Alola
- If you were looking for the first Japanese opening theme of the Sun & Moon series, see Alola!!.
- If you were looking for the first Korean opening theme of the Sun & Moon series, see ALOLA!.
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Alola (Japanese: アローラ地方 Alola-chihō) is a region of the Pokémon world. It is the setting of Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.
The Alola region is made of up four natural islands and one artificial island: Melemele Island, Akala Island, Ula'ula Island, Poni Island, and Aether Paradise. It is a popular resort destination and attracts a lot of tourists from other regions. In Alola, humans and Pokémon coexist in a very close relationship, and a culture has developed that is different from other regions.
Etymology and design concept
Etymology
According to Shigeru Ohmori, the name "Alola" is meant to incorporate a meaning of a land that overflows with life force and supports various forms of life.[1] The name may come from ola, Hawaiian for life, and the traditional Hawaiian greeting aloha.
Design concept
- Main article: Pokémon world in relation to the real world → Alola
Alola is based on Hawaii, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean and a state of the United States.[2][3]
History
Dated history
- c. 500 years prior to the events of Pokémon Sun and Moon, the guardian deities fought against Solgaleo and Lunala.
- c. 500 years prior to the events of Pokémon Sun and Moon, Magearna was built and presented to a king's daughter.
Contemporary history
Sun/Moon leaves his/her home on Route 1 on a Pokémon journey three months after moving to the Alola region from Kanto. He/she receives his/her starter Pokémon from Hala and meets Lillie and Hau. Sun/Moon receives a Z-Ring at the festival inaugurating his/her island challenge, consisting of seven trials and four grand trials in order to become the island challenge champion. Along his/her journey, he/she encounters a group called Team Skull, whose members are misfits who failed the island challenge and aim to cause trouble, as well as another group called the Aether Foundation, whose goal is to cure hurt Pokémon. After defeating the leader of Team Skull, Guzma, at the Shady House, Sun/Moon travel to Aether Paradise, where he/she battles Lusamine, the president of the Aether Foundation. Lusamine opens Ultra Wormholes across Alola and enters one with Guzma. Sun/Moon and Lillie evolve Nebby into SolgaleoS/LunalaM at the Altar of the SunneS/Altar of the MooneM and travel into Ultra Space, where Sun/Moon battles Lusamine again and bring her and Guzma back to Alola. Sun/Moon catches SolgaleoS/LunalaM after Lillie tells it that she isn't a Trainer. Sun/Moon climbs Mount Lanakila to its summit, the newly opened Pokémon League, where he/she defeats the Elite Four, becoming the first Champion of Alola. A festival is held in Iki Town, and Lillie brings Sun/Moon to the Ruins of Conflict to battle Tapu Koko. The next day, Lillie leaves for Kanto to help her mother. The International Police contact Sun/Moon to investigate and catch the Ultra Beasts unleashed across Alola.
Cities, routes, and other locations
Alola has nine cities and towns, and a Pokémon League. Like in Unova and Kalos, the routes of Alola start counting again from 1, likely to represent its geographical isolation from the original four regions. There are 17 routes in total.
Demographics
The Alola region has a total population of 392SM, including all towns, cities, and other areas.
