What is Kava and Why Should I Try it on my Hawaii Vacation?
Kava is a traditional drink in Hawaii and is often used for its calming and relaxing effects. Kava kava has been used in Hawaii for centuries in social and ceremonial events and is an important part of Hawaiian culture.
If you are visiting Hawaii, trying kava can be a unique cultural experience. Kava is typically served in a ceremonial setting, where it is prepared by grinding the kava root and mixing it with water. The drink has a distinctive taste and can produce a numbing or tingling sensation in the mouth.
Kava is also known for its calming effects, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It is often used in Hawaii as a way to unwind after a long day or to socialize with friends.
Why Should I Visit a Hawaii Kava Bar?
If you are interested in trying kava during your Hawaii vacation, visiting a kava bar can be a good way to experience the drink in a social setting. Kava bars are becoming increasingly popular in Hawaii and can be found in many towns and cities throughout the islands.
At a kava bar, you can try different varieties of kava and learn about the traditions and customs surrounding the drink. Many kava bars also offer food and drinks, making it a great place to relax and socialize with locals and other travelers.
What Are the Best Hawaii Kava Bars by Island?
If you’re looking to get a taste of the Hawaiian Kava experience, you are in luck. There are kava bars on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Each island has its own unique vibe and options that cater to everyone from locals to tourists.
Oahu
- Fiji Kava Bar – located in Honolulu, a small dive bar with plenty of aloha spirit. The owner is entertaining and the kava is good!
Maui
- Aumakua Kava Lounge – located in Paia, Aumakua is a 1930’s inspired tiki bar offering a relaxing atmosphere, a variety of kava drinks, and live music and events. They specialize in making classing drink recipes but they replace the rum with kava.
- Haleakava – with 2 locations in Lahaina and Kihei, Haleakava serves kava and kratom teas. Offering a more traditional Polynesian experience and live music. What’s not to like?
- Wow-Wee Maui’s Kava Bar and Grill – located in Kahului, Wow-Wee Maui has a small selection of kava that you can eat with sushi.
Big Island
- Kanaka Kava – this Hawaiian-owned kava bar located in Kailua-Kona, offers a wide variety of kava drinks as well as delicious traditional Hawaiian food options. With a friendly atmosphere and great Kava, this is one of our favorite Kava bars in all of Hawaii.
- La Hiki Ola Kava Bar – located in Pahoa, this little kava bar is inviting and friendly. Open mics on Monday are a bit crowded for the small location. We recommend visiting after a day at the beach to unwind.
- Around the Kava Bowl – this is a new kava bar located in Capt Cook. While we haven’t been here yet, it looks promising.
Kauai
There are currently no kava bars on Kauai.
Regardless of which island you visit, make sure you check out a local Hawaii kava bar near you!