The Hawaii-inspired Alola region in Pokemon Sun and Moon is made up four islands that players can explore. In a new interview with Spanish publication MeriStation, Game Freak director Shigeru Ohmori explained why his team chose to create four islands instead of a single large one. “We wanted to explore nature, we wanted a close relationship between humans and Pokemon. That’s why we thought of Hawaii, because they have a very natural relationship between humans and nature there, they coexist really closely. The reason why we did 4 islands as opposed to one single landmass was because we wanted to create the feeling of a new adventure with each island, new encounters; with each island there would be new challenges and new ways to experience the Pokemon adventure. To feel something new inside, and to renew oneself within the adventure itself.”
Source: Nintendo Everything