A 90-foot-tall sea arch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park collapsed into the Pacific Ocean between September 23 and 27, the National Park Service (NPS) confirmed. The Holei Sea Arch, a 550-year-old landmark, fell during or after Tropical Storm Nolo, which brought heavy rain and winds of up to 155 mph to Hawaii’s Big Island. The collapse was not unexpected, as officials had previously warned of the arch’s instability due to ongoing erosion.
The NPS stated the collapse marks “the latest transformation of the park’s remote and rugged coastline.” While the exact timing of the collapse remains unclear, it may have occurred while the park was temporarily closed during the storm. The agency emphasized that the site remains highly unstable, posing serious risks to visitors who may attempt to enter the closed area.
Park officials urge caution as social media shows people ignoring warnings. Photos shared online depict individuals entering the restricted zone near the former arch, prompting NPS to warn that such actions endanger both visitors and first responders. “Photos on social media show people entering the closed area near where the sea arch once stood, putting themselves and first responders at great risk of falling and drowning,” the NPS said in a social media post.
The Holei Sea Arch was named after a small endemic plant in the milkweed family. Its collapse follows a pattern of natural coastal changes in the park, which has experienced significant erosion over centuries. The NPS reiterated that such formations are temporary by nature, with a limited lifespan due to constant wave action and geological forces.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced that the Trump administration approved an emergency declaration for the state, providing federal resources to assist in recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Nolo. The storm, which passed Hawaii’s Big Island last week, caused widespread damage, including the destruction of about 100 homes during a similar weather event in August.
The NPS has not yet determined whether the collapse will affect access to nearby trails or viewpoints, but officials continue to monitor the area for further instability.