Kava Strains: The Hawaii Edition, Part 2

Hawaiian Kava Drinks - Kava Culture

When you think of Hawaii, what immediately comes to mind?  Coconuts?  Palm trees?  Outsiders to Hawaii most often think of this group of islands as a tourist destination, not a rich traditional culture.  So tourists to Hawaii hole up in a resort and drink nothing but beer and martinis…all the while not realizing that Hawaiian […]

Kava Strains: The Hawaiian Edition

Hawaiian Kava - Kava Drinks

Hawaii, like many Polynesian islands, has a long history of using kava—traditionally called “awa” by the native population. This state is home to several strains that even seasoned kava drinkers may not be aware of but are worth exploring. Hawaii boasts 13 strains, all of which are suitable for drinking. This article will profile five […]

The Importance of Kava in the Tongan Culture

Kava Sign - Kava Drinks

Americans are well acquainted with beer, but that can of Budweiser you’re drinking right now probably doesn’t have its traditional uses—or legends.  But there is an archipelago, called Tonga, in the South Pacific with a traditional drink called kava—it means “bitter” in the Tongan language, named after the taste—with its own ceremonies and origin legends.  […]

Understanding the Kava Culture of Fiji

Kava In Fiji - Colorado Springs

The traditional Polynesian drink known as kava is thought to have originated either in Papua New Guinea or the Vanuatu archipelago over three thousand years ago.  But today, many other Polynesian cultures have taken root. Now it is consumed all over the South Pacific and the island of Fiji is no exception. As the Polynesian […]

Understanding Kava Culture: Vanuatu

Kava Culture - Vanuatu

Have you ever wondered where that shell of kava in your hand originally came from? There is one small island in the South Pacific with a unique culture that can rightfully claim kava as its own: Vanuatu.  Where Is Vanuatu? East of Australia sits an archipelago of islands that boasts the greatest number of kava […]