Professor Kukui
- Royal redirects here. For the Gummi, seeGummi → Royal Gummi.
| Professor Kukui ククイ博士Dr. Kukui | |
 Artwork fromPokémon Sun and Moon byKen Sugimori[1] | |
| Age | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Eye color | Black |
| Hair color | Black |
| Hometown | Hau'oli Outskirts |
| Region | Alola |
| Relatives | Professor Burnet (wife) |
| Trainer class | Pokémon Trainer (formerly) Pokémon Professor Pro Wrestler |
| Generation | VII,VIII,IX |
| Counterpart(s) | Kukui (Masters) |
| Games | Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon Masters EX |
| English voice actor | Alejandro Saab[2](Masters EX) |
| Japanese voice actor | Junichi Suwabe[3](Masters EX) |
| Member of | Alola League |
| Rank | Founder |
| Animated series | Pokémon the Series |
| Debut | Alola to New Adventure! |
| Counterpart(s) | Professor Kukui (anime) |
| English voice actor | Abe Goldfarb |
| Japanese voice actor | Keiichi Nakagawa |
| Manga series | Pokémon Adventures Pokémon Horizon |
| Debut | The Delivery of Rotom and the Girl(Adventures) Journey to a New Horizon(Horizon) |
Professor Kukui (Japanese:ククイ博士Dr. Kukui) is aPokémon Professor from theAlola region, as well as the founder of Alola'sPokémon League. He is the only character in the games to have theTrainer classPro Wrestler (Japanese:プロレスラーPro Wrestler) under the aliasthe Masked Royal (Japanese:ロイヤルマスクRoyal Mask). He specializes in Pokémonmoves.
In the core series games
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Special Demo Version
- Main article:Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Special Demo Version
In the Special Demo, Professor Kukui takes the player, namedSun toTen Carat Hill to teach them all about Alola'strials. He lends Sun aPikachu to help perform in battle.
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Background and pre-game
Website blurb:Professor Kukui is the Alola region's dependable Pokémon professor. He lives near your home and looks out for you. He's passionate about his research into Pokémon moves and has sometimes taken direct hits from Pokémon when there was something to be learned from it. Sporting a white lab coat slung casually over his bare torso, he shows off his own unique style
Professor Kukui is a passionate man who lives in theplayer's newhometown,Hau'oli City's Outskirts onRoute 1. His area of expertise isPokémonmoves, and is known to take direct hits from them if he thinks he can learn something about them. In his youth, Kukui participated in theisland challenge with his childhood friend,Molayne. Afterwards, he traveled toKanto, where he challenged theIndigo League, defeating theGym Leaders and making his way toChampionLance. Although the end result of his battle against Lance was not explicitly mentioned, Kukui was most likely defeated by Lance. He is married toProfessor Burnet. Professor Kukui was also friends with the player'smother from back in Kanto. Throughout the player, Hau, and Lillie's journey, he travels with them through theirisland challenge, acting as a chaperone.
Professor Kukui also frequents theBattle Royal Dome under the masked alias "The Masked Royal".
Prior to the events of the game, a young girl by the name ofLillie ends up on a beach with a weakenedCosmog by the name ofNebby, in search of Kukui's wife, Professor Burnet. Burnet finds the poor girl and contacts Kukui, who then decides to take her in. Professor Kukui allows Lillie to live in his loft at his Pokémon Research Lab onAlola'sMelemele Island, but in exchange for this, Lillie becomes Kukui'saide. In the meantime, they learn more about Lillie, and research Cosmog. According to Lillie's Diary in the post-game, she is turned off by Professor Kukui's shirtless appearance. Lillie also appears to have emotional attachment to both of the professors, seeing them as father and mother-like figures.
Melemele Island
The player first meets the professor through a video call. There, the player can choose their appearance for theirTrainer Passport. After confirmation, Kukui makes introduction to the world and the Alolaregion, and expresses his excitement for when they arrive in Melemele.
