The Hōlei Sea Arch, a 90-foot natural arch that stood for more than five centuries on the coast of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, park officials confirmed on Thursday, October 1.

The arch was standing on September 23, when the park closed for the storm Nolo. When the park reopened on September 28, the arch was gone. Officials did not say whether Nolo's high surf caused the collapse.

The arch formed about 550 years ago, when the sea carved into the cliff of an ancient lava flow, wearing away softer layers faster than harder ones.

It had been fragile for years. Earthquakes during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption damaged nearby cliffs, and in January 2020 new cracks led the park to move its viewing area. Later that year, Tropical Storm Darby knocked loose a chunk of rock, and officials warned the arch could fall at any time.

The park reminds visitors to stay out of closed areas and away from cliff edges, which can collapse without warning.