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The kava plant has long
been an integral part of the lives of various Pacific
Islander nations. Fiji has a rich tradition of utilizing
the effects of kava, and it is no surprise that this
plant is entrenched in the traditions of Fijian life.
Here at Kona Kava Farm, we grow and sell organic quality
kava that rivals the best Fiji kava available. Kava has
a couple of different names in Fiji. It can be known as
either "yaquna" or "grog." Regardless of what name it
goes by, kava remains an important part of Fijian social
life. Unlike some other dedicated kava users, Fijians
use kava almost exclusively for social and political
reasons.
It is very common for Fijian families to drink kava as a
nightly ritual. Kava eases the day's anxieties, and it
provides a restful sleep devoid of any of the hangover
symptoms produced by alcohol. Kava use can ease social
barriers, as well as promote discussion and lengthy
talks. In fact, it can also be a great way to loosen up
around a romantic interest. If you're unable to act or
speak naturally because you're nervous, a little kava
can help calm you down while keeping you alert.
In fact, because kava users remain fully alert and
clear-headed, it is a traditional part of native Fijian
negotiations. They use kava as a sort of "peace pipe"
between negotiating factions, just as Native Americans
used tobacco. On a 2008 visit to Vanatu, Fiji’s acting
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, had a powerful
encounter with Vanatu’s native kava during a formal,
political kava ceremony. Here is an excerpt from a Fiji
Times article on the Prime Minister’s visit:
“For anyone heading to Vanuatu — especially first timers
— be warned a visit to a nakamal, or kava parlour, will
test your senses. The Vanuatu brew is so strong it will
blow you away. Have too much too quickly one becomes a
zombie, practically brain dead for a few hours. It is
said to be stronger than our yaqona because they use the
young roots and do not dry it before turning it into a
gluey brew.
Commodore Bainimarama said he could not help but talk
about Vanuatu kava with his counterpart, Ham Lini. The
naval officer admitted even with his sea legs, the
potency of the local kava hit him like a heavyweight
boxer, saying when he stood up to leave, his mind told
him to go one way while his body went in the other
direction.”
Hawaii is most famous for the type of kava known as ‘awa
(a very potent variation of kava), in addition to
numerous other varieties such as apu, kau la’au, ke-oke-o,
kuaea, kumakua, liwa, makea, mamaka and papa kae, among
many others. Our organic certification and all-natural
growing methods allow for the full potency of the
kavalactones to develop in the plant.
Whatever you decide to use kava kava for, you can rest
assured that the kava we produce here at Kona Kava Farm
is the very highest quality available. We rotate our
crops religiously in order to ensure that the soil is as
healthy and disease-resistant as possible, and we adhere
to strict organic farming ordinances. We'd love to hear
from you if you have any questions, or if you've tried
and enjoyed our kava! |