Professor Kukui meets the player in person when they first make it to Alola, even before they have finished unpacking. He rings the doorbell and the player allows him, welcoming them to the region. After some chit-chat with the player's mother, he tells them that they should come with him toIki Town and meet theisland kahuna, so they could be given theirfirst partner Pokémon. The player grabs their bag and hat from their room, gets complimented by the professor and they head on their way to Iki Town. Along the way, many kids and Trainers appear, asking him about battling and moves, teaching the player about the normal functions of a Pokémon Trainer, and the world that they live in. They arrive at Iki Town, however they can't seem to spot the kahuna around, Professor Kukui suggest to the player that they should go find him themselves, so he sends them off toMahalo Trail where theisland guardian,Tapu Koko lives. Instead, the player finds Kukui's assistant instead, Lillie, who they mistake for beign the kahuna. He introduces the two to each other. KahunaHala appears and offers the player their first Pokémon, in celebration of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, Kukui gives the player their very ownPokédex and their Trainer Passport that he told them over the video call. After this, the group meets the kahuna's grandson,Hau, who will journeying with them through the islands.
The following day, Professor Kukui meets the player at their house again, telling them that there is to be festival at Iki Town to celebrate the start of theirisland challenge. This time, they walk a different pathway, going throughtall grass. Kukui teaches the basics of being a Pokémon Trainer, encountering awildPikipek and catching it. He offers the player tenPoké Balls and fivePotions. The player meets up with Kukui and the others back at Iki Town, who will be participating in battle to please Tapu Koko. After the battle against Hau, Kukui explains the concept of the island challenge, and they must travel across all four of Alola's islands, Kukui brings the player and Lillie back home to Route 1 so they can prepare for the following day. He instructs Lillie to bring them to his Pokémon Research Lab the next day, so he can power up their Pokédex. Before they can get inside, loud sounds are heard. Kukui is having his Rockruff attack himself, causing him not only ruin his clothes, but the lab itself. Lillie makes a quick comment about having the patch the house and sew his clothes again. Inside, the professor then upgrades the player's Pokédex with a Pokémon by the name ofRotom, creating theRotom Pokédex. Kukui and Lillie explain to the player how the Pokémon and the upgraded Pokédex work, and that they'll need it for their journey. Professor Kukui then brings the player and Lillie over to Alola'sTrainers' School to learn more about being a Trainer.
Professor Kukui travels with the player, Hau and Lillie throughout the island of Melemele. OnRoute 2, he guides them to their firsttrial withIlima atVerdant Cavern. After some trouble withTeam Skull and defeating theTotem Pokémon, the player earns their very firstZ-Crystal and can now performZ-Moves. Congratulating the player on their victory, Kukui gives a tutorial on how to initiate Z-Moves, using hisRockruff to activateBreakneck Blitz. After the explanation, he informs the player that he lost sight of Lillie, and that they should have a go look for her. In the meantime he waits for Hau to accomplish his trial. OnRoute 3, the player finds Lillie atMelemele Meadow and brings her back to Kukui, the group reforming once more to head back down to Iki Town. Kukui provides the player with some words of advice before they fight Hala in theirgrand trial. The group watches the player's battle against the kahuna, and succeeds. As a reward, the professor offersTM54 (False Swipe). He encourages the player to continue catching and battling Pokémon, as they prepare to go to Akala, they ask the player to talk to their mother and meet him atHau'oli Marina. Kukui asks Lillie to help prepare his boat as he takes off. At the Marina, the boat is already to go, however Hau calls it old, in which Kukui takes some offense. They hop on board and set out toAkala Island.
Akala Island
AtHeahea City's port, the group is met with kahunaOlivia andCaptain Mallow. Olivia, who recognizes Kukui, jokingly compliments his sense of fashion, saying he'll scare people away without a shirt on. Lillie gets fearful at their presence, worried about Nebby, to which, Kukui reassures Lillie that Olivia is a good person and one of the Kahuna. The group splits off and the professor heads to the Dimensional Research Lab as Hau and the player continue on their island challenge.
The player makes their way to theBattle Royal Dome atRoyal Avenue. There, they are approached by a masked wrestler who calls himself the Masked Royal. The player is confused by this, mistaking them for Professor Kukui. The Royal invites them to join him in aBattle Royal, and proceeds to explain the basics. Hau, who is also visiting the Battle Royal Dome gets excited and asks if he can join the two in the four-way match, in which the royal accepts his offer. Looking for a forth member, The Royal looks around the lobby, he picks outGladion, a character that the player has met before and returns to the dome often to get stronger. The Masked Royal brings in a Rockruff in the four-way tutorial on Battle Royals. After the fight, regardless of winner, he says he enjoyed the battle with them. He asks Hau and the player on how their island challenge is doing, unaware of the position he's in, Hau comments saying that it is likely because of their trial amulets that all trial goers own. The Masked Royal takes his leave and is never seen again after this.
