Mother Nature reminded us again that nothing is forever when a beloved Hawaii landmark, the H?lei Sea Arch, fell into the sea.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The National Park Service confirmed that the 90-foot arch, which had been standing for at least 500 years, was no more.
"The iconic H?lei Sea Arch in Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, marking the latest transformation of the park's remote and rugged coastline," the organization wrote.
In a lesson to always value what you have because you never know when it will be gone, the National Park Service pointed out that the sea arch was standing in Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park as recently as Sept. 23.
However, by Sept. 27, it was as though it was never there, swept into the Pacific Ocean.
The exact moment the arch was destroyed is unknown, as the park was closed due to Tropical Storm Nolo during that time frame.
Photos Show the New Coastline After Beloved Hawaii Sea Arch Collapses into Ocean
The U.S. Department of the Interior posted starkly contrasting images of the natural phenomenon on X. One photo shows the iconic landmark in all its glory. The waves crash around it in the image, a celebration of the chaotic beauty of nature. In the next, the scenic seas arch simply wasn't; the ocean surrounding it was calm, as though in mourning.
"Yes, it's true. RIP H?lei Sea Arch," the organization wrote alongside the images.
Yes, it's true. RIP H?lei Sea Arch.
— U.S. Department of the Interior (@Interior)
The iconic H?lei Sea Arch in Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, marking the latest transformation of the park's remote and rugged coastline. pic.twitter.com/s7Gv2d2DOw
