The Alola region, the setting of "Pokémon Sun and Moon," is based on the U.S. state of Hawaii.
Alola is a fictional island region introduced in the seventh generation of Pokémon games. Its tropical climate, volcanic landscapes, ocean-centered geography, and culture of island communities closely reflect Hawaii. The name Alola also echoes "aloha," the familiar Hawaiian greeting and farewell, although Alola remains a fictional place within the Pokémon world.
The region is divided into several major islands, including Melemele, Akala, Ula'ula, and Poni. This structure mirrors Hawaii's archipelagic geography. Each island has its own environments and local traditions, while the island challenge replaces the traditional Gym structure used in many earlier Pokémon games.
The Hawaiian influence extends into the Pokémon themselves. Some familiar species receive Alolan Forms adapted to the region's environment, such as Alolan Vulpix, Alolan Exeggutor, and Alolan Raichu. The games also draw on Hawaiian-inspired music, landscapes, and ideas about living in close relationship with nature. Alola debuted in "Pokémon Sun and Moon," released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016.