Cities and towns
| Map | City/Town | Population | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Iki Town | 18SM | An old town where traditions have been passed on for generations. The villagers here are close with Tapu Koko. |
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Hau'oli City | 107SM | Beachfront: A popular spot where locals like to gather. Even people from other towns come to Hau'oli City to visit this beach. Shopping District: The bustling center of the city, where you can get everything from fashion items to popular treats to eat.SM The center of the city, where more and more people have become fashion conscious to take commemorative photos.USUM Marina: A harbor where you can set out for the other islands. It's visited by many people and boats. |
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Heahea City | 68SM | Considered the "front door" to Akala Island, this town's residents treasure visitors and welcome them most warmly. |
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Paniola Town | 16SM | A town located in the middle of Akala Island and surrounded by ranch land and pastures for grazing. |
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Konikoni City | 44SM | The large gateway at the entrance gives a unique impression. This is a city of merchants, where you find lots of shops.SM This is a city of merchants, where you find lots of shops and even a photo club, beyond the gate at the entrance.USUM |
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Malie City | 68SM | A city with an obvious Eastern influence in its design. The architecture is distinctive here. Outer Cape: A cape famous for its Recycling Plant. The plant is co-managed by people and Pokémon. |
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Tapu Village | 13SM | The remains of a village said to have been destroyed by the island's tapu when the people roused its anger. |
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Po Town | 23SM | A town barricaded with tall walls that seem to reach the sky. It is occupied by Team Skull. |
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Seafolk Village | 24SM | The village of a wandering people who live on ships. They all seem to love living free and unfettered. |
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Pokémon League | 11SM | The place where the most powerful Trainer in the Alola region will be decided. Coming soon! |
Landmarks
| Map | Landmark | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Mahalo Trail | A mountainous trail that leads to the sacred ruins. The cool air up here is very soothing on the skin. |
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Hau'oli Cemetery | The people and Pokémon on Melemele Island share their lives, and here they have also shared their graves for generations. |
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Berry fields | A Berry field with soft soil. It is the pride and joy of the local Berry master. |
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Verdant Cavern | A cave with a great variety of plants thriving inside it. The light shafting in from above makes for a breathtaking sight. |
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Melemele Meadow | A place where yellow flowers bloom in abundance. You can gather the nectar Oricorio loves to feed on here. |
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Seaward Cave | A cave that connects Melemele Meadow and Kala'e Bay. It is filled with salty smell of the sea. |
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Kala'e Bay | One of the most scenic spots on Melemele Island. It was chosen as one of the top 100 views in Alola. |
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Ten Carat Hill | A great hill formed by the activity of an underwater volcano. It is famous for the hollow in its middle that is open to the air. |
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Paniola Ranch | The ranch managed together by the people and Pokémon living in Paniola Town. |
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Brooklet Hill | The best fishing spot in the Alola region. Its series of cascading waterfalls make it look like a terrace field. |
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Melemele Sea | This sea is crowded with Melemele islanders, local Pokémon, and visiting tourists all year round. |
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Royal Avenue | A major street that has developed so much thanks to the Battle Royal Dome being on it, making it look like a city street. |
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Wela Volcano Park | A mountain with steep paths and waste lands. There is a trial site on top. |
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Lush Jungle | A heavily wooded tropical rain forest. It's famous for producing ingredients for delicious meals. |
| File:Diglett's Tunnel SM.png | Diglett's Tunnel | Diglett and people worked together to finish digging this tunnel several years ago. |
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Memorial Hill | A place where the memories of people and Pokémon linger. Many people come from other islands to visit this graveyard. |
| File:Akala Outskirts SM.png | Akala Outskirts | A grassy stretch along Akala's southern-most coast. It leads from Memorial Hill to the Ruins of Life. |
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Ruins of Life | The ruins that enshrine Tapu Lele, one of the land spirits. It is said that life is born here. |
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Hano Grand Resort | The biggest of all the resorts in the Alola region. The hotel is fully booked a year in advance. |
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Hano Beach | The beach near Hano Grand Hotel at the Hano Grand Resort. Pyukumuku-chucking is a popular part-time job to do here. |
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Aether Paradise | A VLFS or a "very large floating structure." This is where the Aether Foundation's research facilities are. |
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Malie Garden | A well-manicured garden located in the middle of Malie City. The large lake within it seems to resemble something... |
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Mount Hokulani | A mountain suitable for observing the stars. There is an observatory on top. |
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Hokulani Observatory | A research facility for observing and studying various phenomena in space. |
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Blush Mountain | The mountain where the Geothermal Power Plant is situated. Its output covers almost all of Ula'ula Island's electric needs. |
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Secluded ShoreSM Ula'ula BeachUSUM |
