In brief
The 90‑foot lava rock formation that graced Hawaii’s coast for roughly 550 years collapsed between September 23 and 27. The National Park Service noted the arch’s long‑known instability, amplified by waves and prior earthquake strain. Though the collapse marks a loss for visitors and photographers, scientists view it as part of the natural erosion cycle, with new rock formations slowly emerging inland.
Hawaii's famous Hōlei Sea Arch, a 90‑foot‑tall (27.4m) lava rock structure that formed about 550 years ago, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean.
The exact time of collapse remains unknown; the arch was still projecting into the water on 23 September but was gone by 27 September, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
"The coastline flanking the sea arch has shown signs of instability for years," said NPS, which warned in 2021 that the arch would eventually crumble.
Located at the end of Chain of Craters Road on Hawaii’s Big Island, the formation was a popular and heavily photographed tourist destination.
The arch is believed to have fallen during the park’s temporary closure amid Tropical Storm Nolo last weekend.
Earthquakes during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse had already damaged cliffs near the arch, the park service noted.
Its ultimate collapse marks "the latest transformation of the park's remote and rugged coastline".
In January 2020, new cracks led the park to close the original view area; a safer viewing spot opened months later. Waves from a tropical storm that year later broke off a chunk of rock from the arch’s base.
"This formation is beautiful, but temporary, and has a limited life span," the park service said in 2021. "The sea arch will eventually crumble into the sea. However, others will replace it as the cliff slowly migrates inland."
Thousands of people reacted to the NPS social media announcement, sharing memories and photos. One Facebook user reflected, "Nothing and no one is here forever," urging appreciation of beauty in the moment.
