In an archipelago like the Hawaiian Islands the water between islands is typically called a channel or passage. Described here are the channels between the islands of Hawai‘i, arranged from south to north.

‘Alenuihāhā Channel

The ‘Alenuihāhā separates the island of Hawai‘i and the island of Maui. The maximum depth of this channel is 6100 feet.

‘Alalākeiki Channel

Kealakahiki Channel

‘Au‘au Channel

The ‘Au‘au Channel is one of the most protected areas of ocean in the Hawaiian Islands, lying between Lāna‘i and Maui. The channel is also protected by Moloka‘i to the north, and Kaho‘olawe to the south. The depth of the channel reaches 108 feet. The middle of the channel off Maui was known as Lahaina Roads in the days of whaling ships.

‘Au‘au channel is a whale-watching center in the Hawaiian Islands. Humpback whales migrate approximately 3,500 miles from Alaskan waters each autumn and spend the northern hemisphere winter months in the protected waters of the channel.

Pailolo Channel

Kalohi Channel

The Kalohi Channel is the stretch of water separating Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i. Depth of water in this channel is about 260 feet. This is one of the less trecherous channels between islands in the archipelago, although strong winds and choppy sea conditions are frequent. Kalolohia beach on the Lāna‘i coast is also known as "Shipwreck Beach" because of a wreck on the reef there.

Kaiwi Channel

The Kaiwi Channel separates the islands of O‘ahu and Moloka‘i. Maximum depth is 2300 feet.

Kaua‘i Channel

Kaulukahi Channel