Professor Kukui

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Professor Kukui
ククイ博士 Dr. Kukui
Sun Moon Professor Kukui.png
Artwork from Pokémon Sun and Moon by Ken 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 and Moon, Ultra Sun and 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
Anime 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 a Pokémon Professor from the Alola region, as well as the founder of Alola's Pokémon League. He is the only character in the games to have the Trainer class Pro Wrestler (Japanese: プロレスラー Pro Wrestler) under the alias the Masked Royal (Japanese: ロイヤルマスク Royal Mask). He specializes in Pokémon attacks.

In the core series games

In the 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, named Sun to Ten Carat Hill to teach them all about Alola's trials. He lends Sun a Pikachu to help perform in battle.

In 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 the player's new hometown, Hau'oli City's Outskirts on Route 1. His area of expertise is Pokémon moves, and is known to take direct hits from them if he thinks he can learn something about them. In his youth, Kukui participated in the island challenge with his childhood friend, Molayne. Afterwards, he traveled to Kanto, where he challenged the Indigo League, defeating the Gym Leaders and making his way to Champion Lance. It is unclear what the end result of his battle against Lance was. He is married to Professor Burnet. Professor Kukui was also friends with the player's mother from back in Kanto. Throughout the player, Hau and Lillie's journey, he travels with them through their island challenge, acting as a chaperone.

Professor Kukui also frequents the Battle Royal Dome under the masked alias "The Masked Royal".

Prior to the events of the game, a young girl, by the name of Lillie ends up on a beach with a weakened Cosmog by the name of Nebby, in search for of Kukui's wife, Professor Burnet. Burnet finds the poor girl and contatcs her husband, who then decide to take her in. Professor Kukui decides to allow Lillie to live in his loft at his Pokémon Research Lab on Alola's Melemele Island, but in exchange for this, Lillie becomes Kukui's aide. 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 appearance of going around half naked and not wearing a shirt. Lillie also appears to have emotional attatchment to both of the professors, seeing them as father and mother-like figures.

On Melemele Island

The player first meets the professor through a video call. There, the player can choose their appearance for their Trainer Passport. After confirmation, Kukui makes introduction to the world and the Alola region, 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 to Iki Town and meet the island kahuna, so they could be given their first 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 to Mahalo Trail where the island 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. Kahuna Hala appears and offers the player their first Pokémon, in celebration of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, Kukui gives the player their very own Pokédex 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 their island challenge. This time, they walk a different pathway, going through tall grass. Kukui teaches the basics of being a Pokémon Trainer, encountering a wild Pikipek and catching it. He offers the player 10 Poké Balls and 5 Potions. 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 of Rotom, creating the Rotom 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's Trainers' School to learn more about being a Trainer.

Professor Kukui travels with the player, Hau and Lillie throughout the island of Melemele. On Route 2, he guides them to their first trial with Ilima at Verdant Cavern. After some trouble with Team Skull and defeating the Totem Pokémon, the player earns their very first Z-Crystal and can now perform Z-Moves. Congratulating the player on their victory, Kukui gives a tutorial on how to initiate Z-Moves, using his Rockruff to activate Breakneck 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. On Route 3, the player finds Lillie at Melemele 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 their grand trial. The group watches the player's battle against the kahuna, and succeeds. As a reward, the professor offers TM54 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 at Hau'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 to Akala Island.

On Akala Island

At Heahea City's port, the group is met with kahuna Olivia and Captain 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 the Battle Royal Dome at Royal 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 a Battle 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 out Gladion, 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 at Lush Jungle, he smells the scene of Mallow's cooking from the trial and congratulates the player for defeating Totem Lurantis, rewarding them with TM67, 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 alternate dimensions, Ultra Wormholes, and Ultra Beasts, life forms who come from Ultra Space. Hau and the player get asked by Faba of the Aether Foundation for a tour of Aether Paradise, Lillie declines, but professor Kukui sees the two trainers off at the Hano 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 on Ula'ula Island in Malie City. Kukui, along with Lillie, boats to the next island off screen.

