Based on room reports, the HA 1BRs do not have the kitchen island. Some of the Value 1BRs where the connecting door is in the living area rather than the entryway do not have the island.
We just stayed in a one bedroom at Jambo. We had the island in the kitchen, which I loved! It is rectangle not square. It has an open shelf underneath and I stored boxed food there for easy access. I did not cook, but find it would be convenient to have the extra counter space. It also did not seem to be in the way upon entry. The only thing that was tight was having the chairbed and couchbed both open.
I also loved the island in the kitchen at Jambo and don't care for the kitchen layout at Kidani as well since it doesn't have the island! We had one person in a wheelchair and though we couldn't turn the chair directly in the walkway b/c of the footrests it was no problem otherwise.
What I like is that there are two entrances into the kitchen area. BLT has that same layout which I also prefer a bit more than the galley style kitchens at BCV, BLT, VWL and SSR and Kidani.