Once the player has finished Mallow's trial atLush Jungle, he smells the scene of Mallow's cooking from the trial and congratulates the player for defeating TotemLurantis, rewarding them withTM67 (Smart Strike). He informs the player to make it back to Heahea City and visit the Dimension Research Lab. Seeing how the player has completed all three of their Akala Island Challenges, he also tells them they can take on Olivia's grand trial. At the Dimensional Research Lab, he gathers Lillie and the player, telling them about his wife, Professor Burnet, who runs the facility. He tells his wife how good the three of the kids are, and Hau meets up with them. Professor Burnet and Kukui explain to the group about the research that goes on, telling them about alternatedimensions,Ultra Wormholes, andUltra Beasts, life forms who come fromUltra Space. Hau and the player get asked byFaba of theAether Foundation for a tour ofAether Paradise, Lillie declines, but professor Kukui sees the two trainers off at theHano Grand Resort after they finished their grand trial with Olivia. He tells the duo that after they learn about all the technology at Aether Paradise that they should meet up back onUla'ula Island inMalie City. Kukui, along with Lillie, boats to the next island off screen.
Ula'ula Island
On the arrival to Ula'ula Island, Lillie meets with the player, telling them that the professor atMalie Garden. Hau and the player inform Professor Kukui about their encounter with anunidentified Ultra Beast coming through and Ultra Wormhole, and their meeting with theAether President. Kukui tells them that their next trial will take place insideHokulani Observatory and travels with the player onRoute 10. Intending to take the Exeggutor Express, the bus stop is taken over by someTeam Skull thugs, wishing they would challenge the Pokémon League instead causing trouble. A quick fight with theTeam Skull Grunts after, the player and Kukui take the bus up the mountain. He directs the player to a specific spot on top ofMount Hokulani, the professor directs their attention to the other mountain on Ula'ula,Mount Lanakila. It is here that Kukui plans to build Alola's ownPokémon League. Kukui believes that the time has come for Alola to make a name for itself in the world, and that establishing aPokémon League will help achieve that. He then introduces the player toMolayne, an old friend of his who he has traveled with, and how he was once acaptain who runs the PC Storage System in Alola. Professor Kukui leaves the mountain, to check up on Hau.
Later, after their trial withSophocles, the player is asked by Molayne to return theProfessor's Mask to Kukui, who is atMalie Garden. There, Kukui is confronted by the boss of Team Skull,Guzma. He calls both the professor and himself "fellow rejects who never could become captains." The boss then criticizes Kukui's idea of building a Pokémon League. Kukui then reveals he chose not to become a captain because he had other goals to pursue. Those goals are what lead him to build the League. The professor then asks the player to battle Guzma. The player wins, and Guzma leaves. Kukui thanks the player by giving them theZ-Crystal for the final Evolution of thefirst partner Pokémon they chose;Decidium Z,Incinium Z, andPrimarium Z forDecidueye,Incineroar, andPrimarina, respectively. He also takes back the mask, saying that he'll make sure the mask will return to The Royal safely. The professor stays on Ula'ula for the rest of the game until the player has finished all their trials.
Ending and post-game
Much later, the Professor greets the player at the gates to the now completed Pokémon League resting on top of Mount Lanakila. He will congratulate the player for completing all trials and grand trials. He remembers the time when the player chose their first Pokémon, to which the player asks if he is cold (but his soul keeps him heated). Kukui welcomes the player to the league, explaining how the tip of Mount Lanakila was always a place of respect and where every island challenge is finished, the closest place to the sun and Moon. IfSolgaleoS/LunalaM is in theirparty, Kukui will share a few words with theLegendary Pokémon, as well. Once the player enters the League gates, Kukui explains how theElite Four challenge works, and wishes the player luck.