A small patch of shore on the southern coast of Ula'ula Island. A rather isolated and unwelcoming place.SM A beach that spreads on the southern coast of Ula'ula Island. A very popular and busy place for Mantine Surf.USUM |
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Aether House | Where Pokémon and people huddle together. |
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Thrifty Megamart (Abandoned Site) | The original site of the first Thrifty Megamart store. It is said to have been destroyed by the island's tapu. |
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Haina Desert | A scorching-hot desert beyond Route 13. Trainers often get lost here in this broiling labyrinth. |
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Ruins of Abundance | The ruins that enshrine Tapu Bulu, one of the land spirits. It is said that life grows here. |
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Ula'ula Meadow | A place where red flowers bloom in abundance. You can gather the nectar Oricorio loves to feed on here. |
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Lake of the Moone | A place that seems to have some connection to the Alola's Legendary Pokémon. The lake forms a perfect circle. |
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Lake of the Sunne | A place that seems to have some connection to the Alola's Legendary Pokémon. The lake forms a perfect circle. |
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Shady House | A mansion abandoned by a certain rich citizen. People sometimes call it the "Shady Chateau," too. |
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Poni Wilds | The entrance to Poni Island. It connects to Seafolk Village. |
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Ancient Poni Path | An old path that leads to Vast Poni Canyon. Some people and Pokémon still try to live in the ruins here, but not many. |
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Poni Breaker Coast | The southern coast of Poni Island, where rough waves pound mercilessly upon the shore. |
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Ruins of Hope | The ruins that enshrine Tapu Fini, one of the land spirits. It is said that life ends its journey here. |
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Exeggutor Island | It's a paradise for Exeggutor! This island is designated as a special preserve. |
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Vast Poni Canyon | The most challenging path on Ula'ula Island. The ups and downs of this canyon are beyond any other. |
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Altar of the Sunne | An altar that is said to be closely associated with the Legendary Pokémon depicted in the local folklore. |
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Altar of the Moone | An altar that is said to be closely associated with the Legendary Pokémon depicted in the local folklore. |
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Mount Lanakila | The roughest and coldest mountain in the Alola region. A large-scale construction project has been taken up here. |
| File:Ruins of Conflict SM.png | Ruins of Conflict | The ruins that enshrine Tapu Koko, one of the land spirits. It is said that life is tested here. |
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Poni Grove | A natural path that winds among the many trees. It leads to the eastern side of Poni Island. |
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Poni Plains | The plains that lead to the northern part of Poni Island. There is also a path connecting to Poni Meadow from here. |
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Poni Meadow | A place where purple flowers bloom in abundance. You can gather the nectar Oricorio loves to feed on here. |
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Resolution Cave | A cave that leads deep, deep down under the ground. How it got the name "resolution" is not known. |
| File:Poni Coast SM.png | Poni Coast | The north-eastern coast of Poni Island, where the clarity of the water makes it a popular view spot. |
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Poni Gauntlet | A difficult path that leads to the Battle Tree. It's full of tough Trainers. |
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Battle Tree | The sacred battle grounds for the toughest Trainers of the Alola region. |
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Poké Pelago | |
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Festival Plaza | |
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Big Wave Beach | A beach with huge waves. It's located near a motel. It's one of the Mantine Surf Spots. |
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Sandy Cave | The vast sea spreads, and various Pokémon live among rocks. |
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Heahea Beach | A bustling beach connecting to Heahea City. It's one of the Mantine Surf Spots. |
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Pikachu Valley | Electric paradise. |
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Dividing Peak Tunnel | |
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Poni Beach | A beach on Poni Island with an abundance of nature. It's one of the Mantine Surf Spots. |
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Plains Grotto | |
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Team Rocket's Castle |
Anime-exclusive locations
| Picture | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Aina's Kitchen | A cafeteria located on Melemele Island. It is run by Abe with help from his daughter Mallow and is a popular place to eat. |
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Bamboo Hill | A hill on Melemele Island that serves as a camping site and contains bamboo trees. |
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Clawmark Hill | A mountain located near Professor Kukui's house where wild Pokémon spar at night. |
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Pokémon School | A school on Melemele Island where Trainers of varying ages meet to improve themselves. Samson Oak is the principal. |
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Treasure Island | An island located near Melemele, which is home to many wild Pokémon. |
Geography
Environment
The Alola region consists of four main islands, Melemele Island, Akala Island, Ula'ula Island, Poni Island; and one artificial island, Aether Paradise, which is described as a "Very Large Floating Structure" or VLFS. It is not possible to Surf, or, for that matter, use the Poké Ride's Lapras Paddle or Sharpedo Jet between the islands; those wishing to do so must take boats or the Poké Ride's Charizard Glide. All four islands are to an extent forested and mountainous; most of the cities and towns are on the coastlines, with notable exceptions being Iki Town and Paniola Town. Routes are relatively developed here compared to other regions, with several of them having their own Pokémon Centers in addition to residential buildings.
