Alola Region Index

The Alola Region is the main setting of Pokemon Sun and Moon. The Alola Region is based on Hawaii. For information regarding the Pokemon of Sun and Moon, see here.
Please provide your own knowledge to this page if possible. Descriptions written in italics are speculation and not solid facts.
Etymology: Alola's name comes from "aloha" (the traditional Hawaiian greeting phrase) and "ola" (the Hawaiian word for life).
== Characters ==
The running theme of the playable characters in Sun and Moon is Greek deities representing celestial bodies.
=== Elio ===
General Information: Elio (known as "Yo" in Japan) is the male player character in the Generation VII games.
Etymology
* Elio's name comes from "Helios", the god of the sun in Greek mythology.
* Elio's Japanese name is based on "taiyo", the Japanese word for the sun.
=== Selene ===
General Information: Selene (known as "Mizuki" in Japan) is the female player character in the Generation VII games.
Etymology
* Selene's name comes from the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology.
* Selene's Japanese name literally means 'beautiful moon'.
=== Hau ===
General Information: Hau is the main rival in the Generation VII games who is the grandson of Hala.
Etymology: Hau's name is based on the Hawaiian word for the sea hibiscus.
Hibiscus tiliaceus, commonly known as the sea hibiscus or the coast cottonwood, is a species of flowering tree in the Malvaceae family.
=== Gladion ===
General Information: Gladion (known as "Glazio" in Japan) is a rival in the Generation VII games who works as an enforcer for Team Skull. His primary partner is Type: Null.
Etymology: Gladion's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on Gladiolus.
Gladiolus, sometimes called the sword lily, is a genus of flowering plant in the Iridaceae family native to Asia, Mediterranean Europe, South Africa, and tropical Africa.
=== Professor Kukui ===
General Information: Professor Kukui (known as "Dr. Kukui" in Japan) is the Pokemon Professor of the Alola Region. His research focuses on Pokemon attacks. He is also the Champion/final boss of Sun and Moon.
Etymology: This character is named after the Hawaiian word for the candlenut tree.
Aleurites moluccanus, commonly known as the candlenut, is a species of flowering tree of the Euphorbiaceae family.
=== Lillie ===
General Information: Lillie (known as "Lilie" in Japan) is a friend of the player who is a traveling companion throughout their adventure.
Etymology: Lillie's name is based on the lily flower.
Lilium, commonly known as the lily, is a genus of flowering plants of the Liliaceae family native to the Northern Hemisphere.
=== Samson Oak ===
General Information: Professor Samson Oak (known as "Nariya Ohkido" in Japan) is a Pokemon professor of the Alola Region who is the cousin of Professor Oak in the Kanto Region. His research focuses on Alolan regional variants and Totem Pokemon.
Etymology
* Samson Oak's name, like his cousin, is a reference to the oak tree.
An oak is any of the 500 extant species of tree or shrub belonging to the Quercus genus, which belongs to the beech family (Fagaceae). Native to the Northern Hemisphere, oaks include both deciduous and evergreen species. In common culture, the oak is symbolic of strength and endurance.
* Samson Oak's Japanese given name references "naraya-ran" (the Japanese word for the bamboo orchid).
Arundina graminifolia, commonly known as the bamboo orchid, is a species of flower native to tropical Asian countries.
=== Ryuki ===
General Information: Ryuki is an NPC who is a rock guitarist. He specializes in Dragon-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Ryuki's name is based on the Japanese word for the black nightshade as well as "ryu" (the most common Japanese word for a dragon).
Solanum nigrum, commonly known as black nightshade, is a species of flowering place in the Solanaceae family native to Eurasia.
=== Illima ===
General Information: Illima is the first Trial Captain the player faces in the Alola Region, whose Trial is faced in Melemele Island's Verdant Cavern. She specializes in Normal-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Illima's name is a reference to the Hawaiian word for the Sida fallax.
Sida fallax, commonly known as yellow ilima or the golden mallow, is a species of flowering plant in the Malvaceae family indigenous to Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. In Hawaiian religion, the flower is associated with the goddess Laka and lei made from them are said to attract mischievous spirits.
=== Lana ===
General Information: Lana (known as "Suiren" in Japan) is the second Trial Captain the player faces in the Alola Region, whose Trial is faced on Akala Island's Brooklet Hill. She specializes in Water-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Lana's name is a reference to "lilia-lana-i-ka-wai" (the Hawaiian word for the water lily) and "lana" (the Hawaiian word for afloat).
Nymphaeaceae, commonly known as water lilies, is a family of flowering plants found in temperate and tropical climates worldwide.
* Lana's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the water lily which also contains "sui" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for water).
=== Kiawe ===
General Information: Kiawe (known as "Kaki" in Japan) is the third Trial Captain the player faces in the Alola Region, whose Trial is faced in Akala Island's Wela Volcano Park. He specializes in Fire-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Kiawe's name is a reference to the kiawe tree.
