The Hawaii Traveler

There are nine watery threads running between the Hawaiian Islands. These channels are some of the most revered, most discussed waterways in history–if you’re the sea-faring type. If you’re not, now you know what’s what, and where it is.

‘Au’au Channel–between Lana’i and Maui. It’s the most geographically protected and therefore the calmest of all the channels, but isn’t the deepest. It boasts a long and interesting history with whaling ships, and is now popular “grounds” for whale watching instead. It was also a key, destiny-changing location during the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

Pailolo Channel–between Moloka’i and Maui.  Translates into “crazy fisherman,” perhaps because navigating these waters is nearly impossible for small crafts, due to the nearly constant gusts and rough waters that exist here.

Kalohi Channel–between Moloka’i and Lana’i. You can see Shipwreck Beach on Lana’i from this channel.

Kaiwi Channel–between Oahu and Moloka’i.  Outriggers and kayaks are commonly seen here.

Kealaikahiki Channel–Between Lana’i and Koho’olawe (pictured).  When followed from the channel’s point,  it provides a straight shot to Tahiti, although it’s unlikely that the ancient Hawaiians or Tahitians ever used it for that.

Alenuiha’ha Channel–between Maui and Hawai’i. The channel is known for some of the most treacherous sailing in the world because of the high winds generated and funneled through the chasm between islands. That’s why it’s been referred to I’ll-end-you-ha-ha.

‘Alalakeiki (“crying baby”) Channel–between Kaho’olawe and Maui.

Kauolelewaho Channel–between Kaua’i and O’ahu.

Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by eyeofeinstein

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