Hawaii's iconic Holei Sea Arch landmark has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, marking the end of a 500-year era. The 90-foot arch, a popular tourist site in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, was standing firm just days before its collapse.
The collapse followed years of cracks, earthquakes, and pounding surf that had battered the site. Earthquakes during the 2018 Kilauea eruption and summit collapse damaged the cliffs around the arch.
What Happened?
The popular tourist site was formed about 550 years ago by wave action sculpting into ancient lava. The arch faced major damage during the 2018 Kilauea eruption and summit collapse, which damaged the cliffs around 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.'
- A safer viewing area farther from the cliff edge opened in March 2020.
By the numbers
- Hawaii’s iconic Hōlei Sea Arch landmark collapsed into the Pacific Ocean after 500 years
- The Hōlei Sea Arch was formed roughly 550 years ago by wave action sculpting into ancient lava
What Caused the Collapse?
The exact time of the collapse is unknown and could have occurred when the park was temporarily closed during Tropical Storm Nolo. 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 Legacy of the Collapse
The name Holei comes from a small endemic plant in the milkweed family. The collapse of the Holei Sea Arch marks the latest transformation of the park's remote and rugged coastline.
The next development in this story is the ongoing investigation into the cause of the collapse and the impact on the park's ecosystem. As the park continues to evolve, it's essential to prioritize visitor safety and respect the natural wonders of Hawaii's unique landscape.
It's worth noting that the collapse of the Holei Sea Arch is not an isolated incident. The park's coastline has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, with the 2018 Kilauea eruption and summit collapse causing widespread damage to the area. The collapse of the sea arch is a reminder of the power of nature in shaping the state's landscape.
The collapse of the Holei Sea Arch has also raised concerns about the impact on the park's ecosystem. The arch was a popular spot for tourists, and its collapse may have a significant impact on the local economy. However, it's also an opportunity for the park to adapt and evolve, and for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the area in a new way.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the 2018 Kilauea eruption and summit collapse caused widespread damage to the park's coastline, including the collapse of several sea cliffs and the formation of new volcanic land. The USGS also reported that the eruption and collapse caused significant changes to the park's ecosystem, including the loss of vegetation and the introduction of new volcanic materials.
The collapse of the Holei Sea Arch is a reminder of the dynamic nature of Hawaii's volcanic landscape. The park's coastline is constantly changing due to volcanic activity, and the collapse of the sea arch is just one example of this process. As the park continues to evolve, it's essential to prioritize visitor safety and respect the natural wonders of Hawaii's unique landscape.
Eva Hale’s View
As I watched the news of the Hōlei Sea Arch's collapse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for the 500-year legacy that's been erased. This wasn't just a natural wonder, but a piece of Hawaii's history and culture. The arch was a testament to the power of wave action and the relentless forces that shape our planet. I worry that people are missing the bigger picture here – the long-term effects of climate change and human activity on our natural wonders. The cracks, earthquakes, and pounding surf that led to the arch's collapse are all symptoms of a larger issue. As we mourn the loss of this iconic landmark, we should also be thinking about how we can protect and preserve the remaining natural wonders of our world.
Opinion — Eva Hale. Reporting above is separate from this view.
Background
The collapse of the Hōlei Sea Arch is the latest in a series of transformations of the park’s coastline. The arch had been closed to visitors due to instability and damage, with a safer viewing area opening in March 2020. The exact time of the collapse is unknown, but photos on social media show people entering the closed area near where the sea arch once stood, putting themselves and first responders at risk.
- The Hōlei Sea Arch was formed approximately 550 years ago. (New York Post)
- The arch had been battered by years of cracks, earthquakes, and pounding surf. (New York Post)
- 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.' (Dailymail)
What's next
The ongoing investigation into the cause of the collapse and the impact on the park's ecosystem.
Questions readers ask
What caused the Hōlei Sea Arch to collapse?
The collapse was the result of years of cracks, earthquakes, and pounding surf that had battered the site.
How long did the Hōlei Sea Arch stand before collapsing?
The arch stood for approximately 500 years.
Was the collapse a surprise?
No, the arch had been damaged in the past, including during the 2018 Kilauea eruption and summit collapse.
Sources
- New York Post: Hawaii’s iconic Hōlei Sea Arch landmark collapses into ocean after 500 years
- Dailymail: Hawaii's famed Hōlei Sea Arch landmark collapses into ocean after 500 years
- CBS News: Hawaii sea arch collapses into Pacific Ocean after storms batter island state 1h ago
