Hawaii's Holei Sea Arch Collapses: Does Travel Insurance Cover Cancelled Trips?
The iconic 550-year-old Holei Sea Arch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the ocean. While this is a loss for global tourism, Australian travellers planning trips to Hawaii will not be able to cancel their bookings under travel insurance. Loss of enjoyment or the closure of a specific tourist attraction is a standard exclusion across almost all insurance policies.
Travel insurance does not cover holiday cancellations due to a landmark collapsing, though you may claim lost prepaid tour costs of $150 AUD or more if the operator refuses a refund.
What Happened
The famous 550-year-old Holei Sea Arch, a spectacular lava rock formation protruding from the cliffs of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has crumbled into the sea. National Park authorities confirmed the collapse, which is believed to have been caused by ongoing coastal erosion. The landmark was one of the most popular photo spots for visitors on Hawaii's Big Island.
How Travel Insurance Can Help
Australian travel insurance policies do not cover claims for loss of enjoyment, meaning you cannot cancel your flights or accommodation because a sight you wanted to visit is gone. However, if you had a prepaid, non-refundable tour to the arch that was cancelled by the operator, you may be able to claim those specific excursion costs. For any broader travel disruption, cover only applies if an active natural disaster physically prevents you from reaching your destination.
Common Questions
No, you cannot claim cancellation costs for your flights or accommodation. Travel insurers do not cover trips cancelled due to a landmark being damaged, closed, or destroyed.
You must first contact the tour operator for a refund or credit. If they refuse to refund your booking, some comprehensive travel insurance policies may cover the lost prepaid excursion costs, which could range from $100 AUD to $500 AUD.
Travel insurance will cover travel disruptions if an active natural disaster, such as a volcanic eruption or wildfire, causes official park closures, evacuation orders, or flight cancellations.