Guide to Drinking Kava in Fiji

What is Kava? 

Known locally as ‘yaqona’ and ‘kava’ across the Pacific, this earthy elixir is extracted from the dried roots of a pepper plant (Piper methysticum). The shrubby plant is grown from cuttings and takes 3 to 4 years to mature and harvest before the roots are sun-dried and ground down into a fine powder.   
 

To make the kava drink, the powder is added to a straining cloth, mixed with cold water and squeezed a few times until an earth-coloured liquid is extracted into the ‘tanoa’ (kava bowl). 


 

What Does Kava Taste Like? 

Pacific Islanders have acquired a taste for this beloved beverage despite its bitter taste. Mildly sedative, it creates a calm, easy-going, social vibe that leaves you feeling lighter with every bowl you drink. And the tingly, slightly numb feeling you get in your mouth? Totally normal so enjoy! 


 

Where Can I Try Kava? 

Village Visit  

By far the most formal way to drink kava is in a village setting during the ‘i-sevusevu ‘ceremony. It is customary to present a small bundle of kava to the village chief to seek permission to enter their communal lands as guests. Generally, ½kg of yaqona root costs around FJD$30-40 and local markets are brimming with choice. Most travelers will visit villages on an organised tour where purchasing and presenting the kava root is taken care of.
 

The i-sevusevu ceremony starts formally with scripted dialogue between the visitors’ spokesman and the host expressing respect and gratitude.  There is even seating etiquette so follow your guide’s instructions and stoop low respectfully as you make your way to the allocated spot. 
 

 

Resorts 

You’ll also get the chance to try kava in a more casual setting at your resort – either a nightly gathering with lots of ‘talanoa’ (talk) and tunes or during a themed Fijian Culture Night which also features ‘lovo’ (traditional earth oven cooked feast) and ‘meke’ (traditional dance) 


 

Is there a Kava Ceremony Etiquette? 

Usually, your host will offer you two options – high tide (full cup) or low tide (half cup) but don’t fret as they tend to go easier on first timers.    

Remember these 3 easy steps to accept a ‘bilo’ (bowl) like a local: 

1. Clap once in a loud, cupped fashion and accept the proffered cup 
2. Say ‘Bula!’  (hello) to your hosts and others, then drink the kava in one gulp (do not sip). 
3. Return the cup, clap three more times in the same manner and finish with the word ‘maca’ pronounced as ‘ma-tha’.  

 

What Kava Products Can I Buy? 

Kava is a booming business both locally and overseas. If you find that you are a bit of a kava fan, pick up some powdered perfection to take home with you from local premium brand, Lami Kava. Other unique products to try include Kavalicious’s Kava cookies, Kava chocolate and even Kava popsicles which can be purchased at duty-free stores in Nadi.