Holei Sea Arch at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park collapses after years of erosion
The natural lava rock formation known as Holei Sea Arch fell into the ocean following recent storms, prompting safety warnings from the National Park Service.
A natural lava rock formation at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, known as Holei Sea Arch, collapsed into the ocean on Sunday after a period of stormy weather on the Big Island. The roughly 90-foot arch, which had been a popular stop along Chain of Craters Road, had shown signs of instability for years, including damage from large surf during Tropical Storm Darby in 2022.
A guide with Apau Hawaii Tours confirmed the arch’s disappearance in a video posted on September 30, showing waves breaking against the remaining cliff face. The National Park Service issued a notice that visitors must stay away from the cliff edges, which are now considered unstable and could collapse without warning.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the arch was formed from lava erupted more than 500 years ago along Kilauea’s east rift zone, with ocean waves gradually eroding the cliffs into sea caves and eventually the arch itself. The same erosional forces led to its recent collapse.