Who Are Alola‘s Battle Leaders?
Unlike other Pokémon regions, Alola has no gym leaders. Instead, Pokémon trainers take on the Island Challenge and must defeat the four Island Kahunas in Grand Trials to clear each island. The Elite Four await those who complete all trials – defeat them, and you can become Alola‘s next Champion!
The Formidable Alola Elite Four
Here are the trainers standing between you and the Championship:
Hala – Melemele Island‘s Kahuna. As a Fighting expert, he poses a dangerous first test with bulk up strategies boosting the offense of Pokémon like Crabominable, Bewear and leading ace Hariyama. His deep understanding of local culture and fighting techniques makes challenges unpredictable.
Olivia – The Rock specialist mined her mastery through decades of Rock Tomb expeditions across Akala Island. With relentless attackers like Probopass, Lycanroc‘s new Midday Form and the ultra-rare Carbink, Olivia leverages terrain and weather to overwhelm opponents. Her championship credentials are rock solid.
Acerola – This Ghost captain‘s trial was the first approved by the Pokémon League. Acerola‘s Banette, Drifblim and ace Palossand showcase her ingenious tricks and traps. Having grown up in the Tapu Village library, she leverages forgotten lore and strategies to befuddle opponents.
Kahili – Recently stepping down as champion golfer to focus on the Elite Four, Kahili is a born competitor wielding potent Flying Pokémon like Skarmory, Mandibuzz and the mythical Oricorio. Her island challenge victory and competitive experience make her a formidable final gatekeeper.
Alola‘s Answer to Gym Leaders
While lacking gyms, the Island Challenge tasks trainers with completing trials supervised by captains. At the end awaits a Grand Trial against the island‘s Kahuna – veterans regarded as the strongest trainers and chosen by the guardian deities themselves.
Here are Alola‘s proficient Kahunas that stand in for gym leaders:
Hala (Fighting) – His expertise with Fighting types was instrumental in establishing the island challenge. Passionate about maintaining tradition amidst modernization across Alola.
Olivia (Rock) – Her excavation projects have expanded understanding of the islands‘ history and ecology – when not rigorously training her team. Relies on primal grunt Pokemon and harsh environments.
Nanu (Dark) – This former officer plays up his infamous reputation from his time in the UB task force. A cynical persona masking a tactical mastermind leveraging Alola‘s Dark types.
Hapu (Ground) – She gained appointment as Poni Island’s first Kahuna in centuries through her adventure mapping the island’s interior and taming its harsh terrain with her team. Her grand trial revives ancient forgotten battle sites – expect the unexpected terrain wise!
History of Alola‘s Pokémon League
Only in recent years was an official league approved by the national sanctioning body. Previously, the island challenge winner was simply acknowledged as the strongest trainer until Professor Kukui spearheaded efforts to organize a competitive regional championship.
The inaugural league in 2019 featured over 38 entrants including past trial goers, island challenge graduates and kahunas. The first tournament sparked renewed interested and participation with the island challenge soaring over 63 entrants for the 2022 league. Ash Ketchum upset the field as the surprise winner.
Many expect Kukui himself to step down from organizing duties next year to serve as Alola’s first official champion. Who will rise to challenge him from the 2023 field featuring new prodigy trainers like Lana and Sophocles? I’ll be sure to provide my insights and predictions leading up to what promises to be an electrifying showdown!
