The action consisted of combined air and sea engagements over four days, most near Guadalcanal and all related to a Japanese effort to reinforce land forces on the island.

• 在两次极为惨烈的夜间海战中，交战双方都损失了大量的船舰。而美军航空兵在几个白天的空袭则成功地击沉或击毁了数艘日本军舰及运输船。