Upon defeating all four members of the Elite Four, the player makes their way to the Champion's chamber and sits on the throne. However, Kukui approaches the player, saying they have one more challenge to complete before they can rightfully take their place as Champion. Professor Kukui challenges them to a battle for the Champion's throne, acting as the final battle of the player's Pokémon League challenge. He uses the final Evolution of thefirst partner Pokémon the player's choice is weak to. After being defeated, Kukui congratulates the player, and names them the first ever Champion of the Alola Pokémon League. His dream of having an established Pokémon League and champion in the Alola has been accomplished and wishes to have a festival back in Iki Town, for the player's accomplishment. Professor Kukui joins the party at Iki Town, celebrating the trainer's victory at becoming Alola's strongest Pokémon Trainer asks them to show off their team to the others. The following day, Lillie has decided to leave toKanto withLusamine, with the professor already seeing her before Hau and the player could catch up with them. He tells Lillie that Professor Burnet would have been there, but she was too sad too come. Kukui, and the rest of Lillie's friends see her off, and tells the now confident young lady that if Lillie were to come back, the area in the loft is for her to use like her own home. They say their goodbyes, and Kukui brings Hau and the player back home. Giving Hau a word of advice, Kukui tells him that it's always nice to give someone you love one last smile before they leave.
Professor Kukui is seen in the credits in a photograph with Professor Burnet and his Rockruff. The Masked Royal's mask is seen in the background. In the post-game, Kukui can be spoken to in the Pokémon Research lab, and tells the player about the potential relationship withZ-Power and Ultra Wormholes. He also gives the player multiple rewards, such as the TM forSubstitute.
Kukui can be battled again as a challenger in aTitle Defense battle, despite not wishing to be the Champion of a League that he created. The Masked Royal is a potential opponent in the Battle Royal Dome in Battle Royals
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Professor Kukui's story in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon is nearly identical to that of Sun and Moon, with the only differences being the start and ending of the player's adventure.
Melemele Island
InPokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Professor Kukui gives the player their first partner Pokémon onRoute 1.
Mount Lanakila
The Professor greets the player at the gates to the now-completed Pokémon League resting on top of Mount Lanakila. He congratulates the player for completing all trials and grand trials and remembers the time when the player chose their first Pokémon, to which the player asks if he is cold (but his soul keeps him heated). Kukui welcomes the player to the league, explaining how the tip of Mount Lanakila was always a place of respect and where every island challenge is finished, the closest place to the sun and moon. Once the player enters the League gates, Kukui explains how the Elite Four challenge works, and wishes the player luck.
Upon defeating all four members of the Elite Four, the player makes their way to the Champion's chamber and sits on the throne. However, when the player sits on the Champion's throne after defeating all four members of the Elite Four, Kukui will joke about being the one who will be the last opponent the player must face to rightfully take their place as Champion before he presentsHau as the final opponent. After Hau's defeat, Kukui congratulates the player, and names them the first ever Champion of the Alola Pokémon League, entering them in theHall of Fame. His dream of having an established Pokémon League and champion in the Alola has been accomplished and wishes to have a festival back in Iki Town, for the player's accomplishment. Professor Kukui joins the party at Iki Town, celebrating the trainer's victory at becoming Alola's strongest Pokémon Trainer asks them to show off their team to the others.
Like in the original games, Kukui can be battled during a Title Defense battle and he uses the final Evolution of the first partner Pokémon the player's choice is weak to. He can also appear as an opponent at theBattle Tree.
Pokémon
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Capture tutorial
Caught in tutorial
Z-Move tutorial
Kukui has two Pokémon on hand during this tutorial, but only usesRockruff.
Battle Royal tutorial
The battle will end on the turn where any one of the participants in theBattle Royal is eliminated, including the player. The player will notblack out and the story will progress regardless of the outcome.
Champion battle
Title Defense battle
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Gives to new Trainers
InPokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon only, Professor Kukui delivers two of thesefirst partner Pokémon to theplayer andHau on the behalf ofHala.
Capture tutorial
Caught in tutorial
Z-Move tutorial
Kukui has two Pokémon on hand during this tutorial, but only usesRockruff.
Battle Royal tutorial
The battle will end on the turn where any one of the participants in theBattle Royal is eliminated, including the player. The player will notblack out and the story will progress regardless of the outcome.