On Ula'Ula Island

On the arrival to Ula'ula Island, Lillie meets with the player, telling them that the professor at Malie Garden. Hau and the player inform Professor Kukui about their encounter with an unidentified Ultra Beast coming through and Ultra Wormhole, and their meeting with the Aether President. Kukui tells them that their next trial will take place inside Hokulani Observatory and travels with the player on Route 10. Intending to take the Exeggutor Express, the bus stop is taken over by some Team Skull thugs, wishing they would challenge the Pokémon League instead causing trouble. A quick fight with the grunts after, the player and Kukui take the bus up the mountain. He directs the player to a specific spot on top of Mount 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 own Pokémon League. Kukui believes that the time has come for Alola to make a name for itself in the world, and that establishing a Pokémon League will help achieve that. He then introduces the player to Molayne, an old friend of his who he has traveled with, and how he was once a trial captain who runs the PC Storage System in Alola. Professor Kukui leaves the mountain, to check up on Hau.

Later, after their trial with Sophocles, the player is asked by Molayne to return the Professor's Mask to Kukui, who is at Malie 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 the Z-Crystal for the final evolution of the first partner Pokémon they chose; Decidium Z, Incinium Z, Primarium Z for Decidueye, Incineroar, and Primarina, 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. And if SolgaleoS/LunalaM is in their party, Kukui will share a few words with the Legendary Pokémon, as well. 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, 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 the first 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 to Kanto with Lusamine, 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 with Z-Power and Ultra Wormholes. He also gives the player multiple rewards, such as the TM for Substitute.

Kukui can be battled again as a challenger in a Title 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

In 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.

On Melemele Island

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Professor Kukui will be the one who will give the player their first partner Pokémon on Route 1.

On Mt. 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 presents Hau 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 the Hall 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 the Battle Tree.

Pokémon

Pokémon Sun and Moon

Capture tutorial



Caught in tutorial
731Pikipek.png
Types:
Normal Flying
Ability:
Keen Eye or Skill Link
Held item:
None.png None None.png
Pikipek/ Lv.3
Peck
Flying Physical
Growl
Normal Status
  --  
   
  --  
   
Z-Move tutorial

Kukui has two Pokémon on hand during this tutorial, but only uses Rockruff.



Battle Royal tutorial

The battle will end on the turn where any one of the participants in the Battle Royal is eliminated, including the player. The player will not black out and the story will progress regardless of the outcome.



Champion battle

Rowlet If the player chose Rowlet:



Litten If the player chose Litten:



Popplio If the player chose Popplio:



Title Defense battle

Rowlet If the player chose Rowlet:



Litten If the player chose Litten:



Popplio If the player chose Popplio:



Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Capture tutorial



Caught in tutorial
736Grubbin.png
Type:
Bug Unknown
Ability:
Swarm
Held item:
None.png None None.png
Grubbin/ Lv.3
Vice Grip
Normal Physical
  --  
   
  --  
   
  --  
   
Z-Move tutorial

Kukui has two Pokémon on hand during this tutorial, but only uses Rockruff.



Battle Royal tutorial



Title Defense battle

Rowlet If the player chose Rowlet:



Litten If the player chose Litten:



Popplio If the player chose Popplio:



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. The Abilities are chosen from any of the possible ones, including Hidden Abilities.



Gives to new Trainers

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon only, upon meeting the player on Route 1 after the Alola First partner Pokémon drive off a wild Yungoos before it could attack the player, Professor Kukui allows the player to pick one as their first partner Pokémon.

722Rowlet.png
Types:
Grass Flying
Ability:
Overgrow
Held item:
None.png None None.png
Rowlet/ Lv.5
Tackle
Normal Physical
Leafage
Grass Physical
Growl
Normal Status
  --  
   
725Litten.png
Type:
Fire Unknown
Ability:
Blaze
Held item:
None.png None None.png
Litten/ Lv.5
Scratch
Normal Physical
Ember
Fire Special
Growl
Normal Status
  --  
   
728Popplio.png
Type:
Water Unknown
Ability:
Torrent
Held item:
None.png None None.png
Popplio/ Lv.5
Pound
Normal Physical
Water Gun
Water Special
Growl
Normal Status
  --  
   

Intro

Sun and Moon
731Pikipek.png
Pikipek
744Rockruff.png
Rockruff
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
731Pikipek.png
Pikipek
742Cutiefly.png
Cutiefly
744Rockruff.png
Rockruff

Residing in laboratory

061Poliwhirl.png
Poliwhirl
198Murkrow.png
Murkrow
209Snubbull.png
Snubbull
222Corsola.png
Corsola
370Luvdisc.png
Luvdisc (×3)
744Rockruff.png
Rockruff
759Stufful.png
Stufful

Other

Professor Kukui gives the player the Rotom Pokédex. This special Pokédex has a Rotom sleeping inside, powering the device.

