Shadowing of what you're trying to cut with your body. That's why the placement you've got now is considered ambient. If you place a light source in front of your work station standing position you can have better task lighting. 450 lumens at the counter is recommended. And you need that.

So if I were to do pendants, how many and what size? The island is 30" wide, 14' long. Would 4, 12" pendants look ok?

Do you have a light over the sink?

With those cans you are lighting the hallway, but will block the light when you go do anything at the counters.

i am planning on some lights over the sink as well, and under cabinet lighting of course. although, there's only two upper cabinets on the sink wall so that won't help a lot with task lighting at the sink.