Title Defense battle
Battle Tree
Battle Royal Dome
The Masked Royal may reappear occasionally during a Master Rank challenge of the Battle Royal, using three of the following Pokémon. TheAbilities are chosen from any of the possible ones, including Hidden Abilities.
| # | Pokémon | Item | Moves | Nature | EVs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP | Attack | Defense | Sp. Atk | Sp. Def | Speed | |||||||||
| 0038 |  | Ninetales |  Focus Sash | Ice Beam | Moonblast | Protect | Nasty Plot | Timid | - | - | - | 252 | - | 252 |
| 0143 |  | Snorlax |  Sitrus Berry | Return | Protect | Curse | Self-Destruct | Brave | 252 | 252 | - | - | - | - |
| 0462 |  | Magnezone |  Choice Specs | Flash Cannon | Thunderbolt | Volt Switch | Discharge | Modest | 252 | - | - | 252 | - | - |
| 0628 |  | Braviary |  Adrenaline Orb | Brave Bird | Rock Slide | Superpower | Protect | Adamant | - | 252 | - | - | - | 252 |
| 0740 |  | Crabominable |  Quick Claw | Ice Hammer | Close Combat | Pursuit | Protect | Brave | 252 | 252 | - | - | - | - |
| 0745 |  | Lycanroc |  Life Orb | Counter | Stone Edge | Snarl | Protect | Adamant | 252 | 252 | - | - | - | - |
Intro
Sun and Moon
 Pikipek | Rockruff |
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Pikipek |  Cutiefly | Rockruff |
Residing in laboratory
 Poliwhirl |  Murkrow |  Snubbull |  Corsola |  Luvdisc(×3) | Rockruff |  Stufful |
Other
Professor Kukui gives the player theRotom Pokédex. This special Pokédex has aRotom inside, powering the device.
 Rotom Pokédex |
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Special Demo Version
Loaned to the player
Quotes
- Main article:Professor Kukui/Quotes
In the spin-off games
Pokémon Masters EX
- Main article:Kukui (Masters)
Kukui forms async pair withMidday FormLycanroc inPokémon Masters EX. As the Masked Royal, Kukui forms a sync pair withIncineroar. Kukui became a playable sync pair on January 30, 2020, with him appearing as the Masked Royal on June 17, 2021.
Kukui has also made notable appearances in one of the game's Main Stories,Legendary Adventures.
Kukui
| Dex | Trainer | NDex | Pokémon | Type | Weakness | Role | EX role | Base potential | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #079 |  | Kukui | #0745 |  | Lycanroc♂ Midday Form | Rock | Water |  | ★★★★★☆EX | Sync Pair Scout | |
The Masked Royal
| Dex | Trainer | NDex | Pokémon | Type | Weakness | Role | EX role | Base potential | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #132 |  | The Masked Royal | #0727 |  | Incineroar♂ | Dark | Rock | | ★★★★★☆EX | Sync Pair Scout | |
In animation
Pokémon the Series
- Main article:Professor Kukui (anime)
Professor Kukui is a regular character inPokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, who debuted inAlola to New Adventure!. He works as a teacher at thePokémon School ofMelemele Island.Ash lived with him while attending the school. Much like the games, Kukui uses the alias "the Masked Royal" whenever he competes at theBattle Royal, and is married toProfessor Burnet.
GOTCHA!
Professor Kukui briefly appeared inGOTCHA!.
In the manga
Pokémon Adventures
Professor Kukui debuted inThe Delivery of Rotom and the Girl. He was first seen at his laboratory, where he tested the moves of hisRowlet andPopplio. The attacks caused Kukui to be sent flying through the roof and land in front of his house.
There, Kukui encounteredSun andMoon, the latter of which was tasked with delivering aRotom to Kukui. Kukui explained that he needed Rotom, which aren't found in Alola, because they are capable of combining with Sun'sPokédex. When Rotom attempted to go inside the Pokédex, it ran away because the Pokédex was dirty and smelled bad due to Sun constantly mishandling it. Angered by this, Kukui forced Sun to retrieve Rotom while he cleaned the Pokédex. Later that night, Sun returned to Kukui's house with Rotom.
The next day, a sleep-deprived Kukui angrily asked Sun why he wasn't informed about Sun's encounter withTapu Koko the previous day. To Sun's annoyance, Kukui also revealed that he decided to enter Sun in a tournament being held at anIki Town festival later that day.
InThe Decision and the Tournament of Six, Kukui participated in the Iki Town festival tournament while disguised as the Masked Royal. In thefirst round, Kukui was paired up against Sun. Due to the lack of a monetary reward, Sun refused to take the battle seriously until Hala revealed the prize for winning the tournament, anisland challenge amulet. Assuming the amulet was valuable and he could sell it money, Sun became motivated enough to battle seriously, allowing him to win the battle and advance to the next round. Afterward, Kukui watched the remaining battles alongside Hala.
