In "Pokemon Sun and Moon", what is Professor Kukui's area of study?

In “Pokémon Sun and Moon,” Professor Kukui’s area of study is Pokémon moves.

Kukui is the resident Pokémon Professor of the Alola region, whose tropical island setting draws heavily on Hawaii. Unlike some Pokémon professors who focus on evolution, habitats, or Pokémon breeding, Kukui concentrates on how Pokémon attacks work. His research is hands-on: he is known for sometimes taking direct hits from moves when doing so could help him learn more.

His interest in moves also connects to his personality. Kukui is not just a laboratory scientist; he is an enthusiastic battler who later appears as the Masked Royal, a popular masked wrestler at the Battle Royal Dome. This identity reflects his fascination with combat and performance.

A common mix-up is confusing Kukui’s research with Z-Moves, one of Alola’s major new battle mechanics. He studies Pokémon moves generally, while Z-Moves are a specific once-per-battle technique introduced in these games. Kukui also becomes Alola’s first Pokémon Champion before the events of the Ultra versions.