Who's going to be using it--you or random strangers on an Internet site?

Build what you need.

I am also short. In the last place we lived we had a butcher block that was shorter than the rest of the cabinets. (32.5" high to be exact) it was the perfect height for me. I did everything but do dishes and cook food on it.

I definitely would make the island shorter if that is what is comfortable for you.

I have a short bit of counter too. It's nice and not untraditional, as you see above. If you chop vegetables and stuff on the table now, you might want a nice reduced height prep sink on your stubby island for ultimate comfort! (For those who mention resale, you can just replace the counter on the short island with a chunky one before you sell, if it's even noticeable.)

Here is an excellent kitchen from a (former?) gardenwebber that features a whole run of shortness in her lovely kitchen: http://rhome410.blogspot.com/p/my-kitchen.html

(What do you think about those kitchen height bathroom vanities? Those are the worst.)

I also am short, and I designed my island at 30" which was perfect! Most never noticed that height. The people who bought that house were NFL player (big guy) but his wife was tiny, so they loved it! I would definitely do that again. I would do the whole thing, because it is a pain to have two levels.

Well. Where's the house/kitchen plan ?? Because I sure wouldn't do a 30" island, at least not the entire island in a brand new house. Without a plan, it's hard to advise a better solution, other than a drawer base, with a nice 6" HIGH Toe kick PULLOUT/ROLLOUT at the very bottom, 24 to 36 inches wide to step UP and roll dough..... chop, cut, dice etc. Add the plan to your post

Personally I would never do what Jan suggested. I move around the kitchen at lightening speed and getting up and down off of a step would be a recipe for disaster. I can see me tripping, falling, breaking an ankle, No thanks. Same reason all floors should be at the same level.

I'm in the camp of not doing the entire island. Your "cut on roll" spot should be considered a work area & designed as such. If you don't want a section of countertop along the wall, consider designing a section of the island in 2 levels. Give it some character.

Take a look at these articles I've found.....

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/create-baking-station

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/perfect-height-for-baking-center-counter-dsvw-vd~2444025[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/perfect-height-for-baking-center-counter-dsvw-vd~2444025)

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-create-a-dedicated-baking-station-stsetivw-vs~87801420

https://porch.com/advice/design-baking-station

You could use the blacksmith "knuckle" method. The top of the anvil is placed at knuckle height when making a fist with arm hanging at your side. This allows for the full swing of the hammer.

This is way too low for me though for a countertop. I rerely want to extend my arms full when slicing veggies. If you have a sink in the top, you also have to consider reaching to the bottom without stooping.

We rarely build vanities lower than kitchen height anymore. Even the shorter clients seem to enjoy not having to bend more than necessary while at the sink.

All in all, build it to make you happy, and also the others using it.

Nobody can really advise the BEST solution, because the kitchen, as part of the total plan is not here. Until it is? It is to shoot fish in a barrel.

You can try these options.

Dare I suggest you forget the island and use a table as you have in the past? I'd much prefer one to an island! The next owners can add one if they so desire.

We had a 30 inch high island. Loved it. As well as a good chopping, kneading height, it was also great for gathering around, great for kids helping out, and better for back issues (no perching on stools - feet could be planted solidly when seated).

ETA: Ours was made to look much like a farm table, but with storage. I've seen others done the same.