InThe Final Match and a Surprising Finale!, Kukui, as himself, transported Sun and Moon toAkala Island on his yacht. While they traveled, Kukui allowed Moon to take hisRowlet, as he noticed the bond the two developed. Moon also revealed that the Rotom she delivered actually fused with a spare Pokédex she received from Kukui to become theRotom Pokédex. After arriving atAkala Island, Kukui told Sun and Moon to wait on the docks while he went to the Dimensional Research Lab to talk to his wife,Professor Burnet.
InGoing Ashore and Neighboring Akala Island, Kukui sent several Pokémon documents to Burnet, who was still at Kukui's house. As they talked, Burnet revealed thatNebby is actually theLegendary PokémonCosmog. Burnet suggests that Lillie may have been trying to keep Nebby away from someone, but she refused to clarify who she was trying to escape from. To Kukui's surprise, Burnet suggested that he make Lillie his assistant, as it may help her begin to open up more.
InFlash and Cosmog's Secret, Kukui arrived atKonikoni City, where he, Sun, Moon,Kiawe,Mallow, andLana went to Mallow's restaurant, where they talked to Burnet over a video phone. Burnet revealed that earlier that day, she witnessed Nebby clawing at the sky, creating acrack in the sky in the process. With this information, everyone came to the conclusion that the various cracks seen around Alola were caused by Nebby and that Lillie must have been running away from some villains in order to keep Nebby away from them. Worried that Burnet may not be able to keep Lillie safe alone, Kukui suggested Burnet take Lillie with her to meet up with him, Sun, and Moon atUla'ula Island. To his shock, Lana stated that she and the other captains will head to Team Skull's hideout inPo Town to have a discussion with them.
InShipwreck and "Oh, What Sharp Teeth You Have, Bruxish!", Burnet and Lillie usedMantine Surf to travel over the water to Kukui's yacht as it heads off to Ula'ula. Shortly after they arrive, the group is attacked by a wildBruxish, which uses its psychic powers to give everyone headaches and pass out. Although Sun successfully rescues Lillie, who was knocked into the water, he and Lillie end up passing out as well and are separated from the others. Later, Burnet, Kukui, and Moon are rescued by theAether Foundation and taken toAether Paradise. There, they meetFaba andWicke, who explain what happened to everyone and offer to give a tour of Aether Paradise.
InTruth and the Mastermind Behind Team Skull, after leaving Aether Paradise, Kukui, Burnet, and Moon take Kukui's yacht to Ula'ula Island. Kukui, sensing a strange change in the atmosphere, fears that a battle may have started in the hour since the captains' group arrived at Po Town. With nowhere to dock the yacht, Moon told Kukui to get as close to Ula'ula as he can while she has Rowlet carry her to Po Town by flying through the air. After finding a place to dock, Kukui and Burnet met back up with Sun and Moon in Po Town. Kukui gave Sun one of theMirage Berries that was left behind on the yacht so that Sun and Moon could feed it toTapu Bulu.
InThe Truth and Island Kahuna Hapu, Kukui,Molayne,Sophocles,Acerola, andGladion fought offCelesteela andGuzzlord atRoute 10 to prevent them from reachingHokulani Observatory, which was being used as a shelter for those caught up in the Ultra Beasts' rampage. Gladion managed to easily defeat Celesteela, but was distracted when Lillie appeared and called out to him, allowing Guzzlord to attack. Gladion'sType: Null easily defeated Guzzlord and evolved into aSilvally in the process. To Kukui and the others' surprise, Gladion and Lillie revealed themselves to be brother and sister as well as the children of Aether Foundation President,Lusamine. Lillie explained that three months ago, she stole Nebby from Lusamine in order to prevent her from using its power to further her plans. When Lillie presented aSun Flute she also took from Aether Paradise, Gladion decided that they should head tothe altar.
InFinale!! The Battle Against the Other Dimension!, Kukui sent a video call to Moon, revealing that Burnet had learned of his identity as the Masked Royal, leading to them now participating together at theBattle Royal Dome as "Luran and Kommo".
Pokémon
Snorlax is Professor Kukui's fifth known Pokémon. It was first used as aMunchlax to battle Sun's Incineroar,Dollar, at theIki Town festival tournament. With its powerful moves and resistance toFire-type attacks, Munchlax easily held the advantage over Dollar. By lining its hairballs around the battle field and setting them on fire, Dollar surrounded Munchlax in a field of flames, damaging it enough to knock it out. Later, it was revealed to have evolved into a Snorlax, where it was used to try and prevent aCelesteela andGuzzlord from reachingHokulani Observatory, only to be defeated.