Melemele Island to the northwest, while steeped in nature, has the least extreme environments, and is home to Alola's largest settlement, Hau'oli City. Its routes gently slope up towards the center of the island to form a gradual mountain, on top of which are the Ruins of Conflict. It is notable for Ten Carat Hill, which was formed out of an underwater volcano and has an open-air hollow in the middle, itself resembling a volcano.
Akala Island, to the northeast, contains Alola's only active volcano, Wela Volcano Park, and has the most settlements of the four islands. It boasts several huge resort hotels, all in Heahea City, one of which has its own beach and golf course. It is notable for Brooklet Hill, whose cascading waterfalls give off the impression of a terrace field.
Ula'ula Island to the southeast is the largest of Alola's islands, and also the most varying in terms of weather and terrain, which is significantly rougher. For such a large island, it has few settlements; one is an abandoned town while another is in ruins and contains just a Pokémon Center. These all sit in the shadow of what is essentially a contiguous mountain range in the heart of the island, which boasts not just three mountains, but also a harsh desert. Towards the southwest is a lagoon with breakable rocks that the Sharpedo Jet can break through.
Poni Island, to the southwest, is more sparsely populated, having only one settlement; and, similar to the Battle Zone in Sinnoh, is full of rugged and harsh environments. The island is mostly mountainous and rocky in part due to the sprawling canyon - which is in itself described as a natural trial site - that takes up over half the island's space, although the coastline areas are more level.
Aether Paradise, in stark contrast to the natural islands, is strikingly modern, with a huge building in the center that serves as both the main area and the headquarters of its owners, the Aether Foundation. Behind this building is a sprawling mansion that serves as the office and residence of its head.
Climate
Similar to Hoenn, Alola seems to have a warmer climate than in other regions, implying an equatorial climate; Hawaii, which Alola is based on, experiences such climate. However, Mount Lanakila, Alola's highest point, constantly experiences snow and hail, due to its high altitude.
Apart from that, the islands experience a wide variety of weather conditions, especially on Ula'ula Island, which alone is afflicted with not only harsh sun and extreme sandstorm in the desert near its center, but also snow and hail from the aforementioned Mount Lanakila. Frequent rain falls on its northern side, as well as on the northwestern side of Akala Island, where a thriving rainforest grows.
These environmental conditions are reflected in its Pokémon, some of which have adapted to the environmental conditions in different ways; for example, Exeggutor is five times as tall here due to the abundant sunlight.
Ecology
Due to the unique environmental pressures, a number of Pokémon species that appear in Alola have regional variants known as Alola Forms that have different properties to elsewhere in the Pokémon world. For example, in Alola Vulpix moved to snowy mountain peaks to avoid the normal habitats of other Pokémon, and adapted to their new environment by becoming Ice-type.
Island challenge
- Main article: Island challenge
The island challenge is a rite of passage in the Alola region consisting of trials on each of Alola's four main islands. Each trial has a Trial Captain who provides guidance to Trainers undertaking a trial. At the end of each trial, Trainers must face a Totem Pokémon in an SOS Battle. The final trial on each island is called the grand trial, where the Trainer must battle the Island Kahuna. The goal of those taking the island challenge is to become the strongest Trainer, known as the island challenge champion.
