Hōlei Sea Arch collapses into Pacific Ocean in Hawaii

Hōlei Sea Arch Hawaii Volcanoes National Park geological collapse coastal erosion Tropical Storm Nolo

The Hōlei Sea Arch, a prominent 90-foot-tall natural landmark in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed the disappearance of the volcanic rock structure, which was still standing on September 23 but had vanished by the time the park reopened on September 28.

The collapse occurred during a period when the park was temporarily closed due to Tropical Storm Nolo. While the exact timing of the event is unknown, officials noted that the formation had been showing signs of instability for years. The destruction was driven by differential erosion, a process where ocean waves wear away softer rock layers more quickly than harder ones.

Formed approximately 550 years ago from ancient lava flows, the arch was a major tourist destination at the end of Chain of Craters Road. Previous geological activity, including the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and subsequent earthquakes, had already caused structural damage and cracks in the nearby cliffs. The NPS has warned visitors to stay away from the coastline, as the surrounding volcanic cliffs remain unstable and pose a significant risk of further collapses.

Entities

Big Island · Hawaii Volcanoes National Park · Hawaii Volcanoes National Park · Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park · Holei Sea Arch · Kīlauea · National Park Service · Tropical Storm Nolo · US Geological Survey

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The cliffs adjacent to the sea arch had shown signs of instability for several years.
[● 2 SOURCES] Tropical storm Nolo is suspected to have caused the collapse of the arch. www.bild.de
[● 2 SOURCES] The Hōlei Sea Arch was still standing on September 23, 2026. www.bild.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] The US Geological Survey warned in 2014 that the monument was transient due to erosion.
[● 2 SOURCES] The lava rock formation had existed for approximately 550 years. www.bild.de
[● 2 SOURCES] The Hōlei Sea Arch stood approximately 27 meters above the sea. www.bild.de
[● 3 SOURCES] The formation had collapsed by the evening of Sunday, September 27, 2026. www.gjsentinel.com · www.bild.de
[● 3 SOURCES] The Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. www.gjsentinel.com · www.bild.de
[● 3 SOURCES] The Hōlei Sea Arch stood approximately 90 feet (27.4 meters) tall. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.flash.gr · www.newsbomb.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The volcanic rock formation was approximately 550 years old. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.flash.gr · www.newsbomb.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Hōlei Sea Arch was confirmed missing by the National Park Service as of September 27. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.flash.gr · www.newsbomb.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Earthquakes from the 2018 Kilauea eruption and summit collapse had previously damaged rocks near the arch. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.flash.gr · www.newsbomb.gr