Install pendant or recessed lights centered on the island, and proceed with the rest of the planned lighting.

That said, if there is no additional lighting under the cabinets, having lights 36" from the wall will give you a shadow effect, unless you have additional smaller recessed lights in front of the upper cabinets or under them.

So 36 is too far out? no additional lighting looking for a clean look . we do have a table to the side where will have iver table lighting

The upper cabinets are usually 12" from the wall, so usually, when lighting is placed in front of them, it gives you a direct light over the counter and make sure there is a light over the sink.

If the lights are 36", the light would be behind you, which would create a shadow effect when standing in front of the counter.

Here is an example to give you an idea.

Good luck

Not every island needs pendants and you can just use 2 or 3 recessed lights over the island. Sometimes less visual clutter is better in a particular kitchen.

Use 4" cans and more importantly understand how Lumens, Kelvin and CRI can affect how well your lighting functions and looks. You can search for lots of old posts discussing those terms.

Also not all lights have to be on the same switch. Better to create groups depending on what you want to do in the kitchen. Include dimmers for all switches.

Now most upper cabinets are 15" deep so the lighting needs to be placed to light the counter with that depth. Your best bet is go to alighing shop with a designer on staff they can be awesome in helping . I agree nothing bigger than a 4" can no matter what and think about how you use and need lighting . IMO a kitchen needs great lighting almost like an operating room when all lights are on but I like differnt lighting on seperate switches so for eg. all under cabinet one switch, all pots one switch and pendants over island one switxh this allows you to control how much you need always. I only leave the pendants on after I finish cooking for a dinner party no need to see too much mess. I like all LED 4000K I see no point in dimmers if you control by switches.

There is no steadfast rule for recessed lighting to be 36" away from a wall, and on kitchen walls with cabinets that would cause problems if followed. Everything is dependent on the space you are lighting and the fixture style chosen.

The first function of lighting in a kitchen addresses 3 things: counters and inside upper and lower cabinets. If you choose recessed ceiling lights to accomplish those simutaneously, they will be placed at the counter edge where there are upper cabinets, and broadly centered over open island or peninsula counters.