Pokemon Sun and Moon
Pokemon Sun and Moon

Route 1 and Hau'oli City

Begin your Alola adventure on Route 1 and Hau'oli City in Pokemon Sun and Moon. Find every item and encounter as you navigate these first areas.

·Multi-source verified (64/64)

Route 1 and Hau'oli City

Welcome, aspiring Pokémon Trainer, to the vibrant region of Alola! Your journey truly begins as you descend from Iki Town onto the sun-drenched paths of Route 1 and venture into the bustling heart of Hau'oli City. This section will guide you through every step, ensuring you don't miss a single item, encounter, or crucial interaction.

Route 1: First Steps and Catching Basics

As you leave Iki Town, Professor Kukui will intercept you, eager to introduce you to the fundamental mechanics of Pokémon catching. This is a critical tutorial, so pay close attention!

  1. The Catching Tutorial: Professor Kukui will demonstrate how to weaken a wild Pokémon (typically by lowering its HP into the red zone) and then use a Poké Ball to attempt a capture. He'll provide you with 5 Poké Balls and 3 Potions to get you started.
  2. Practice Makes Perfect: After the tutorial, you're encouraged to try catching Pokémon yourself. Route 1 is an excellent place to practice. Aim to catch at least one or two new Pokémon to start building your team and fill out your Pokédex.
Wild Pokémon Encounters on Route 1 (Early Game)

Here are some common Pokémon you'll find roaming the tall grass on Route 1. Each offers unique strengths for your early team:

  • Pikipek (Normal/Flying): A common bird Pokémon. Its early evolution, Trumbeak, learns useful Flying-type moves.
  • Yungoos (Normal): A territorial Pokémon with good Attack. Evolves into Gumshoos.
  • Ledyba (Bug/Flying - Sun only): A cute Bug-type with decent Special Defense.
  • Spinarak (Bug/Poison - Moon only): A Poison-type with good Attack.
  • Caterpie (Bug - Sun only): Evolves quickly into Butterfree, a strong early-game Special Attacker.
  • Metapod (Bug - Sun only): Caterpie's evolution.
  • Weedle (Bug/Poison - Moon only): Evolves quickly into Beedrill, a strong early-game Physical Attacker.
  • Kakuna (Bug/Poison - Moon only): Weedle's evolution.
Route 1 Item Checklist

explore every nook and cranny of Route 1 to collect these valuable starting items:

  • Poké Ball x5: Received from Professor Kukui during the catching tutorial.
  • Potion x3: Also received from Professor Kukui.
  • Parlyz Heal: Found near the start of the route, tucked away in the grass.
  • Antidote: Located further down the path, before reaching the first patch of tall grass after the tutorial.
  • Super Potion: Hidden in a small alcove just before the entrance to Hau'oli City.
Early Game Catching Tips

Catching Pokémon effectively is crucial. Here are some pointers:

  • Weaken Them: Lower a wild Pokémon's HP into the red zone for the best chance of capture.
  • Status Conditions: Inflicting status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis significantly increases your catch rate. Be careful not to accidentally knock out the Pokémon!
  • Don't Waste Balls: If a Pokémon's HP is still high, or it's a particularly strong opponent, consider weakening it further before throwing a Poké Ball.
  • Save Before Important Catches: For rare or specific Pokémon, save your game beforehand in case you accidentally knock it out or run out of Poké Balls.

Hau'oli City: The Bustling Metropolis

After navigating Route 1, you'll arrive in Hau'oli City, a vibrant hub of activity and your first major urban center in Alola. This city is packed with important locations, NPCs, and opportunities to prepare for your journey.

Route 1 and Hau'oli City - Pokemon Sun and Moon screenshot
Route 1 and Hau'oli City
Key Locations and Interactions in Hau'oli City

Upon entering, you'll be greeted by Lillie and Nebby, progressing the main story. After this initial encounter, take your time to explore the city thoroughly. Here are the must-visit spots:

  • Pokémon Center: Located prominently, this is where you can heal your Pokémon, access the PC, and purchase essential items from the Poké Mart. Stock up on Poké Balls, Potions, and Antidotes.
  • Apparel Shop: Found on the main street, this shop allows you to customize your trainer's appearance. Experiment with different outfits to express your style!
  • Hau'oli City Tourist Bureau: Speak to the woman inside to receive a Lens Case, allowing you to change your character's eye color. This is also where you can learn more about Alola.
  • Hair Salon: Located next to the Apparel Shop, the salon offers various hairstyles and colors for your trainer. A fresh look can be just the thing to boost your confidence!
  • Malasada Shop: On the western side of the city, this shop sells delicious Malasadas, which can increase your Pokémon's Affection.
  • Trainer's School: Located in the northern part of the city. You'll need to visit here as part of the main story. Inside, you'll battle four trainers and receive a Quick Claw and Exp. Share (if you haven't received it yet).
  • Game Freak Office: In the building west of the Pokémon Center. You can battle a Game Freak employee here later in the game.
  • Ferry Terminal: On the western edge of the city. You'll use this later to travel to Akala Island.
Hau'oli City Item Checklist

pick up these valuable items scattered throughout the city:

  • Heal Ball: Received from a woman near the Pokémon Center after talking to her.
  • Great Ball: Found behind the Pokémon Center.
  • Potion: Given by a man near the Apparel Shop.
  • Lens Case: Received from the woman at the Tourist Bureau.
  • Quick Claw: Awarded after defeating the four trainers at the Trainer's School.
  • Exp. Share: Given by Professor Kukui after completing the Trainer's School challenges (if you haven't already received it).
  • TM01 Work Up: Found on the second floor of the Trainer's School.
  • Revive: Located near the Malasada Shop.
  • Full Heal: Found near the Ferry Terminal.
Trainer's School Challenge Walkthrough

The Trainer's School is an important stop to hone your skills and earn valuable items. Follow these steps:

  1. Enter the School: Head to the northern part of Hau'oli City and enter the large building.
  2. Talk to the Teacher: Speak to the teacher at the front desk. She will challenge you to defeat four students.
  3. Battle Student 1 (Youngster Joey): He uses a Cottonee (Grass/Fairy). Use Fire or Flying-type moves if you have them.
  4. Battle Student 2 (Lass Sarah): She uses a Lillipup (Normal). Fighting-type moves are super effective.
  5. Battle Student 3 (Preschooler Mia): She uses a Pichu (Electric). Ground-type moves are super effective.
  6. Battle Student 4 (Gentleman George): He uses a Magnemite (Electric/Steel). Fire or Fighting-type moves are super effective.
  7. Report Back: After defeating all four students, return to the teacher. She will reward you with a Quick Claw.
  8. Professor Kukui's Gift: Professor Kukui will also appear and, if you haven't already, give you the Exp. Share, a crucial item that distributes experience points to all Pokémon in your party.
  9. TM01 Work Up: grab this TM on the second floor of the school before you leave!

With Route 1 explored and Hau'oli City's secrets uncovered, you are now well-equipped to continue your Alolan adventure!