I got to thinking about what could come with Pokemon Sun and Moon

So, with the release of Sun and Moon fast approaching I decided to do a little digging on Hawaiian lore to see if there are any pokemon that could be inspired by it in some way, also had this really absurd notion that someone might think this is a good time to introduce a surfboard inspired pokemon (not just a surfing version of a pokemon, an actual pokemon with its aspects inspired by a surfboard). And then I found little thing that talked about how different animals were represented in their spiritual culture and got to thinking the starters might have their forms based on Hawaiian lore. Rowlet is an owl, in the Hawaiian language is called "Pu’eo" (I'm sure some of you will probably use this a nickname for your Rowlet now) and in the lore symbolizes protection. In Hawaiian, the Hawaiian Monk Seal is called "Hulu" and represents Immortality. Litten is the odd one out, the source I found doesn't show any members of the cat family in Hawaiian lore. However, I find it interesting that 2 of the 3 starter pokemon could have a potential connection with real world animals that have a cultural significance to Hawaii.

Source found here