Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawaii Collapses into the Pacific Ocean

The Hōlei Sea Arch, a 90-foot-tall (27.4m) lava rock structure in Hawaii, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. The exact time of the collapse is not known; however, the arch was still visible from the coast of Volcanoes National Park on September 23, 2026, and was reported missing by September 27, according to the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS noted that the coastline surrounding the arch has exhibited signs of instability for several years and had previously warned in 2021 that the arch was at risk of collapsing. The formation, located at the end of Chain of Craters Road on the island of Hawaii, was a popular tourist destination. The arch is believed to have fallen during the temporary closure of the park due to Tropical Storm Nolo. The NPS indicated that earthquakes during the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption and summit collapse had already compromised the cliffs near the arch. This event represents a significant change in the park's rugged coastline. In January 2020, the park closed the original viewing area due to new cracks and instability, later opening a safer viewing area at a distance. Waves from a tropical storm later that year had already broken off a portion of the arch. The park service previously stated that while the formation is beautiful, it has a limited lifespan and will eventually erode into the sea, although new formations will emerge as the cliff gradually migrates inland. The NPS's social media post regarding the arch's collapse has garnered numerous likes and comments, with visitors sharing memories and photos of the structure.