Hōlei Sea Arch

The Drive (Chain of Craters Road): The drive to get to this arch is absolutely fantastic. ​Time Commitment: Be sure to have plenty of time. The drive down from the summit and back is significant—it will take a couple of hours roundtrip (without rushing). ​Scenery: The scenic driving is the highlight, taking you past old lava flows all the way down to the ocean. ​The Destination: Once you reach the end, it is just a short walk to see the arch itself. ​The View: It is a wonderful natural formation, standing dramatically against the crashing waves. ​Facilities & Logistics: ​Restrooms: There are portable potties here, but be aware there are no flushable toilets or running water. Bring your own hand sanitizer and water. ​Parking: You will likely need to parallel park along the turnaround circle at the end of the road. ​Verdict: If you have the time, this drive is non-negotiable. The combination of the volcanic landscape and the ocean view is unforgettable.

It's cool.But if you stop about a quarter mile before you get to the parking lot for the sea arch, there are some really amazing sea caves. You have to walk out and look over the edge And the water splashes in it looks absolutely amazing. Just look for the pool off and rock wall at the edge

The arch itself is OK, the views along the way back and forth are more inspiring. Drive carefully along the mountain road as there are so many curves. Never stop in any curves for taking pictures, it is dangerous as vehicles coming towards and from behind cannot see.

The arch itself is pretty small and hard to see but the drive down was scenic and beautiful. I recommend going early so you’re not racing against the clock/sun light. It was extremely windy. There was plenty of parking but again, went pretty late

its a funny feeling knowing that everyone sees a different version of the arch on its journey to being eroded away. absolutely beautiful at sunset

Worth the ~40 min drive from the park entrance and 10 min walk from the parking lot. Parking was easy (Friday around noon), bathrooms were available, but be prepared for the walk to be very windy.

This is a great fishing destination right off the cliffs. Lottsa old lava flows all around. Watch out for the speed cameras mounted directly above the speed signs.

Limited parking space and can be very hot and windy. Bring lots of water. They have decent restrooms. This is a 40-min drive from Crater Rim Drive. The petroglyphs, chain of craters and others are on the way- something to consider when going here.

Great views from the Holei Sea Arch. You have to drive to the end of the chain of craters to reach this landmark. There are restrooms and a small parking lot. Bring a lunch to enjoy while you're here. The sea arch is far away but you can still get some good photos from the lookout point.

A very short walk to this sea arch. A bit underwhelming given how far the overlook is from the arch itself, but still cool to see the waves crashing against the rocks. An incredibly view coming down Chain of Craters Road. Park at the end and use the restrooms: it is an 1hr drive back. It's about 0.3mi to the sea arch overlook. If you have time, keep walking to the end of the paved portion of the road. There is a gate but it's for cars. Walk around for some great photos of lava.

I was blown away that the popular Hōlei Sea Arch wasn't on Yelp yet! I hate to break it to you but the sea arch itself wasn't all that spectacular. What makes it special is that this lava rock formation stands about 90 ft. high and was created by a lava flow about 550 years ago. Oh and the fact that it is a natural creation from lava cliff that constantly becomes eroded due to plummeting ocean waves that an arch is formed. Whether good or bad, each photo you take of it becomes history since the waves will eventually crumble it to a simple column then nothing at all. Perhaps after many years several other sea arches will form. What made this particular stop worthwhile for me was the drive along the Chain of Craters Road. The views of the ocean with recent and old lava flows were breathtaking--especially at the wayside stop of Kealakomo. However, you probably wouldn't venture out this far unless it were to capture a sea arch photo. The Chain of Craters Road ends here with a turn around and parking on one side of the street. Only native Hawaiians can continue on the existing road and fish here. Side fact: The word "hōlei" comes from a small endemic plant in the milkweed family.