Snorlax's only known move isRollout, and its Ability isThick Fat.
Given away
- Main article:Rotom Pokédex (Adventures)
Kukui requested that thisRotom be delivered to him in order to combine withSun's Pokédex. Due to its weakness, Rotom was unable to be delivered electronically, so it had to be hand-delivered byMoon, whose pharmaceutical skills kept it healthy along the way. Once Rotom was delivered, Kukui attempted to try and get it to possess Sun's Pokédex, but Sun's mishandling of the Pokédex left it dirty, causing Rotom to run away in disgust. Later, it combined with Moon's Pokédex to become theRotom Pokédex.
Pokémon Horizon
Professor Kukui first appeared inJourney to a New Horizon, where he introduced theAlola region toAkira. Later, he taught him the concept of aTrainer and helped him andMana to defeat awildDrampa.
In the TCG
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Professor Kukui in thePokémon Trading Card Game.
| Professor Kukui's Pokémon Cards listed with ablue background are only legal to use in the currentExpanded format. Cards listed with agreen background are legal to use in both the currentStandard andExpanded formats. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card | Type | English Expansion | Rarity | # | Japanese Expansion | Rarity | # |
| Rockruff |  | Silver Tempest |  | TG07/TG30 | VMAX Climax |  | 202/184 |
| Other related cards | |||||||
| Card | Type | English Expansion | Rarity | # | Japanese Expansion | Rarity | # |
| Professor Kukui | Su | Sun & Moon |  | 128/149 | Collection Sun |  | 059/060 |
| Sun & Moon |  | 148/149 | Collection Sun |  | 066/060 | ||
| Sun & Moon Starter Set | 054/059 | ||||||
| Premium Trainer Box | 004/018 | ||||||
| SM-P Promotional cards | 096/SM-P | ||||||
| GX Starter Decks | 118/131 | ||||||
| The Masked Royal | Su | Celestial Storm | | 139/168 | SM-P Promotional cards | 084/SM-P | |
| SM-P Promotional cards | 085/SM-P | ||||||
Gallery
- For images on Kukui's animated series counterpart, see:Professor Kukui (anime)
- For images on Kukui inPokémon Masters EX, see:Kukui (Masters)
Artwork
Standard
|  |
| Art from Sun and Moon illustrated byKen Sugimori[4][5] | |
Concept art
 |  |
| Concept artwork fromSun and Moon | |
Merchandise
 |
| Illustration byFumie Kittaka for aGAME FREAK New Year 2017 greeting card and as part of a Pokémon Center promotional event |
Raw TCG artwork
- For all images and products relating to this character in the TCG, seetheir TCG section.
 |
| Raw artwork drawn byHideki Ishikawa for the full art print ofRockruff forSilver Tempest |
Game assets
 | This section is missing one or more images. Please feel free to add any missing images to this section. Needed images can beuploaded to the Bulbagarden Archives. Reason: High-poly models with Z-Ring and Z-Power Ring |
 |
| Ending screenshot withBurnet andRockruff fromSun and Moon |
Sprites and models
Kukui
 |  |  |  |  |
| First high-poly model from Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon | Champion battle VS model from Sun and Moon | Title Defense VS model from Sun and Moon | Title Defense VS model from Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | Battle Tree VS sprite from Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon |
 | ||||
| Overworld model from Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon | ||||
The Masked Royal
 |  |
| High-poly model as The Masked Royal from Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon | VS sprite as The Masked Royal from Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon |
 | |
| Overworld model as The Masked Royal from Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon | |
Trivia
- Professor Kukui is the only NPC inPokémon Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon seen performing aZ-Move pose duringbattle. He performs theNormal-type pose during the Z-Move tutorial.
- In thePokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Special Demo Version, Professor Kukui'sPikachu has a met date of May 10, 2016, which is the day the first information about the games was released past their initial announcement.
- Professor Kukui's Trainer ID is 161118, which is the release date (2016-11-18) of Pokémon Sun and Moon in all markets except Europe.
- Professor Kukui in Sun and Moon has an Incineroar in his Battle Tree team which has a Firium Z but does not have a Fire-type move, meaning this Z-Crystal has no possible use during that battle.