0479Rotom-Pokédex.png
Rotom Pokédex


Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Special Demo Version

Loaned to the player
025Pikachu.png
Type:
Electric Unknown
Ability:
Static
Held item:
None.png None None.png
Pikachu Lv.40
Thunderbolt
Electric Special
Slam
Normal Physical
Growl
Normal Status
Iron Tail
Steel Physical

Quotes

Main article: Professor Kukui/Quotes

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Masters EX

Main article: Kukui (Masters)

Kukui forms a sync pair with Midday Form Lycanroc in Pokémon Masters EX. As The Masked Royal, Kukui forms a sync pair with Incineroar. 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

Sync Dex Trainer NDex Pokémon Type Weakness Role Base Potential Availability
#079 VSKukui Masters.png Kukui #0745 MastersIcon0745.png Lycanroc
Midday Form
Rock
RockIC Masters.png
Water
WaterIC Masters.png
Masters Tech.png ★★★★★☆EX Sync Pair Scout

The Masked Royal

Sync Dex Trainer NDex Pokémon Type Weakness Role Base Potential Availability
#132 VSMasked Royal Masters.png The Masked Royal #0727 MastersIcon0727.png Incineroar
Dark
DarkIC Masters.png
Rock
RockIC Masters.png
Masters Tech.png ★★★★★☆EX Sync Pair Scout

In the anime

Main series

Professor Kukui in the anime
Main article: Professor Kukui (anime)

Professor Kukui is a regular character in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, who debuted in Alola to New Adventure!. He works as a teacher at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island. Ash lived with him while attending the school. Much like the games, Kukui uses the alias "the Masked Royal" whenever he competes at the Battle Royal, and is married to Professor Burnet.

GOTCHA!

Professor Kukui briefly appeared in GOTCHA!.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Professor Kukui in Pokémon Adventures
Professor Kukui as the Masked Royal in Pokémon Adventures

Professor Kukui debuted in The Delivery of Rotom and the Girl. He was first seen at his laboratory, where he tested the moves of his Rowlet and Popplio. The attacks caused Kukui to be sent flying through the roof and land in front of his house.

There, Kukui encountered Sun and Moon, the latter of which was tasked with delivering a Rotom to Kukui. Kukui explained that he needed Rotom, which aren't found in Alola, because they are capable of combining with Sun's Pokédex. 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 with Tapu Koko the previous day. To Sun's annoyance, Kukui also revealed that he decided to enter Sun in a tournament being held at an Iki Town festival later that day.

In The Decision and the Tournament of Six, Kukui participated in the Iki Town festival tournament while disguised as the Masked Royal. In the first 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, an island 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.

In The Final Match and a Surprising Finale!, Kukui, as himself, transported Sun and Moon to Akala Island on his yacht. While they traveled, Kukui allowed Moon to take his Rowlet, 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 the Rotom Pokédex. After arriving at Akala 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.

In Going Ashore and Neighboring Akala Island, Kukui sent several Pokémon documents to Burnet, who was still at Kukui's house. As they talked, Burnet revealed that Nebby is actually the Legendary Pokémon Cosmog. 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.

In Flash and Cosmog's Secret, Kukui arrived at Konikoni City, where he, Sun, Moon, Kiawe, Mallow, and Lana 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 a crack 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 at Ula'ula Island. To his shock, Lana stated that she and the other Captains will head to Team Skull's hideout in Po Town to have a discussion with them.

In Shipwreck and "Oh, What Sharp Teeth You Have, Bruxish!", Burnet and Lillie used Mantine 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 wild Bruxish, 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 the Aether Foundation and taken to Aether Paradise. There, they meet Faba and Wicke, who explain what happened to everyone and offer to give a tour of Aether Paradise.

In Truth 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 the Mirage Berries that was left behind on the yacht so that Sun and Moon could feed it to Tapu Bulu.

In The Truth and Island Kahuna Hapu, Kukui, Molayne, Sophocles, Acerola, and Gladion fought off Celesteela and Guzzlord at Route 10 to prevent them from reaching Hokulani 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's Type: Null easily defeated Guzzlord and evolved into a Silvally 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 a Sun Flute she also took from Aether Paradise, Gladion decided that they should head to the altar.

In Finale!! 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 the Battle Royal Dome as "Luran and Kommo".

