Hawaii’s iconic Hōlei Sea Arch, a 90-foot-tall lava rock formation that stood for about 550 years, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. The exact timing of the collapse is unclear, but it occurred between September 23 and September 27, according to the National Park Service (NPS). The arch, located at the end of Chain of Craters Road in Volcanoes National Park, was a popular tourist attraction. The NPS had previously warned of its instability, noting that earthquakes from the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption had damaged nearby cliffs. The park was closed during Tropical Storm Nolo when the arch is believed to have fallen. In 2020, new cracks led to the closure of the original viewing area, and a safer one was established. The NPS emphasized that such formations are temporary and will eventually be replaced as the coastline evolves. The arch’s collapse has prompted many to share memories and photos online, reflecting on the impermanence of natural wonders.
QUESTION: How might the collapse of natural landmarks like the Hōlei Sea Arch influence our understanding of nature’s impermanence and the importance of conservation?
Hawaii’s iconic 550-year-old Hōlei Sea Arch collapses
