In the heart of the South Pacific, beneath the swaying palms and sun-drenched skies, grows a plant steeped in mystery, ritual, and ancient rhythm. Its name is kava—a word that rolls off the tongue like a whisper from the past. Known to science as Piper methysticum, this sacred root belongs to the pepper family, Piperaceae. But its story is far more flavorful than its botanical lineage.
The name kava, drawn from the Tongan and Marquesan languages, simply means “bitter.” A fitting title. When prepared as a drink, kava delivers an earthy, peppery taste with a bold bitterness that lingers—a flavor both grounding and primal. It’s not just a beverage; it’s an experience.
For thousands of years, the people of the South Pacific have gathered around bowls of kava. It’s more than refreshment—it’s a bridge between generations, a ritual of peace, storytelling, and connection. In village gatherings and sacred ceremonies, kava flows as freely as the island winds, bringing calm and clarity.
Its journey began in Vanuatu, where the Lapita people—masters of the sea and culture-bearers of the Pacific—first cultivated the plant. As they voyaged across the ocean, from island to island, they carried kava with them, treating it not just as a crop, but as a treasure. Only the finest strains made the journey, passed down and replanted across Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and beyond.
Today, each cup of kava is a sip of that legacy—earthy, bitter, and alive with history.
Kava is made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which contain active compounds called kavalactones. These compounds are responsible for kava's calming effects. Traditional kava beverages consist solely of water and ground kava roots, while modern variations may include kava extracts blended with flavors or additives.
Kava, derived from the root of the Piper methysticum plant native to the South Pacific, is traditionally consumed for its calming and relaxing effects. It is often used to promote relaxation, support restful sleep, and manage mild anxiety. In Pacific cultures, kava plays a significant role in social and ceremonial gatherings.
Kava types include noble kava, preferred for its calming effects and safety, and tudei kava, which has longer-lasting but heavier effects and is less recommended. Noble kava varies by region, such as Vanuatu, Fijian, or Hawaiian, each offering unique flavors and potency.
Beneath the soil of the South Pacific, where warm rains kiss volcanic earth, a hidden force begins to grow. The roots of the Piper methysticum—the kava plant—reach deep into the land, slowly drawing in its strength. Over years, not months, these roots thicken and mature, storing within them a potent secret: kavalactones—the plant’s active compounds and the soul of the kava experience.
It is in the roots, especially the lateral roots that snake outward like ancient tendrils, where this essence is most concentrated. When the plant has fully matured, a careful harvest begins. The kava is pulled from the ground not with haste, but with intention. The roots are then cleaned, dried, and ground into a soft, earthy powder—each granule holding the wisdom of time and soil.
But the journey doesn’t end there.
To make the drink, water is added to the powdered root, and a ritual of release begins. Hands press and knead the mixture with care, coaxing the kavalactones from the fibers, infusing the water with their calming, grounding power. It’s not just preparation—it’s a practice. A tactile connection between human and plant, between tradition and now.
What emerges is more than a drink. It’s a muddy, sacred brew with the power to soothe, to connect, and to carry forward the ancient energy of the islands.
In the modern world, kava is chosen for the properties of the drink such as the relaxation, mood enhancement, and sociability. Still, when you are at just about any kava bar you will see groups of people raise their cups and say “bula!” continuing the tradition, showing respect for the roots of kava. Also, today kava comes in many forms, not being limited to just the traditional kava style.
At Ohana Kava Bar, you can enjoy kava in several ways. Whichever way you prefer, you can expect to get the same relaxation, ease in socializing, as well as improving you mood.
The ceremony and tradition surrounding the consumption of kava is extremely rich and significant to the cultures of the South Pacific Islands. While the drink itself is known for providing a relaxation and being great for socializing, there are a variety of rituals and ceremony involved with the revered drink. Much of the similarities between these different traditions involve treating guests to kava and drinking kava for momentous occasions, always in large groups with a heavy emphasis on togetherness as well as reverence for life, death, and community.
Whether you are searching for something to help you lower or remove your alcohol use, or just want to try something new, kava offers a unique experience worth trying. Its deep-rooted traditions enrich the journey. Kava is becoming more popular and there is a good reason to it. For a natural way to find relaxation, unwinding, seeking connection, or to replace those after work drinks, kava is an excellent destination.
Ohana Kava Bar’s priority is your relaxation. We opened the first and second kava bars in Colorado Springs, and we were among the first kava bars to open in the state of Colorado. Opening our first location in 2015, we have a decade of experience in serving the highest quality kava drinks and other natural alternatives to alcohol, Ohana Kava Bar is here to support you on your wellness journey. Kava has been around for thousands of years, and it’s becoming more popular every day. As alcohol becomes less prominent with people choosing alternatives, kava becomes more desired. See why kava is becoming the choice relaxation beverage and experience Ohana Kava Bar by visiting us or at home with one of our products!
When you step into an Ohana Kava Bar, you are stepping out of the pressures and stress of the busy world outside. With a very welcoming, tropical atmosphere that promotes calm and community, you might feel like our kava bar is your second home. Our kavatenders are very knowledgeable and are there to guide you through your relaxation journey. Whether you are stopping by to hang out or shopping online, our carefully curated product offering and resources are designed to bring you confidence in your selection.
Many people struggle with reducing or eliminating their alcohol usage. You do not need to be alone in your decision to do that. At Ohana, you will find a supportive environment and a community of like-minded individuals. Not everyone who goes to Ohana chooses not to drink alcohol, and many do. Many also have chosen to not use other substances and find that kava and our other natural alternatives are effective in supporting their need to feel good, relax, and connect with others.
Kava bars are unique, they are like a mix between a friendly neighborhood bar and an independent coffee shop. Although, where coffee shops can feel lonely and less welcoming, being able to meet people and talk to others, kava bars are more like a bar where that type of behavior is expected and welcomed. And of course, kava bars do not serve alcohol, so they differ from the friendly neighborhood bars in that way. Which also means kava bars are less “wild,” as patrons are not inebriated, having lose control. We still have fun, but do not have the craziness you might find in your local neighborhood bar.
The atmosphere is very relaxed, and much more social than a coffee shop. People love to talk with others, work, delve into artistic activities, play games of all types, and just hang out. Our products promote a sense of calm and well-being to aid you in finding your sense of belonging in our space.
At Ohana Kava Bar, we focus on drinks that uplift your mood, relax your body and mind, and enhance your well-being. Our drinks do not cause inebriation like alcohol does, meaning a greatly reduced risk of impaired judgement. Instead, they promote meaningful conversations, positive mood, feel-good relaxation, and an enjoyable experience. Also, there is no hangovers from our drinks!
Find your chill at Ohana Kava Bar. Whether you need a new place to unwind after a long and difficult day at work, need a place to meet your friends, want to get some work done in a relaxing environment, want to go on a date, or just hang out somewhere other than home, we are here for you! Ohana is a place for people to be able to be themselves, get creative, meet your best friends, and find your calm. Come visit us to see how our drinks and community can transform your routine.
✨ Feel at home, unwind, and connect at Ohana Kava Bar—your personal oasis in Colorado Springs.
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