Hawaii's famed Hōlei Sea Arch landmark collapses into ocean after 500 years

Published: 12:40 EDT, 2 October 2026 | Updated: 13:44 EDT, 2 October 2026 Hawaii’s famous Hōlei Sea Arch has sensationally fallen into the Pacific Ocean after standing tall for 500 years.According to the National Park Service, the 90-foot natural rock in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was a popular attraction located on the Big Island and collapsed sometime between September 23 and September 27.Just days before the colossal crumble, tourists took photos of the iconic Hōlei Sea Arch, which would later completely disappear into the Pacific Ocean.The beloved basalt lava rock was reported missing by Sunday night.Authorities believe it likely crumbled and fell into the ocean during the three days the park was temporarily closed for Tropical Storm Nolo.Park authorities have warned the public to stay clear of the former Hōlei Sea Arch site due to the unstable ocean cliffs, which are prone to sudden collapses.Despite the danger, social media posts showed people trespassing into the restricted area near the former landmark; a dangerous move that puts both the trespassers and potential first responders at severe risk.One person posted a video on Facebook of the then-and-now iconic Hōlei Sea Arch stating in the caption: 'The Epic Holei Sea Arch is no more… I guess the Park’s gonna have to change their signage and let people know it’s gone.' Hawaii’s famous Hōlei Sea Arch has fallen into the Pacific Ocean after standing tall for more than 500 yearsAuthorities believe it likely crumbled and fell into the ocean during the three days the park was temporarily closed for Tropical Storm NoloJust days after tourists were taking photos of the iconic Hōlei Sea Arch, the landmark completely disappeared into the Pacific OceanOne person commented: ‘Was there literally the day after it collapsed. Walked up and was like, wait, what am I supposed to be looking at there’s no arch here’‘I was there this morning and noticed the info display at the overlook,' another wrote.A third added: ‘It was a beautiful feature and one all of us was expecting to collapse since 2018. It’s crazy that it’s gone and finally gave way to the power of the ocean.'Cheers to the arch and the lifetime of memories it gave everyone.' The Hōlei Sea Arch was formed roughly 550 years ago by wave action sculpting into ancient lava, according to the National Park Service.Its inevitable downfall resulted from years of erosion caused by turbulent surf, earthquake vibrations and growing cracks.The sea arch faced major damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse.It prompted Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to close its viewing platform in January 2020 due to safety concerns. The site reopened two months later.That same year, strong waves from Tropical Storm Darby broke off a section near the base of the arch.The US Department of the Interior made a post on X stating, 'The iconic Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, marking the latest transformation of the park’s remote and rugged coastline'