Famed Hawaii tourist attraction collapses into the sea amid unstable cliff warning
A prominent cliff on the wave-battered coast of Hawaii’s Big Island has collapsed, the National Park Service has said.
The Holei Sea Arch, situated within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, was roughly 90 feet (27.4 metres) high before it collapsed between 23 September and 27 September, possibly during a temporary park closure for Tropical Storm Nolo.
While anticipated, its fall into the Pacific Ocean marks “the latest transformation of the park’s remote and rugged coastline,” the NPS said in a Facebook post. Members of the public responding online described it as nature taking its course.
Officials at the park service warned visitors to keep away from the unstable location, citing severe falling risks.
“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 NPS stated.
The popular geological landmark was created around 550 years ago. Its name, Holei, originates from a small endemic plant in the milkweed family.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park confirmed the news on Facebook. Adding: “Yes, it’s true. RIP Hōlei Sea Arch.
“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. Please, stay back from the unstable coastal cliff edges which drop off vertically into the ocean and present a serious falling hazard. 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 off the rough, wave-swept coast.
“So when did it happen? The 90-foot Hōlei Sea Arch was still standing on September 23 but had collapsed by Sunday night, September 27. The exact time of the collapse is unknown and could have occurred when the park was temporarily closed during Tropical Storm Nolo. Hōlei Sea Arch is a very special place to so many of our visitors!”
