Alola Region

Alola (Japanese: アローラ地方 Alola-chihō) is a tropical archipelago region in the Pokemon franchise. Introduced in Generation VII with Pokemon Sun and Moon, Alola is based on the Hawaiian Islands and represents a major departure from traditional Pokemon gameplay with its Island Challenge system replacing gyms. The region is renowned for introducing Regional Variants, Z-Moves, and Ultra Beasts.[1]

Overview

AttributeDetails
Based OnHawaiian Islands
GenerationVII
Native Pokemon81 (Gen VII debut)
Gym LeadersNone (Island Challenge instead)
Kahunas4 (Island leaders)
Trial Captains7 (8 in USUM)
ProfessorProfessor Kukui
ChampionProfessor Kukui (SM), Player defends (USUM)
GamesSun/Moon, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon

Geography

Tropical Archipelago Structure

Alola consists of four natural islands and one artificial island:[2]

IslandKahunaTypeTrial Captains
Melemele IslandHalaFightingIlima (Normal)
Akala IslandOliviaRockLana (Water), Kiawe (Fire), Mallow (Grass)
Ula'ula IslandNanuDarkAcerola (Ghost), Sophocles (Electric)
Poni IslandHapuGroundMina (Fairy, USUM only)
Aether Paradise——Artificial research facility

Melemele Island

LocationDescription
Iki TownTraditional village, Kahuna Hala's base
Hau'oli CityLargest city on Melemele, shopping district
Route 1Starting route connecting Iki Town to Hau'oli
Ten Carat HillCave system with diverse Pokemon
Verdant CavernIlima's Trial site (Normal-type)

Key Features

AttributeDetails
RoleStarting island
KahunaHala (Fighting-type)
TrialIlima's Normal-type Trial
NotableMelemele Meadow, Trainer's School

Akala Island

LocationDescription
Heahea CityPort city, ferry terminal
Paniola TownRanch town, horse Pokemon
Konikoni CityTraditional market town, Olivia's shop
Royal AvenueShopping and entertainment district
Brooklet HillLana's Trial site (Water-type)
Wela Volcano ParkKiawe's Trial site (Fire-type)
Lush JungleMallow's Trial site (Grass-type)

Key Features

AttributeDetails
SizeLargest island
KahunaOlivia (Rock-type)
TrialsThree trials (Water, Fire, Grass)
NotableDimensional Research Lab, Hano Grand Resort

Ula'ula Island

LocationDescription
Malie CityJapanese-inspired city, Malie Garden
Tapu VillageAbandoned village destroyed by Tapu Bulu
Po TownTeam Skull headquarters
Mount HokulaniObservatory and Sophocles's Trial
Mount LanakilaPokemon League location

Key Features

AttributeDetails
KahunaNanu (Dark-type)
TrialsSophocles (Electric), Acerola (Ghost)
NotableHaina Desert, Lake of the Sunne/Moone
ConflictTeam Skull presence

Poni Island

LocationDescription
Seafolk VillageFloating village on water
Exeggutor IslandIsland of tall Alolan Exeggutor
Vast Poni CanyonAncient ruins and trial site
Poni GroveSacred forest
Altar of the Sunne/MooneLegendary Pokemon summoning site

Key Features

AttributeDetails
KahunaHapu (Ground-type)
TrialNone in SM; Mina's Fairy trial in USUM
RoleFinal island, ancient mysteries
NotableUltra wormholes, Resolution Cave

Aether Paradise

AttributeDetails
TypeArtificial island
OwnerAether Foundation
PresidentLusamine
PurposePokemon conservation (claimed)
RealityUltra Beast research
DesignHigh-tech floating facility

Notable Locations

Trial Sites

Trial SiteCaptainTypeTotem Pokemon
Verdant CavernIlimaNormalGumshoos/Raticate
Brooklet HillLanaWaterWishiwashi/Araquanid
Wela Volcano ParkKiaweFireSalazzle/Marowak
Lush JungleMallowGrassLurantis
Hokulani ObservatorySophoclesElectricTogedemaru/Vikavolt
Thrifty MegamartAcerolaGhostMimikyu/Mimikyu

Sacred Sites

LocationGuardian DeitySignificance
Ruins of ConflictTapu KokoMelemele Island guardian
Ruins of LifeTapu LeleAkala Island guardian
Ruins of AbundanceTapu BuluUla'ula Island guardian
Ruins of HopeTapu FiniPoni Island guardian

