific waves. Tropical Storm Nolo may have triggered the final collapse, though erosion, the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, earthquakes, and earlier storm damage had weakened the cliffs. Park officials urged visitors to stay away from the unstable coastline, warning of falling rocks, rough waves, and drowning risks.