Prosopis pallida, commonly known as the American carob or kiawe in Hawaii, is a species of tree in the Fabaceae family native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It lives in drier areas near the coast. In Hawaii, the kiawe is commonly used for firewood.
* Kiawe's Japanese name is based on "kaki" (the Japanese word for the Asian persimmon), which is a homophone of a Japanese word for fire.
Diospyros kaki, commonly known as the Oriental persimmon or Asian persimmon, is the most widely cultivated species of the persimmon fruit dated back to China. They are attributed with healing properties in Asian culture.
=== Mallow ===
General Information: Mallow (known as "Mao" in Japan) is the fourth Trial Captain the player faces in the Alola Region, whose Trial is faced in Akala Island's Lush Jungle. She specializes in Grass-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Mallow's name is a reference to the mallow plant family.
Mallow is a genus of flowering plants in the Malvaceae family which are widespread throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe. The name comes from the Old English word "mealwe", which comes from the Latin "malva".
* Mallow's Japanese name is based on "ma'o" (the Hawaiian word for Hawaiian cotton).
Gossypium tomentosum, commonly known as Hawaiian cotton, is a species of the cotton plant found in Hawaii.
=== Sophocles ===
General Information: Sophocles (known as "Mamane" in Japan) is the fifth Trial Captain the player faces in the Alola Region, whose Trial is faced in Ula'ula Island's Hokulani Observatory.
Etymology
* Sophocles' name is a reference to Sophora chrysophylla and the author of the famous Greek tragedy Electra.
Sophora chrysophylla, known as mamane in Hawaii, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is used by the Native Hawaiians for its durable wood and in religious rituals to ward off evil.
* Sophocles' Japanese name is based on the Hawaiian word for Sophora chrysophylla.
=== Acerola ===
General Information: Acerola is the sixth Trial Captain the player faces in the Alola Region, whose Trial is faced in Ula'ula Island's abandoned Thrifty Megamart. She specializes in Ghost-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Acerola's name is based on a common name for Malpighia emarginata.
Malpighia emarginata, commonly known as the acerola cherry or the Barbados cherry, is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub in the Mapighiaceae family native to South America, Central America, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti among others.
=== Mina ===
General Information: Mina (known as "Matsurika" in Japan) is the seventh and final Trial Captain the player faces in the Alola Region, whose Trial is faced at her house on Poni Island. She specializes in Fairy-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Mina's name comes from jasmine.
Jasmine is a genus of shrubs and vines belonging to the Oleaceae family. They are widely cultivated for the fragrance of their flowers. The name likely is derived from the Middle Persian word "yasaman".
* Mina's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for Arabian jasmine.
Jasminum sambac, commonly known as Arabian jasmine, is a species of flowering plant in the Oleaceae family native to tropical Asia. It is commonly used as a fragrant ingredient in perfumes and jasmine tea. It is also the national flower of the Philippines.
=== Hala ===
General Information: Hala is the Kahuna of Melemele Island who later serves as a member of the Alola Elite Four. He specializes in Fighting-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Hala's name comes from the Hawaiian word for Pandanus tectorius.
Pandanus tectorius, commonly known as the thatch screwpine or the hala tree, is a species of tree in the Pandanaceae family native to Malesia, Papuasia, eastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
=== Olivia ===
General Information: Olivia (known as "Lychee" in Japan) is the Kahuna of Akala Island who later serves as a member of the Alola Elite Four. She specializes in Rock-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Olivia's name comes from Alyxia oliviformis and olivine.
Alyxia stellata, known as maile in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family. It is mentioned in various Hawaiian stories and proverbs.
* Olivia's Japanese name is based on the lychee.
The lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a type of berry grown by a tropical evergreen tree native to southeastern China. The fruit is known for its pinkish red rind and rough skin surrounding sweet flesh and a central stone containing a seed. The name of the fruit is derived from the Cantonese word "laizi".
=== Nanu ===
General Information: Nanu (known as "Kuchinashi" in Japan) is the Kahuna of Ula'ula Island. He specializes in Dark-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Nanu's name comes from the Hawaiian word for various species of gardenia as well as the word "none".
Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family native to Africa, Asia, Madagascar, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. The flowers of this plant are prized for their sweet scent. The name is a reference to Scottish-born American naturalist Alexander Garden.
* Nanu's Japanese name is based on "kuchinashi" (the Japanese word for gardenia) which is a homophone of a Japanese word for something unspoken.
=== Hapu ===
General Information: Hapu (known as "Hapu'u" in Japan) is the Kahuna of Poni Island. She specializes in Ground-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Hapu's name (in both English and Japanese) comes from "hapu'u", the Hawaiian word for the Hawaiian tree fern.