Key Dungeons and Areas

LocationFeatures
Diglett's TunnelConnects Akala, Alolan Diglett habitat
Memorial HillCemetery for Pokemon and people
Haina DesertMaze-like desert area
Mount LanakilaPokemon League, snow-covered peak
Vast Poni CanyonAncient ruins, Dragon-type Pokemon
Resolution CavePost-game, Necrozma location (SM)
Ultra SpaceDimension accessed via wormholes

Pokemon League

Island Challenge System

Unlike traditional regions, Alola has no gym system. Trainers complete the Island Challenge:[3]

ComponentDescription
TrialsTests by Trial Captains, culminating in Totem battles
Grand TrialsBattles against Island Kahunas
Z-CrystalsRewards for completing trials
Mount LanakilaFinal challenge location

Elite Four (Sun/Moon)

MemberTypeSignature Pokemon
HalaFightingCrabominable
OliviaRockLycanroc (Midday)
AcerolaGhostPalossand
KahiliFlyingToucannon

Champion Battle

GameChampionNotes
Sun/MoonProfessor KukuiFirst professor to be Champion
Ultra Sun/Ultra MoonPlayerDefend title against challengers

Title Defense (USUM)

ChallengerType SpecialtyNotable
HauStarter-basedRival character
RyukiDragonMystery challenger
PlumeriaPoisonTeam Skull admin
GladionVariedType: Null trainer
MolayneSteelSophocles's cousin

Native Pokemon

Starter Pokemon

PokemonTypeFinal FormFinal Type
RowletGrass/FlyingDecidueyeGrass/Ghost
LittenFireIncineroarFire/Dark
PopplioWaterPrimarinaWater/Fairy

Legendary Pokemon

PokemonTypeLocationRole
SolgaleoPsychic/SteelAltar of the SunneSun mascot
LunalaPsychic/GhostAltar of the MooneMoon mascot
NecrozmaPsychicResolution CaveUSUM central
Tapu KokoElectric/FairyRuins of ConflictMelemele guardian
Tapu LelePsychic/FairyRuins of LifeAkala guardian
Tapu BuluGrass/FairyRuins of AbundanceUla'ula guardian
Tapu FiniWater/FairyRuins of HopePoni guardian
CosmogPsychicStory eventEvolves to Cosmoem
CosmoemPsychicEvolutionEvolves to Solgaleo/Lunala

Mythical Pokemon

PokemonTypeAvailability
MagearnaSteel/FairyQR code event
MarshadowFighting/GhostDistribution event
ZeraoraElectricDistribution event
MeltanSteelPokemon GO transfer
MelmetalSteelPokemon GO evolution

Ultra Beasts

Alola is the first region to introduce Ultra Beasts, extra-dimensional Pokemon:[4]

Ultra BeastCode NameTypeLocation
NihilegoUB-01 SymbiontRock/PoisonWela Volcano, Diglett's Tunnel
BuzzwoleUB-02 AbsorptionBug/FightingMelemele Meadow (Sun/US)
PheromosaUB-02 BeautyBug/FightingVerdant Cavern (Moon/UM)
XurkitreeUB-03 LightingElectricLush Jungle, Memorial Hill
CelesteelaUB-04 BlasterSteel/FlyingMalie Garden, Haina Desert (Moon/UM)
KartanaUB-04 BladeGrass/SteelRoute 17, Malie Garden (Sun/US)
GuzzlordUB-05 GluttonDark/DragonResolution Cave
PoipoleUB AdhesivePoisonUltra Megalopolis (USUM)
NaganadelUB AdhesivePoison/DragonPoipole evolution
StakatakaUB AssemblyRock/SteelPoni Grove (UM)
BlacephalonUB BurstFire/GhostPoni Grove (US)

Regional Variants (Alolan Forms)

Alola introduced Regional Variants, alternate forms of Kanto Pokemon adapted to Alola's environment:[5]

OriginalAlolan Form TypeChanges
Rattata/RaticateDark/NormalNocturnal adaptation
RaichuElectric/PsychicUses tail to surf
Sandshrew/SandslashIce/SteelMountain habitat
Vulpix/NinetalesIce/FairyMountain habitat
Diglett/DugtrioGround/SteelMetallic whiskers
Meowth/PersianDarkPampered royalty
Geodude/Graveler/GolemRock/ElectricMagnetic properties
Grimer/MukPoison/DarkColorful pollution eaters
ExeggutorGrass/DragonExtremely tall, unlocked potential
Cubone/MarowakFire/GhostSpiritual fire dancer

