Alola Region

Generation 7 (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon)

Alola Region
GenerationGen 7
GamesSun/Moon, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon
Total PokemonVaries
Key MechanicIsland Challenge, Z-Moves, Alolan Forms, Ultra Beasts

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Alola Overview

Alola is a tropical island region based on Hawaii, introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon in 2016. The region consists of four main islands plus a artificial island, each with unique ecosystems ranging from beaches and volcanoes to mountains and caves. Alola features a relaxed culture distinct from other regions. The biggest structural change is the replacement of traditional gym battles with the Island Challenge, a series of trials and grand trials. Alola introduced 88 new Pokemon and regional variants of classic Kanto Pokemon adapted to the tropical environment.

Starter Pokemon

Every Pokemon journey in Alola begins with choosing one of three starter Pokemon from the region's Pokemon Professor. Each starter has distinct type advantages and evolves twice into a powerful final form.

Grass/Flying

Rowlet

A Grass/Flying-type Grass Quill Pokemon. Rowlet can rotate its head almost 180 degrees. Evolves into Dartrix at level 17 and Decidueye at level 34.

Fire

Litten

A Fire-type Fire Cat Pokemon. Litten's fur produces flammable oils for its attacks. Evolves into Torracat at level 17 and Incineroar at level 34.

Water

Popplio

A Water-type Sea Lion Pokemon. Popplio creates water balloons from its nose. Evolves into Brionne at level 17 and Primarina at level 34.

Legendary Pokemon

Alola is home to several legendary and Mythical Pokemon, each with unique lore and significance to the region's history and mythology.

NameTypeNotes
SolgaleoPsychic/SteelThe sunne Pokemon that devours light. Version mascot of Pokemon Sun.
LunalaPsychic/GhostThe moone Pokemon that lures in light. Version mascot of Pokemon Moon.
NecrozmaPsychicThe prism Pokemon that steals light. Central to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon with Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings forms.
Tapu KokoElectric/FairyThe guardian of Melemele Island. Known for its blinding speed in battle.
Tapu LelePsychic/FairyThe guardian of Akala Island. Scatters healing scales across the island.
Tapu BuluGrass/FairyThe guardian of Ula'ula Island. Connected to plant growth and vegetation.
Tapu FiniWater/FairyThe guardian of Poni Island. Creates purified water barriers.
MagearnaSteel/FairyAn artificial Mythical Pokemon created 500 years ago. Distribution event exclusive.
MarshadowFighting/GhostA Mythical Pokemon that dwells in shadows and copies opponent's movements.
ZeraoraElectricA lightning-fast Mythical Pokemon with powerful claw attacks. Distribution event.

Island Challenge: Trial Captains

Instead of traditional gym leaders, Alola features the Island Challenge system. Trainers complete trials led by Trial Captains, then face a Grand Trial against each island's Kahuna. Each trial tests a specific skill and Pokemon type matchup.

Trial CaptainTypeSignature PokemonLocation
IlimaNormalSmeargle / YungoosMelemele Island - Verdant Cavern
LanaWaterWishiwashi / AraquanidAkala Island - Brooklet Hill
KiaweFireMarowak / SalazzleAkala Island - Wela Volcano Park
MallowGrassLurantis / FomantisAkala Island - Lush Jungle
SophoclesElectricTogedemaru / CharjabugUla'ula Island - Hokulani Observatory
AcerolaGhostPalossand / MimikyuUla'ula Island - Thrifty Megamart
MinaFairyRibombee / GranbullPoni Island - Seafolk Village

Key Locations

Alola features diverse and memorable locations that shape the trainer's journey across the region.

  • Iki Town — A traditional Alolan village where the Island Challenge begins with a ceremonial festival.
  • Hau'oli City — The largest city in Alola, divided into three sections with shopping, marina, and beach areas.
  • Aether Paradise — A artificial island housing the Aether Foundation, a Pokemon conservation organization.
  • Altar of the Sunne/Moone — An ancient stone structure atop Poni Island where Solgaleo or Lunala appears.
  • Ultra Megalopolis — A city in another dimension accessed through Ultra Wormholes, home to Necrozma.
  • Poni Gauntlet — A challenging area on Poni Island where the player battles the Elite Four successor.

Unique Features

Alola replaced traditional gyms with the Island Challenge, featuring Totem Pokemon battles that can summon ally Pokemon. Z-Moves provide a once-per-battle nuke mechanic with unique dance animations. Alolan Forms give Kanto Pokemon new typings and designs reflecting the tropical setting. Ride Pokemon replace HMs for field movement. Ultra Beasts are extradimensional Pokemon from Ultra Space that blur the line between regular and legendary Pokemon. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon added Team Rainbow Rocket, a post-game episode featuring villains from every previous generation.