New to Kava? A Quick Guide

What is kava?

Kava is an ancient plant from the South Pacific islands, where it has been prepared as a traditional drink of peace and community for over 3000 years. Learn more about the plant, drink and its effects →

Like wine or coffee, kava comes in different cultivars, each with its own character. Learn what makes the best cultivars →

And like any food product, quality matters enormously. See why processing matters →

What does kava do?

The kava experience depends on your choice of cultivar and how you prepare and consume it.

In Pacific island cultures, kava has long been enjoyed for its calming, grounding qualities and its ability to foster unhurried conversation. It induces sociability and a feeling of harmony without diminishing mental clarity or awareness. Many people describe it as helping them slow down and be present.

Professor Robert Gregory from Massey University captured the experience well:

"Kava makes you quiet and able to think and listen to your thoughts. Your mind opens to what has been and should be done. The subjective feeling after kava is to be slowed down, for it almost forces one to become quiet. Sometimes it is like entering a light relaxed dream. The altered state of consciousness is subtle and mild. Noise, interference with thought processes, bright lights, movement, all hinder the effect, the mildly altered stream of thought. The effect is maintained only if there is peace and quiet."

Many people like to compare drinking kava to the opposite of drinking coffee. Both are social drinks. While coffee gives a mild buzz and kick of energy, kava is known for its gentle calming qualities. It's regulated as a food product in New Zealand.

Where to start? Which kava to choose first?

Your best options are traditional ground roots (for the fullest experience) or instant kava (for convenience). We don't recommend kava pills or extracts. Here's why →

Traditional grind is dried, ground root. You knead it in water and strain it with a strainer bag before drinking. It's the classic method, delivers the fullest flavour and experience, and is more economical.

Instant kava is made from freshly harvested kava roots with the coarse, indigestible fibres removed, then dried and milled into an ultra-fine powder. Just mix with water and drink — no straining required. Smoother and more convenient.

For a full comparison of kava forms, see our guide →

We specialise in specific noble cultivars, each with a distinct profile. Organically grown, harvested to order, processed fresh, every batch tested—the world's best kava, by every measure. See what makes our kava exceptional →

For beginners, we recommend:

• Instant Green — Our flagship instant blend. Balanced, subtly uplifting, fast-acting. Smooth, easy to drink, and a great introduction to kava.
• Melo Melo (traditional or instant) — A favourite across Vanuatu. Rich and complex, with a balanced character known for pleasant brightness and mellow depth. Quick onset, extended duration.
• Palarasul (traditional or instant) — Perhaps our smoothest cultivar. Exceptionally smooth and uplifting. Light, floral, peaceful. Quick onset, clean finish. Great for social or creative sessions.
• Borogoru (traditional or instant) — Warm, steady, deeply mellow. Builds slowly and lasts. Best for evening wind-down.
• Pacific Elixir (traditional grind) — Our flagship blend. Known for pleasant brightness with mellow depth. Potent yet versatile and well-balanced.

What's the difference? Single cultivars like Melo Melo or Palarasul deliver a consistent, specific character every time. Our blends (Pacific Elixir and Instant Green) may vary slightly between batches depending on cultivar availability.

Once you know what you like, explore our other cultivars: Kelai, Bir Kar, Silesse, and occasional rare editions. Browse all cultivars →

How to prepare and drink it?

Traditional preparation involves kneading dried root powder in water and straining. It's a calming ritual in itself, and delivers the fullest experience.

Instant preparation is simpler: stir powder into water and drink.

Our complete preparation guide shows you exactly how to make perfect kava, with video. For session tips, see how to make your kava session great.