Iconic Alolan Pokemon

PokemonPokedex #Notable For
Decidueye#724Grass/Ghost archer owl
Incineroar#727Fire/Dark wrestling cat
Primarina#730Water/Fairy singing seal
Lycanroc#745Three forms (Midday, Midnight, Dusk)
Wishiwashi#746School Form transformation
Toxapex#748Defensive poison beast
Mimikyu#778Disguised as Pikachu
Kommo-o#784Dragon/Fighting pseudo-legendary
Tapu Koko#785Flagship guardian deity
Solgaleo#791Box legendary (Sun)
Lunala#792Box legendary (Moon)
Necrozma#800Light-devouring legendary

Important Characters

Professor Kukui

AttributeDetails
RoleRegional Professor, Champion (SM)
ResearchPokemon moves and their effects
LocationRoute 1 house
GoalEstablish Alola Pokemon League
Alter EgoMasked Royal (wrestler)
SignatureIncineroar

Lillie

AttributeDetails
RoleMain deuteragonist
RelationshipLusamine's daughter
PokemonNebby (Cosmog), later Clefairy
ArcOvercomes trauma, gains confidence
AppearanceChanges drastically mid-story
DestinationDeparts to Kanto (SM)

Hau

AttributeDetails
RoleMain rival
RelationshipHala's grandson
PersonalityFriendly, easygoing
StarterCounters player's choice
SignatureAlolan Raichu
Later RoleElite Four member, champion challenger

Gladion

AttributeDetails
RoleEdgy rival, Team Skull enforcer
RelationshipLillie's brother, Lusamine's son
PokemonType: Null/Silvally
MotivationProtect sister, resist mother
Later RoleAether Foundation president (USUM)
SignatureSilvally, Lycanroc (Midnight)

Lusamine

AttributeDetails
RoleMain antagonist (SM), reformed (USUM)
PositionAether Foundation president
ObsessionUltra Beasts (SM), Necrozma (USUM)
FamilyMother of Lillie and Gladion
FateHospitalized (SM), seeks redemption (USUM)
PokemonUltra Beast team

Guzma

AttributeDetails
RoleTeam Skull leader
BackgroundFailed Island Challenge participant
RelationshipManipulated by Lusamine
MotivationRebellion against tradition
SignatureGolisopod
Catchphrase"It's ya boy Guzma!"

Supporting Characters

CharacterRoleSignificance
FabaAether Branch ChiefAntagonistic scientist
WickeAether Assistant Branch ChiefHelpful researcher
MohnLusamine's husbandLost in Ultra Space, runs Poke Pelago
PlumeriaTeam Skull adminBig sister figure
ColressResearcherReturns from Unova

History in Games

Generation VII (2016)

GamePlatformRelease DateFeatures
SunNintendo 3DSNovember 18, 2016Original Alola story
MoonNintendo 3DSNovember 18, 2016Time-shifted 12 hours

Key Features (SM)

FeatureDescription
Island ChallengeReplaces gym system
Z-MovesPowerful once-per-battle moves
Alolan FormsRegional variants debut
Ultra BeastsNew creature category
Ride PokemonReplaces HMs
SOS BattlesWild Pokemon call for help
Poke PelagoIsland mini-game system

Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon (2017)

GamePlatformRelease DateFeatures
Ultra SunNintendo 3DSNovember 17, 2017Enhanced version
Ultra MoonNintendo 3DSNovember 17, 2017Enhanced version

New Features (USUM)

FeatureDescription
Necrozma FormsUltra Necrozma, Dusk Mane, Dawn Wings
Ultra MegalopolisNew dimension to explore
Mantine SurfBeach-to-beach mini-game
Ultra Warp RideWormhole exploration
Expanded DexMore Pokemon available
Team Rainbow RocketVillain team from all regions
Alola Photo ClubPhoto mode feature
Battle AgencyRental Pokemon facility

Version Differences

AspectSun/Ultra SunMoon/Ultra Moon
TimeReal-world time12 hours offset
LegendarySolgaleoLunala
Totem (Verdant)GumshoosRaticate
Totem (Hokulani)TogedemaruVikavolt
Ultra BeastBuzzwole, KartanaPheromosa, Celesteela
UB (USUM)BlacephalonStakataka

Cultural Significance

Island Challenge Innovation

Alola revolutionized Pokemon progression:[6]

TraditionalAlola System
8 Gym Badges7-8 Trials + 4 Grand Trials
Gym LeadersTrial Captains + Kahunas
Linear progressionIsland-based progression
Badge requirementZ-Crystal rewards

