The arch, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and formed about 550 years ago, crumbled sometime while the park was temporarily closed due to the tropical storm. Its collapse was not unexpected, the NPS said in a Facebook post. The park service warned visitors to stay away from the site, which remains unstable and presents a serious falling hazard. In a statement, the NPS noted that 'photos on social media show people entering the closed area near where the sea arch once stood, putting themselves and first responders at great risk of falling and drowning.' The name Holei comes from a small endemic plant in the milkweed family.
Holei Sea Arch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Collapses During Tropical Storm
Officials warn visitors to avoid unstable area as 27-metre landmark crumbles into the Pacific
By LineZotpaper
Published
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The Holei Sea Arch, a scenic 27-metre-high cliff formation on the Big Island of Hawaii, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, the National Park Service has confirmed. The collapse likely occurred between Wednesday and Sunday during Tropical Storm Nolo, marking what the NPS called 'the latest transformation of the park's remote and rugged coastline.'
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- The collapse removes a popular tourist landmark and highlights the dynamic, erosive nature of Hawaii's volcanic coastline.
- Visitors ignoring closure warnings risk injury or death, and endanger first responders.
- The event underscores how tropical storms can accelerate natural erosion in national parks.
Background
Sea arches are natural rock formations carved by wave action over centuries. The Holei Sea Arch was formed roughly 550 years ago from volcanic rock along the rugged Big Island coast. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an active volcanic landscape where geological change is frequent, though the collapse of a major arch is a relatively rare event. The park temporarily closed during Tropical Storm Nolo, which likely weakened the structure.
Key Perspectives
National Park Service: Emphasizes visitor safety and the naturalness of the collapse, urging people to stay out of closed areas. Visitors and social media users: Some have entered the restricted zone near the collapsed arch, as shown in photos on social media, prompting safety warnings. Geologists and park observers: The arch's collapse was anticipated given ongoing coastal erosion; it represents a normal but notable transformation of the coastline.
What to Watch
- Whether the park issues additional closures or monitoring for remaining unstable cliffs along the coast.
- Possible further erosion or collapses in the area after Tropical Storm Nolo.
- Public compliance with closure warnings; fines or enforcement actions may follow if visitors continue to enter restricted zones.