Hōlei Sea Arch falls into Pacific
Hawaii's iconic 550-year-old Hōlei Sea Arch collapses
Sunday, 4 October 2026
Photo by Tyler Mower on Unsplash
Warm-up
- Have you ever visited a natural rock arch or cave? Where?
- What places in nature do tourists most often photograph? Why?
- How does the sea change coastlines in your country?
Vocabulary
- arch
- A curved rock shape like a bridge with open space under it.
- collapse
- To fall down suddenly and lose structure.
- coastline
- The land along the edge where the sea meets the land.
- instability
- A state of being weak or likely to change or fall.
- eruption
- When a volcano releases lava, ash, and gas.
- earthquake
- A sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement in the earth.
- cliff
- A high, steep rock face, usually by the sea.
- temporary
- Lasting for a short time; not permanent.
Reading
Listen to this story
American EnglishHawaii’s Hōlei Sea Arch, a 90‑foot‑tall (27.4m) lava formation that formed about 550 years ago, has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. The National Park Service (NPS) says the exact time is unknown: the arch was still visible on 23 September and was gone by 27 September.
The arch stood at the end of Chain of Craters Road in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, on the island of Hawaii, and it was a popular, heavily photographed stop for tourists. NPS had warned in 2021 that the coastline flanking the arch showed signs of instability and that the arch would eventually crumble. It also said new features will replace it as the cliff slowly moves inland.
The fall is believed to have happened during a temporary park closure caused by Tropical Storm Nolo last weekend. Earlier damage played a role: earthquakes during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse weakened nearby cliffs. In 2020, cracks forced the park to close the original viewing area and later open a safer one, and waves that year broke rock from the base. Thousands have now shared memories and photos online.
Comprehension
- What happened to the Hōlei Sea Arch?
- When was the arch last seen and when was it found gone?
- Where was the arch located within the national park?
- Which past natural events weakened the nearby cliffs?
- What did the NPS warn in 2021 about the arch?
Grammar focus
Will vs going to (prediction)
Use will for general predictions or quick decisions. Use be going to when there is present evidence or a plan. Forms: will + base; am/is/are + going to + base. (Example 2 constructed.)
- It also said new features will replace it.
- Look at those fresh cracks—the cliff is going to fall.
Grammar exercise
Complete each gap with will or am/is/are going to.
- Fresh cracks are visible; the cliff (break) ___ soon.
- Officials (update) ___ safety advice next month.
- Waves are pounding the base; rocks (erode) ___ fast.
- Tourists (share) ___ photos online this weekend.
- Map shows retreat; the shoreline (move) ___ inland.
Discussion
- Why do people travel to see fragile natural sites?
- Should parks limit access to dangerous viewpoints? Why or why not?
- How can tourism adapt when a landmark disappears?
- What coastal changes will your region face in the next 50 years?
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