Z-Moves

Z-Moves are signature powered-up attacks activated by Z-Crystals:

TypeZ-Move NameBase Move Type
NormalBreakneck BlitzPhysical/Special
FireInferno OverdrivePhysical/Special
WaterHydro VortexPhysical/Special
ElectricGigavolt HavocPhysical/Special
GrassBloom DoomPhysical/Special
FightingAll-Out PummelingPhysical/Special

Signature Z-Moves

PokemonZ-MoveBase Move
PikachuCatastropikaVolt Tackle
Raichu (Alola)Stoked SparksurferThunderbolt
SnorlaxPulverizing PancakeGiga Impact
EeveeExtreme EvoboostLast Resort
DecidueyeSinister Arrow RaidSpirit Shackle
IncineroarMalicious MoonsaultDarkest Lariat
PrimarinaOceanic OperettaSparkling Aria
Tapu KokoGuardian of AlolaNature's Madness
Solgaleo/LunalaSearing Sunraze Smash / Menacing Moonraze MaelstromSunsteel Strike / Moongeist Beam
Necrozma (Ultra)Light That Burns the SkyPhoton Geyser

Regional Variants Legacy

Alola introduced Regional Variants, a concept that continued in all subsequent generations:

GenerationRegionRegional Forms
VIIAlolaAlolan forms
VIIIGalarGalarian forms
IXPaldeaPaldean forms
IXHisuiHisuian forms (Legends Arceus)

Quality of Life Improvements

FeatureImpact
HM RemovalRide Pokemon replace field moves
No random encounters optionVisible Pokemon in some areas
Rotom DexInteractive Pokedex with personality
Festival PlazaOnline hub for trading/battling
Poke PelagoPassive Pokemon development

Story-Driven Narrative

Alola is noted for its character-driven story:[7]

AspectDescription
Family DramaLusamine, Lillie, Gladion relationship
Character GrowthLillie's transformation arc
Moral ComplexityGuzma and Lusamine's motivations
Emotional DepthThemes of abandonment, identity
Cutscene HeavyMore narrative than previous games

Real-World Connections

Hawaiian Inspiration

Alola closely parallels the Hawaiian Islands:[8]

In-GameReal-World Inspiration
AlolaAloha (Hawaiian greeting)
Melemele IslandOahu (yellow)
Akala IslandMaui (pink)
Ula'ula IslandHawaii (Big Island) (red)
Poni IslandKauai (purple)
Island ChallengeHawaiian coming-of-age traditions
KahunasHawaiian priests/experts
Guardian DeitiesTiki culture
Z-MovesHawaiian shaka hand gesture
Hau'oli CityHonolulu

Cultural Elements

Game ElementHawaiian Culture
Aloha spiritFriendly, welcoming atmosphere
LeiFlower garlands (references throughout)
LuauFestival celebrations
Tiki statuesGuardian deity designs
Island hoppingMulti-island structure
SurfingMantine Surf mini-game
VolcanoesWela Volcano Park
Tropical floraLush Jungle, abundant flowers

Musical Influence

Music TypeInfluence
Battle themesSlack-key guitar
Town themesUkulele melodies
Kahuna battlesTribal drums
Team SkullHip-hop beats

Competitive Impact

Metagame Innovations

FeatureCompetitive Impact
Z-MovesNuclear options, prediction-based
Alolan FormsNew type combinations
Terrain EffectsEnhanced by Tapu abilities
Ultra BeastsHigh stat totals, unique distributions
TapusDominant format staples

Notable Competitive Pokemon

PokemonRoleAbility
Tapu KokoFast terrain setterElectric Surge
Tapu LelePsychic sweeperPsychic Surge
Tapu FiniDefensive pivotMisty Surge
Tapu BuluPhysical attackerGrassy Surge
CelesteelaDefensive wallBeast Boost
KartanaPhysical sweeperBeast Boost
ToxapexStall centerpieceRegenerator
IncineroarVGC stapleIntimidate

See Also

References

  1. ^Pokemon Sun and Moon — The Pokemon Company (2016)
  2. ^Alola — Bulbapedia (2024)
  3. ^Island Challenge — Bulbapedia (2024)
  4. ^The Mysterious Ultra Beasts — Pokemon Official (2016)
  5. ^Alolan Forms Revealed — Pokemon Official (2016)
  6. ^Pokemon Sun and Moon Review — Polygon (2016)
  7. ^Pokemon Sun and Moon Review — IGN (2016)
  8. ^Pokemon World - Alola and Hawaii — Bulbapedia (2024)