Known as yaqona, kava is a mildly narcotic drink made from mixing the powdered root of the pepper kava plant with water or coconut water for a less bitter taste and results in a numb feeling around the mouth, lips and tongue and a sense of relaxation.

For many Pacific Islanders, kava is a link to their ancestral past and part of tradition.

The drink itself is thought to have medicinal qualities.

A traditional Kava Ceremony consists of: participants sitting in a circle on the floor while a large bowl is placed in front of the leader. The plant is pounded or in this case the powdered root, and placed in a cloth sack and mixed with water in a tanoa (bowl) where it turns a brownish color. The leader strains the liquid and fills coconut cups to be presented and drunk around the circle.

We had a great time participating in a Kava Ceremony