From The Straits Times · · 1m 10s
Holei Sea Arch Crumbles
Hawaiian sea arch vanishes in storm surge.
In brief
Hawaiian sea arch vanishes in storm surge. The Holei Sea Arch collapsed into the Pacific during Tropical Storm Nolo, erasing a 500-year-old lava formation in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Originally reported by The Straits Times.
Holei Sea Arch Collapse
The Holei Sea Arch, a 90-foot lava rock formation in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, collapsed into the ocean around late September during Tropical Storm Nolo.
500-Year-Old Landmark
The arch had stood for over 500 years but was always expected to erode and disappear due to natural coastal processes.
National Park Service Response
The National Park Service shared before-and-after photos, urged caution near cliffs, and noted the arch's collapse amid a series of storms linked to El Nino warming.
Storm Impact
Tropical Storm Nolo passed 233km south of the Big Island on Sept 26, bringing heavy rain and powerful wind gusts.
Public Reaction
A cascade of tributes and vacation photos quickly began pouring in from those who have hiked the park’s rugged coastline over the years, many of them lamenting the landmark’s demise.
Permanent Closure
Google Maps labelled the tourist attraction as 'permanently closed' after the arch collapsed by Sept 27.
Here's the gist
The Holei Sea Arch collapsed into the Pacific during Tropical Storm Nolo, erasing a 500-year-old lava formation in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
