Iconic Hōlei Sea Arch Collapses at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

One of Hawaii Island’s best-known natural landmarks has disappeared following the collapse of the Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The 90-foot formation was still standing Sept. 23 but had collapsed into the Pacific Ocean by the evening of Sept. 27, according to the National Park Service. The exact timing is unknown, although the collapse may have occurred while much of the park was temporarily closed during Tropical Storm Nolo.

Located near the end of Chain of Craters Road, the arch was carved into an approximately 550-year-old lava flow by centuries of wave action and erosion. Its collapse was not unexpected. Earthquakes associated with the 2018 Kīlauea eruption damaged nearby cliffs, and additional cracking prompted officials to close the original viewing area in 2020. Heavy surf later broke away part of the formation.

Visitors can still experience the dramatic volcanic coastline, but park officials are urging travelers to remain outside closed areas and stay well back from cliff edges. The surrounding terrain remains unstable and could collapse without warning.

Officials issued the reminder after photos showed visitors entering the restricted area near the former arch, creating a serious risk of falls and drowning—and potentially placing first responders in danger.

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