Hawai'i's Iconic Hōlei Sea Arch Collapses After 550 Years
Hawai'i's Iconic Hōlei Sea Arch Collapses After 550 Years
US · Published Oct 3, 2026
• The Hōlei Sea Arch, a 90-foot-tall natural lava rock formation in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean.
• The arch, which formed approximately 550 years ago from ancient lava flows, was a popular tourist attraction on the Big Island.

Impact & Risks

The collapse of the Hōlei Sea Arch marks the loss of a significant natural landmark that attracted numerous visitors to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The event highlights the ongoing geological changes along the Big Island's coastline, which remains vulnerable to erosion and natural disasters such as hurricanes and volcanic activity. Visitors are advised to avoid unstable cliff edges in the area, as they pose a risk of sudden collapse, potentially endangering lives.

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