Cibotium menziesii, commonly known as the Hawaiian tree fern, is a species of tree fern in the Cibotiaceae family which is native to Hawaii.
=== Molayne ===
General Information: Molayne (known as "Mullein" in Japan) is a member of the Alola Elite Four. He specializes in Steel-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Molayne's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on mullein.
Verbascum, commonly known as mullein, is a genus of flowering plants in the Scrophulariaceae family native to Europe and Asia.
=== Kahili ===
General Information: Kahili is a member of the Alola Elite Four. She specializes in Flying-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Kahili's name comes from the Hawaiian name for various plants (such as the kahili ginger) which is also the name of a famous Hawaiian golf course.
Hedychium gardnerianum, commonly known as Kahili ginger or the ginger lily, is a species of flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family native to the Himalayas.
=== Guzma ===
General Information: Guzma is the leader of Team Skull. He specializes in Bug-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Guzma's name comes from Guzmania.
Guzmania, commonly known as the tufted airplant, is a genus of flowering plants in the Bromeliaceae family native to Brazil, southern Mexico, Central America, and South America. The genus name is based on the Spanish-Ecuadorian naturalist Anastasio Guzman.
=== Plumeria ===
General Information: Plumeria (known as "Plumeri" in Japan) is the Admin of Team Skull. She specializes in Poison-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Plumeria's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on Plumeria.
Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a genus of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family native to the Neotropical realm. Its names are based on 17th-century French botanist Charles Plumier and a fictional 16th-century marquis of France respectively.
=== Lusamine ===
General Information: Lusamine is the president of the Aether Foundation.
Etymology: Lusamine's name is based on "Balsamine" (the German word for garden balsam).
Impatiens balsamina, commonly known as garden balsam or spotted snapweed, is a species of flowering plant native to India and Myanmar.
=== Faba ===
General Information: Faba (known as "Sauboh" in Japan) is the branch chief of the Aether Foundation. He specializes in Psychic-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Faba's name comes from the Faba bean, with his Japanese name being based on the German word for it (Saubohne).
Vicia faba, commonly known as the Faba bean, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family (which also contains peas and other types of beans).
=== Wicke ===
General Information: Wicke is the assistant branch chief of the Aether Foundation's Aether Paradise.
Etymology: Wicke's name comes from the German word for vetch.
Vicia, commonly known as vetches, is a genus of flowering plants which are part of the Fabaceae family.
== Locations ==
All of the major cities in Alola are named after Hawaiian words. The Real World Equivalents are heavily speculative.
=== Melemele Island ===
General Information: Melemele Island is the northwesternmost island of Alola.
Real World Counterpart: Oahu
Etymology: Melemele Island's name comes from the Hawaiian word for the color yellow.
=== Iki Town ===
General Information: Iki Town (known as "Lili'i" in Japan) is a town on Melemele Island which is the starting location for players.
Real World Counterpart: Wahiawa
Etymology
* Iki Town's name comes from the Hawaiian word meaning 'slightly'.
* Iki Town's Japanese name is based on the Hawaiian word meaning 'tiny'.
=== Mahalo Trail ===
General Information: Mahalo Trail is a location on Melemele Island which connects Iki Town and the Ruins of Conflict.
Real World Counterpart: Aiea Loop Trail
Etymology: Mahalo Trail's name comes from the Hawaiian word for 'gratitude' or 'thanks'.
=== Ruins of Conflict ===
General Information: The Ruins of Conflict are a location on Melemele Island accessible from the Plank Bridge on Mahalo Trail where the player can find Tapu Koko.
Real World Counterpart: Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau
=== Hau'oli City ===
General Information: Hau'oli City is a coastal city on Melemele Island.
Real World Counterpart: Honolulu
Etymology: Hau'oli City's name comes from the Hawaiian word for 'happy'.
=== Verdant Cavern ===
General Information: Verdant Cavern is a location on Melemele Island in the northeastern portion of Route 2 where the player faces Illima's Trial.
Real World Counterpart: Kaneana Cave (Makua Cave)
=== Kala'e Bay ===
General Information: Kala'e Bay is a location on Melemele Island accessible from the Seaweed Cave.
Real World Counterpart: Hanauma Bay
Etymology: Kala'e Bay's name comes from the Hawaiian word for 'clear' or 'calm'.
=== Akala Island ===
General Information: Akala Island is the northeasternmost island of Alola.
Real World Counterpart: Maui
Etymology: Akala Island's name comes from the Hawaiian word for the color pink.
=== Heahea City ===
General Information: Heahea City (known as "Kantai" in Japan) is a coastal city on Akala Island.
Real World Counterpart: Kahului
Etymology
* Heahea City's name comes from the Hawaiian word meaning "to welcome".
* Heahea City's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for a warm welcome.