- In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, this same Incineroar hadOutrage replaced withFlare Blitz possibly because of this situation.
Names
| Language | Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ククイ博士Kukui-hakase | Fromkukui (Hawaiian name for thecandlenut), thestate tree of Hawaii |
| English, German, Italian, Catalan | Professor Kukui | Same as Japanese name |
| European Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Czech, Polish | Profesor Kukui | Same as Japanese name |
| French | Professeur Euphorbe | Fromeuphorbe (spurge) orEuphorbiaceae (family that contains the candlenut) |
| Korean | 쿠쿠이박사Kukui-baksa | Transcription of his Japanese name |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 庫庫伊博士Kùkùyī-bóshì /Fufuyī-boksih | Transcription of his Japanese name |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 库库伊博士Kùkùyī-bóshì | |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Professor Nogueira | Fromnogueira-de-iguape (candlenut) |
| Finnish | Professori Kukui | From his English name |
| Hungarian | Kukui Professzor | From his English name |
| Russian | Профессор КекеиProfessor Kekei[n 1] Профессор КукуиProfessor Kukui[n 2] | Similar to his English name Transcription of his English name |
| Turkish | Profesör Kukui | From his English name |
| Vietnamese | Giáo sư Kukui | Transcription of his Japanese name |
Masked Royal
| Language | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese | Cantonese | 皇家蒙面人Wòhnggā Mùhngmihnyàhn |
| Mandarin | 皇家蒙面人Huángjiā Méngmiànrén | |
| Danish | Maskerede Royal | |
| Finnish | Naamio-Royal | |
| French | Royal Mask | |
| German | Mask Royale | |
| Italian | Mister Royale | |
| Korean | 로열마스크Royal Mask | |
| Polish | Królewska Maska | |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Real Mascarado | |
| Russian | Королевская МаскаKorolevskaya Maska | |
| Spanish | Royale, el Enmascarado | |
| Swedish | Maskerade Royal | |
Pro Wrestler
| Language | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese | Cantonese | 職業摔角手Jīkyihp Sēutgoksáu |
| Mandarin | 職業摔角手 / 职业摔角手Zhíyè Shuāijiǎoshǒu | |
| French | Catcheur | |
| German | Profi-Wrestler | |
| Italian | Wrestler | |
| Korean | 프로레슬러Pro Wrestler | |
| Spanish | Luchador | |
Notes
References
Related articles
| Pokémon Professors | |
|---|---|
| Core series | Oak •Elm •Birch •Rowan •Aurea Juniper •Cedric Juniper •Sycamore •Kukui •Burnet •Samson •Mohn •Magnolia •Sonia •Laventon •Sada •Turo |
| Masters EX | Bellis •Oak •Sycamore •Kukui •Sonia •Samson |
| Otherspin-offs | Krane •P •Hastings •Holly •Burnet •Tetra •Willow •Mirror •Phorus •Fir •Neroli |
| Animated series | Oak •Ivy •Elm •Birch •Cozmo •Rowan •Carolina •Hastings •Aurea Juniper •Cedric Juniper •Sycamore •Kukui •Burnet •Samson •Mohn •Cerise •Magnolia •Sonia •Amaranth •Friede •Willow |
| Adventures | Oak •Elm •Birch •Cozmo •Rowan •Berlitz •Aurea Juniper •Cedric Juniper •Sycamore •Kukui •Burnet •Samson •Mohn •Magnolia •Sonia •Turo |
| Othermanga | Oak (Pocket Monsters) |
| See also:Category:Professors | |
| Capture tutors |
|---|
| Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professor Kukui'sPokémon | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On hand: | ||||||
| At home: | ||||||
| Temporary: | ||||||
| Ride Pokémon: | ||||||
| Befriended: | ||||||
| Professor Kukui'sPokémon in other media | ||||||
| Games only: | ||||||
| Adventures only: | ||||||
 | This game character article is part ofProject CharacterDex, aBulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in thePokémon games. |
- Characters
- Male characters
- Animation characters
- Manga characters
- Articles needing images
- Professors
- Capture tutors
- Game characters
- Sun and Moon characters
- Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon characters
- Trainers with Z-Rings
- Trainers with unique classes
- Multi Battle partners
- Pokémon Adventures characters
- Pokémon Horizon characters
- Characters with alter egos
