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New Hōlei Sea Arch Viewing Area Opens

New Hōlei Sea Arch Viewing Area
New Hōlei Sea Arch Viewing Area

Hawaiʻi Vocanoes National Park News Release – March 10, 2020
Contact: Kekoa Rosehill, Supervisory Park Ranger, 808-985-6013

Hawaii National Park, HAWAI‘I – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has opened a new viewing area for the Hōlei Sea Arch.

The new viewing area is located about 1,000 feet past the gate at the end of Chain of Craters Road, atop hardened pāhoehoe lava. It is set back away from the cliff edge, and is marked with orange stanchions and rope. Visitors are urged to stay away from dangerous cliff edges, and are reminded that entering closed areas puts themselves and first responders at risk.

The original sea arch viewing area has been closed since January 16 due to the discovery of cracks and instability in the coastal cliffs in the area.

The Hōlei Sea Arch is 90 feet high and was formed around 550 years ago.