Pokémon

Professor Kukui's Lycanroc
Rockruff → Lycanroc
Main article: Professor Kukui's Lycanroc

Lycanroc is Professor Kukui's fourth known Pokémon. As a Rockruff, it was first used to battle Sun's Incineroar, Dollar, at the Iki Town festival tournament and lost. Sometime later, it evolved into a Midday Form Lycanroc.

Debut The Decision and the Tournament of Six
Professor Kukui's Snorlax

Professor Kukui's Snorlax
Munchlax → Snorlax
Snorlax is Professor Kukui's fifth known Pokémon. It was first used as a Munchlax to battle Sun's Incineroar, Dollar, at the Iki Town festival tournament. With its powerful moves and resistance to Fire-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 a Celesteela and Guzzlord from reaching Hokulani Observatory, only to be defeated.

Snorlax's only known move is Rollout, and its Ability is Thick Fat.

Debut The Announcement and the Prize
Given away
Professor Kukui's Litten
Litten
Main article: Dollar (Adventures)

This Litten originally belonged to Professor Kukui. He was given to Sun, who nicknamed him Dollar.

Debut The Grand Entrance and Delivery Boy Sun
Professor Kukui's Rowlet
Rowlet
Main article: Moon's Rowlet

Rowlet originally belonged to Professor Kukui. He was first seen being used to test out moves alongside Popplio. He was given to Moon after seeing how he bonded with her.

Debut The Delivery of Rotom and the Girl
Professor Kukui's Popplio
Popplio
Popplio is Professor Kukui's first known Pokémon. It was first seen being used to test out moves alongside Rowlet. He later gave it away to Hau.
Debut The Delivery of Rotom and the Girl
Professor Kukui's Rotom
Rotom
Main article: Rotom Pokédex (Adventures)

Kukui requested that this Rotom be delivered to him in order to combine with Sun's Pokédex. Due to its weakness, Rotom was unable to be delivered electronically, so it had to be hand-delivered by Moon, 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 the Rotom Pokédex.

Debut The Grand Entrance and Delivery Boy Sun

Pokémon Horizon

Professor Kukui in Pokémon Horizon

Professor Kukui first appeared in Journey to a New Horizon, where he introduced the Alola region to Akira. Later, he taught him the concept of a Trainer and helped him and Mana to defeat a wild Drampa.

In the TCG

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Professor Kukui in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Professor Kukui's Pokémon
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a silver background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Rockruff Fighting Silver Tempest TGH TG07/TG30 VMAX Climax CHR 202/184
Other related cards
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Professor Kukui Su Sun & Moon Uncommon 128/149 Collection Sun U 059/060
Sun & Moon Rare Ultra 148/149 Collection Sun SR 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 Uncommon 139/168 SM-P Promotional cards   084/SM-P
      SM-P Promotional cards   085/SM-P
 


Gallery

For images on Kukui's anime counterpart, see: Professor Kukui (anime)
For images on Kukui in Pokémon Masters EX, see: Kukui (Masters)

Artwork

Standard

Sun Moon Professor Kukui.png Masked Royal Ultra Sun Ultra Moon.png
Art from
Sun and Moon illustrated by Ken Sugimori[4][5]

Concept art

Kukui SM concept art.png Masked Royal SM cocnept art.jpg
Concept artwork from Sun and Moon

Merchandise

GAMEFREAK New Years Card 2017.png
Illustration by Fumie Kittaka for a GAME 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, see their TCG section.
Art Life 20230502 Rockruff.jpg
Raw artwork drawn by Hideki Ishikawa
for the full art print of Rockruff for Silver Tempest

Game assets

050Diglett.png This needs is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this needs to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: High-poly models with Z-Ring and Z-Power Ring
SM Ending Screen 14.png
Ending screenshot with Burnet and Rockruff from Sun and Moon

Sprites and models

Kukui
Spr SM Kukui.png VSKukui.png VSKukui 2.png VSKukui 2 USUM.png VSKukui 3.png
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
Professor Kukui SM OD.png
Overworld model from
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon
The Masked Royal
Spr SM The Royal.png VSThe Royal.png
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
The Royal SM OD.png
Overworld model as The Masked Royal from
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon

Trivia

  • Professor Kukui is the only NPC in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon seen performing a Z-Move pose during battle. He performs the Normal-type pose during the Z-Move tutorial.
  • In the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Special Demo Version, Professor Kukui's Pikachu 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 had Outrage replaced with Flare Blitz possibly because of this situation.

Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese ククイ博士 Dr. Kukui From kukui (Hawaiian for the candlenut), the state tree of Hawaii
English, German, Italian Professor Kukui Same as Japanese name
Spanish Profesor Kukui Same as Japanese name
French Professeur Euphorbe From euphorbe (spurge) or Euphorbiaceae (family that contains the candlenut)
Korean 쿠쿠이박사 Dr. Kukui Transcription of his Japanese name
Chinese (Mandarin) 庫庫伊博士 / 库库伊博士 Dr. Kùkùyī | Transcription of his Japanese name
Chinese (Cantonese) 庫庫伊博士 Dr. Fufuyī
Brazilian Portuguese Professor Nogueira From nogueira-de-iguape (candlenut)
Czech Profesor Kukui From his English name
Finnish Professori Kukui From his English name
Hungarian Kukui Professzor From his English name
Polish Profesor Kukui From his English name
Russian Профессор Кекеи Professor Kekei*
Профессор Кукуи Professor Kukui*
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
Denmark Flag.png Danish Maskerede Royal
Finland Flag.png Finnish Naamio-Royal
France Flag.png French Royal Mask
Germany Flag.png German Mask Royale
Italy Flag.png Italian Mister Royale
South Korea Flag.png Korean 로열마스크 Royal Mask
Poland Flag.png Polish Królewska Maska
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Real Mascarado
Russia Flag.png Russian Королевская Маска Korolevskaya Maska
Spain Flag.png Spanish Royale, el Enmascarado
Sweden Flag.png 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
France Flag.png French Catcheur
Germany Flag.png German Profi-Wrestler
Italy Flag.png Italian Wrestler
South Korea Flag.png Korean 프로레슬러 Pro Wrestler
Spain Flag.png Spanish Luchador

See also

References


Oak (animeAdventuresPocket MonstersMasters) • ElmBirchRowanAurea JuniperCedric JuniperSycamore (animeMasters)
Kukui (animeMasters) • Burnet (anime) • SamsonMohnMagnoliaSonia (Masters) • LaventonSadaTuro
IvyCeriseAmaranthFriedeKranePHastingsBerlitzHollyTetraWillowBellisMirrorPhorusNeroli


Capture tutors
Old manPrimoProfessor OakDudeEthan/LyraWallyLucas/DawnProfessor Juniper
BiancaCalem/SerenaProfessor KukuiLeonProfessor LaventonNemona


Non-player characters in the core series games
Alola Professor KukuiMomLillieNebbyHauRotomProfessor BurnetMolayneSamson OakRyukiMohn
RedBlueWallyCynthiaGrimsleyColressSinaDexioLookerAnabelNecrozmaMorimotoIwao
Team SkullAether FoundationUltra Recon SquadTeam Rainbow Rocket
Trial CaptainsIsland kahunasElite FourName RaterJudgeMr. HyperGester


Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series
Alola Ace DuoAce TrainerAether Branch ChiefAether FoundationAether Foundation Employee
Aether PresidentAthletic SiblingsBackpackerBeautyBellhopBlack BeltCaptainCollectorCookDancer
Eevee UserElite FourEspeon UserFirefighterFishermanFlareon UserGAME FREAKGentlemanGlaceon User
Golf BuddiesGolferHikerHoneymoonersIsland KahunaJanitorJolteon UserKarate FamilyLassLeafeon User
MadameOffice WorkerPokémon BreederPokémon ProfessorPokémon TrainerPolice OfficerPreschooler
PrincipalPunk GirlPunk GuyPunk PairRising StarRising Star DuoScientistSightseerSwimmerSwimmers
Swimmer GirlsSylveon UserTeacherTeam SkullTeam Skull AdminTeam Skull BossTeam Skull Grunt
Trial GuideTwinsUmbreon UserVaporeon UserVeteranVeteran DuoWorkerYoungsterYouth Athlete
ActorUSUMCapoeira CoupleUSUMDancing FamilyUSUMKantonian GymUSUMMaster & ApprenticeUSUM
ReporterUSUMSparring PartnersUSUMSurferUSUMTeam AquaUSUMTeam FlareUSUMTeam GalacticUSUM
Team MagmaUSUMTeam PlasmaUSUMTeam Rainbow RocketUSUMTeam Rainbow Rocket GruntUSUM
Tourist CoupleUSUMUltra Forest KartenvoyUSUltra Recon SquadUSUM
Battle Tree, Battle Royal Dome, and Battle Agency only:
Battle LegendPokémon Center LadyPro Wrestler


Project CharacterDex logo.png This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.