A scenic cliff located on the wave-swept coast of Hawaii’s Big Island has collapsed. This event took place at the Holei Sea Arch in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. According to the National Park Service, the arch stood approximately 90 feet high before it fell sometime between September 23 and September 27. The timing of the collapse is uncertain but it may have happened during Tropical Storm Nolo when the park was temporarily closed.
Tropical Storm Nolo, with winds reaching up to 155 mph, passed by Hawaii’s Big Island last week. It brought with it heavy rain and strong winds throughout the state. Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced that the Trump administration has approved an emergency declaration. This will allow for federal aid and resources to assist in the state’s recovery from the storm’s impact.
Photos provided by the US Geological Survey (USGS) illustrate the changes. They show the Hōlei Sea Arch standing in 2022, and after having collapsed into the Pacific Ocean by September 27, 2026. This collapse, while not unexpected, signifies a significant transformation of the park’s rugged and remote coastline. The National Park Service noted that although this formation was beautiful, it had a temporary existence with a limited life span.
To ensure safety, park service officials have advised visitors to avoid the area due to its current instability. It poses serious risks of falling hazards. Despite closures, photos on social media highlight visitors entering the restricted area where the arch once stood, increasing the dangers to both themselves and first responders.
The tourist site, which formed approximately 550 years ago, derives its name from a small plant endemic to the area within the milkweed family. The arch’s natural transformation serves as a stark reminder of nature’s relentless processes.
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