Hau is an 11-year-old boy from the island where the player moves at the start of the adventure. He receives his Pokémon shortly after you. Very enthusiastic about doing his Island Challenge, he first thinks only about having as much fun as possible with his Pokémon, but realizes as the journey goes on that this is not enough. Making his Pokémon’s efforts count becomes his top priority, and he decides to do everything he can to support them in battle. Hau also has one fixed idea: to become as strong as his “grandpa”, Kahuna Hala, so that he can one day have a battle worthy of the name with him.
Always a little behind the player, he also often crosses paths with Gladion, whom he leads to a good deal of reflection. It is even partly thanks to Hau that Gladion comes to see his relationship with the outside world in a new light.
You first meet Hau on Route 1, right after getting your first Pokémon. He has made his choice too and challenges you for the first time on this route, with his Level 5 starter (of the type that is weak against yours). Shortly afterwards, a second battle already takes place during the festival dedicated to Tapu Koko. In the meantime, Hau has also caught a Pichu and his starter has reached Level 7.
Hau appears briefly in Hau’oli City, then on Route 2, where he also plans to take Ilima’s Trial. He asks for another battle as you leave Melemele Meadow, after finding Cosmog there, and then sets off with you for the second island on Mantine Surf.
Encounters up to the first visit to Aether Paradise
You often run into Hau while travelling around Akala Island, even though there is ultimately only one real battle:
Paniola Town. Hau calls out to you just as you arrive and battles you (see team below);
Route 5. Having just been beaten by Gladion, he is nevertheless unfazed and goes back to his adventures;
Battle Royal Dome. He is one of the three opponents in the battle royal started by the Masked Royal (along with the Masked Royal himself and Gladion). For the occasion he sends out his starter Pokémon, with the same characteristics as below but raised to Level 20;
Diglett’s Tunnel. Near the tunnel exit, he teams up with you to fight two Team Skull Grunts blocking the way;
Aether Paradise. After his Grand Trial, taken just after yours, he joins the expedition to Aether Paradise and so meets the figures of the foundation, as well as the Nihilego that comes by to say hello.
Encounters up to Lillie’s rescue at the Aether Foundation
As soon as you arrive in Malie City, Hau offers a new challenge. Two of his Pokémon now differ depending on your (and therefore his) choice of starter Pokémon; the other three stay the same (see tables below). You then run into him on Route 13, in Tapu Village and above all at the Aether House on Route 15, where he unfortunately fails to prevent Lillie’s abduction. He then joins the expedition to Aether Paradise to rescue her and teams up with you with a team that is past Level 40 and whose members are all fully evolved.
Although he takes no part in your journey on Poni Island, Hau still makes a brief appearance, fighting alongside his grandfather against Blacephalon (US)/Stakataka (UL). After that he is slightly ahead of you, since you meet him at Hau’oli Cemetery after he has beaten Ilima, and at the Aether House after he has beaten Nanu. Yet he does arrive at the League after you, since he is your final opponent before you become Alola’s Champion.
He then teams up with you to catch the Ultra Beasts in Poni Grove. After that, you can run into him again in Iki Town, or at the Pokémon League, where he occasionally appears as a random challenger.
