We describe variability in the equatorial Pacific Ocean near 160¿W during the 5-year period 1985--1989, encompassing ''normal,'' El Ni¿o, and L. Ni¿a conditions. This description is based on conductivity-temperature-depth and acoustic Doppler current profiler data acquired during five cruises between 21¿N and 4¿S and on dynamic-height time series from an array based mainly on the Line Islands. At Jarvis Island, near the equator, the time series of dynamic height and near-surface temperature go back to 1981 and show the 1986--1987 El Ni¿o anomalies starting later in the year and having longer duration than those of the 1982--1983 El Ni¿o. Dynamic-height anomaly was less strong for the 1986--1987 two El Ni¿os. The Jarvis near-surface temperature drop from 1986--1987 El Ni¿o maximum to 1988--1989 La Ni¿a minimum was 8 ¿C. Empirical orthogonal function analysis of the time series shows that interannual and interseasonal variability in dynamic height was dominated by a mode with meridional form similar to a first-vertical-mode Kelvin wave, while intraseasonal variability had a primary mode with a single peak at 6¿N and a secondary mode with peak at 6¿N and trough at 2¿N. While the equatorial thermocline deepened to the east and shoaled to the west during the 1986--1987 El Ni¿o, at 160¿W it did not change depth during either this El Ni¿o or the subsequent La Ni¿a. Nevertheless, just before El Ni¿o and just after La Ni¿a, the thermocline was observed to be about 50 m deeper than at other times. The South Equatorial Current and North Equatorial Countercurrent had markedly reduced (increased) transports during this El Ni¿o (La Ni¿a). However, the Northern Tsuchiya Jet strengthened during El Ni¿o and weakened during La Ni¿a. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1995