A scenic geological landmark on Hawaii’s Big Island has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, according to announcements from the National Park Service. The Holei Sea Arch, situated within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stood roughly 90 feet tall prior to its disappearance. Park officials reported that the collapse took place between September 23 and September 27, potentially occurring while the park was under a temporary closure due to Tropical Storm Nolo. In a social media statement, the park service noted that the exact timing remains unverified, coinciding with severe weather from the storm, which generated winds reaching up to 155 mph and delivered intense rainfall across the islands. Following the severe weather impact, Hawaii Governor Josh Green confirmed that the federal government approved an emergency declaration to supply recovery resources and assistance to the state. This weather event followed close on the heels of Tropical Storm Lala in August, which destroyed approximately 100 homes, caused landslides, and disrupted power supplies statewide. Although the loss of the arch marks a significant change to the rugged coastline, park representatives emphasized that the collapse was not entirely unexpected. Officials reiterated that such geological formations possess a temporary nature and a finite lifespan, with many observers on social media viewing the event as a natural evolution of the landscape. Following the incident, park authorities issued strict warnings urging visitors to avoid the immediate vicinity. Officials stressed that the area remains highly unstable, creating severe falling and drowning hazards. The park service expressed concern after social media photos revealed unauthorized individuals entering the restricted zone near the former site of the arch, thereby endangering themselves and potential emergency responders. Originally formed approximately 550 years ago, the popular tourist destination derived its name from a native plant species within the milkweed family.
Source: cbsnews.com
