kithelp, have you looked on some of the lighting sites? I remember when I was looking that a few of them had helpful guidelines as to how to size lights in different spots, such as over an island or in front of a window, etc. As I wasnt' getting an island light, I didn't look at that one but I do remember seeing that it was there. I don't remember the specific site but the ones I spent a lot of time on were Restoration (Renovation?) Lighting, Schoolhouse Electric, Lighting Direct and Lamps Plus. Sorry I can't be of more specific. Good luck.

You need pendants with chain. and EXTRA chain and wire. Or the fixture must come with a pivot and the ability for additional stem or customization on the light order.. . It would help to know the highest ceiling elevation. A 126 inch island is not HUGE. You need nothing close to an 82 inch single fixture. It will take OVER : ) Three pendants, forcing light down onto the counter would be just fine. No wider than 15 inches if three and no more than 18 to 20 if two. . You can augment with recessed as well.

Good Luck, most vendors aren't going to carry something that long, I would be looking at custom local shops to create you something. Why does it need to be 8 foot? Can you do two instead of one long one? Have you looked into using rail lighting and dropping pendants off that? How tall are your ceilings maybe and oversized chandelier could work... Seeing photos would really help.

I would do 2 chandeliers (you have a huge island) that are centered and add 4" cans on a separate switch for task lighting. I did this in my family room and it works...husband has stopped complaining about not seeing well.