=== Paniola Town ===
General Information: Paniola Town (known as "Ohana" in Japan) is a town on Akala Island.
Real World Counterpart: Makawao
Etymology
* Paniola Town's name comes from the Hawaiian word for a cowboy.
* Paniola Town's Japanese name is based on the Hawaiian word for "family".
=== Brooklet Hill ===
General Information: Brooklet Hill is a location on Akala Island west of Route 5 where the player faces Lana's Trial.
Real World Counterpart: Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary
=== Lush Jungle ===
General Information: Lush Jungle (known as "Shade Jungle" in Japan) is a location on Akla Island north of Route 5 where the player faces Mallow's Trial.
Real World Counterpart: Hana Forest Reserve
=== Wela Volcano Park ===
General Information: Wela Volcano Park is a location on Akala Island west of Route 7 where the player faces Kiawe's Trial.
Real World Counterpart: Haleakala National Park
Etymology: Wela Volcano Park's name comes from the Hawaiian word for "hot".
=== Konikoni City ===
General Information: Konikoni City (known as "Koniko" in Japan) is a coastal city on Akala Island.
Real World Counterpart: Lahaina
Etymology: Konikoni City's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on the Hawaiian word for passion.
=== Ruins of Life ===
General Information: The Ruins of Life are a location on Akala Island located north of Akala Outskirts where the player can find Tapu Lele.
Real World Counterpart: Pi'ilanaihale Heiau
=== Ula'ula Island ===
General Information: Ula'ula Island is the southeasternmost island of Alola.
Real World Counterpart: Hawaii Island
Etymology: Ula'ula Island's name comes from the Hawaiian word for the color red.
=== Malie City ===
General Information: Malie City is a coastal city on Ula'ula Island.
Real World Counterpart: Hilo
Etymology: Malie City's name comes from the Hawaiian word for 'calm'.
=== Mount Hokulani ===
General Information: Mount Hokulani is a location on Ula'ula Island.
Real World Counterpart: Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea
Etymology: Mount Hokulani's name comes from a combination of Hawaiian words roughly translatable as 'Heavenly Star'.
=== Hokulani Observatory ===
General Information: Hokulani Observatory is a location on Ula'ula Island found on the summit of Mount Hokulani where the player faces Sophocles' Trial.
Real World Counterpart: Mauna Kea Observatories
=== Haina Desert ===
General Information: Haina Desert is a location on Ula'ula Island located north of Route 13.
Real World Counterpart: Ka'u Desert
Etymology: Haina Desert's name comes from the Hawaiian word for 'cruel'.
=== Ruins of Abundance ===
General Information: The Ruins of Abundance (known as the "Ruins of Harvest" in Japan) are a location on Ula'ula Island located north of the Haina Desert where the player can find Tapu Bulu.
Real World Counterpart: Pu'ukohola Heiau 
=== Tapu Village ===
General Information: Tapu Village (known as "Kapu" in Japan) is a village on Ula'ula Island.
Real World Counterpart: Heiau Ruins
Etymology: Tapu Village's name (in both English and Japanese) reference the Guardian Deity Pokemon.
=== Thrifty Megamart ===
General Information: The Thrifty Megamart (known as the "Supermarket Megacheap" in Japan) is a location on Ula'ula Island north of Route 14 where the player faces Acerola's Trial.
Real World Counterpart: Pahala
=== Po Town ===
General Information: Po Town is a town on Ula'ula Island which serves as the home base of Team Skull.
Real World Counterpart: Hawi
Etymology: Po Town's name comes from the Hawaiian word for the night.
=== Mount Lanakila ===
General Information: Mount Lanakila is a location on Ula'ula Island north of Tapu Village which contains Alola's Victory Road, with the Pokemon League located at the summit.
Real World Counterpart: Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea
Etymology: Mount Lanakila's name comes from the Hawaiian word for "victory".
=== Poni Island ===
General Information: Poni Island is the southwesternmost island of Alola.
Real World Counterpart: Kauai
Etymology: Poni Island's name comes from the Hawaiian word for the color purple.
=== Seafolk Village ===
General Information: The Seafolk Village is a village on Poni Island where the player faces Mina's Trial.
Real World Counterpart: Waimea
=== Ruins of Hope ===
General Information: The Ruins of Hope (known as the "Ruins of the Other Side" in Japan) are a location on Poni Island located east of Poni Breaker Coast where the player can find Tapu Fini.
Real World Counterpart: Poli'ahu Heiau
== Ideas ==
=== Region Theming ===
* Aircraft
* Anime Series
* Beverages
* Clothing
* Dante's Inferno Demons
* Diseases
* Extinct Animals
* Fairy Tales
* Gambling Terms
* Goetia Demons
* Mathematical Terms
* Prescription Drugs
* Rock Bands
* Tarot Cards
* US States