Captains and Totem Pokémon
Melemele Island
| Melemele Island | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Captain Japanese |
Location Japanese |
Type | Totem Pokémon | Ally Pokémon |
 Ilima イリマ Ilima |
Verdant Cavern 茂みの洞窟 Verdant Cavern |
 Normal |
 GumshoosSUS |
 YungoosSUS |
 Alolan RaticateMUM |
 Alolan RattataMUM | |||
Akala Island
| Akala Island | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Captain Japanese |
Location Japanese |
Type | Totem Pokémon | Ally Pokémon |
 Lana スイレン Suiren |
Brooklet Hill せせらぎの丘 Brooklet Hill |
 Water |
 Wishiwashi (School Form)SM |
  Wishiwashi and AlomomolaSM |
 AraquanidUSUM |
  Dewpider and MasquerainUSUM | |||
 Kiawe カキ Kaki |
Wela Volcano Park ヴェラ火山公園 Wela Volcano Park |
 Fire |
 SalazzleSM |
 SalanditSM |
 Alolan MarowakUSUM |
SalazzleUSUM | |||
 Mallow マオ Mao |
Lush Jungle シェードジャングル Shade Jungle |
 Grass |
 Lurantis |
  Trumbeak and CastformSM |
  Comfey and KecleonUSUM | ||||
Ula'ula Island
| Ula'ula Island | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Captain Japanese |
Location Japanese |
Type | Totem Pokémon | Ally Pokémon |
 Sophocles マーマネ Māmane |
Hokulani Observatory ホクラニ天文台 Hōkūlani Observatory |
 Electric |
 VikavoltSM |
 Charjabug ×2SM |
 TogedemaruUSUM |
  Skarmory and DedenneUSUM | |||
 Acerola アセロラ Acerola |
Thrifty Megamart (Abandoned Site) スーパー・メガやす 跡地 Supermarket Megacheap (Abandoned Site) |
 Ghost |
 Mimikyu |
  Haunter and GengarSM |
  Banette and JellicentUSUM | ||||
Poni Island
| Poni Island | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Captain Japanese |
Location Japanese |
Type | Totem Pokémon | Ally Pokémon |
| None | Vast Poni Canyon ポニの大峡谷 Great Canyon of Poni |
 Dragon |
 Kommo-o |
  Hakamo-o and ScizorSM |
 Noivern and ScizorUSUM | ||||
 Mina マツリカ Matsurika |
NoneSM |  Fairy |
NoneSM | NoneSM |
| Seafolk Village 海の民の村 Seafolk VillageUSUM |
 RibombeeUSUM |
  Blissey and PelipperUSUM | ||
Island Kahunas
| Island Kahuna Japanese |
Island | Location Japanese |
Type |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hala ハラ Hala |
 Melemele Island |
Iki Town リリィタウン Liliʻi Town |
 Fighting |
 Olivia ライチ Lychee |
 Akala Island |
Ruins of Life 命の遺跡 Ruins of Life |
 Rock |
 Nanu クチナシ Kuchinashi |
 Ula'ula Island |
Malie City マリエシティ Malie City |
 Dark |
 Hapu ハプウ Hapū |
 Poni Island |
Vast Poni CanyonSM ポニの大峡谷 Great Canyon of Poni |
 Ground |
| Exeggutor IslandUSUM ナッシー・アイランド Nassy Island |
Alola League
- Main article: Alola League
A Pokémon League for the Alola region was developed on top of Mount Lanakila by Professor Kukui only recently. As a result, the Alola League has no Pokémon Champion. Instead, in Sun and Moon, after defeating the Elite Four, the player must battle Kukui, the founder of the league, in order to formally attain the title of Alola's first Pokémon League Champion. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the player battles their rival Hau instead.
Elite Four
| Alola League | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation VII | |||
| Member Japanese |
Type | ||
 Hala ハラ HalaSM |
 Molayne マーレイン MulleinUSUM |
Fighting | Steel |
 Olivia ライチ Lychee |
Rock | ||
Acerola アセロラ Acerola |
Ghost | ||
 Kahili カヒリ Kahili |
Flying | ||
Trivia
- Alola is the only core series region in which the player's home is not located in a city or town. Instead, it is located on Route 1.
- Alola is a palindrome.
- Alola has the fewest settlements of any core series region, with 10.
- Alola has the fewest numbered routes of any core series region, with 17.
- Alola is the only core series region not to feature:
- The adjectival form of Alola is "Alolan".
See also
In other languages
| Language | Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| French, German, Italian, Spanish |
Alola | From its Japanese and English name |
| Korean | 알로라 Alola | Transliteration of its Japanese name |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 阿羅拉 / 阿罗拉 Āluólā | Transliteration of its Japanese name |
| Chinese (Cantonese) | 阿羅拉 Alòhlāai | |
| Russian | Алола Alola | Transcription of its English name |
References
| Regions in the Pokémon world | ||
|---|---|---|
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This article is part of Project Locations, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every location in the Pokémon world. |
