Hawai‘i's Kava Industry

Photo by Brooke L. Hutchins H.C. "Skip" Bittenbender tending to an ‘awa plant at Waimanalo Research Station

The ‘awa industry has been growing and has become very popular around the world. Even though ‘awa sales had decreased drastically with the European ban, sales of ‘awa has been steadily rising. With increased exposure, there has been a new surge of ‘awa products, such as ‘Awa2O, which uses an ‘awa extract in its soft drink. But like all new products, with its debut comes controversy. View video by Josh Benton and Mike Save

Cultural protocol opens Festival––honoring the roots of ‘awa

Photo by Nai‘a Watson High school age dancers from the public charter school Halau Lokahi.

For some Native Hawaiians, 'awa is a way to reconnect with their ancestors, who in ancient times often drank ‘awa daily, to ease normal aches and pains from work or in sacred ceremonies that were a part of the religion. Kahuna lä‘au lapa‘au, or healers, also used ‘awa medicinally to relieve pain and inflammation. But the cultural power of ‘awa was due in great part to its connection to the gods Kane and Kanaloa.
And it is because of the cultural significance of ‘awa in Hawai‘i, and across the Pacific, that the Kava Festival has always worked to create an appropriate cultural atmosphere. For this year’s festival, the opening oli honored ‘akua and nä aumakua (the gods and spirits), as well as the role of ‘awa in Hawaiian culture.

View an audio slideshow by Nai‘a Watson

The chaning forms of ‘awa––from ceremonial drink to commercial product

Photo by Brooke L. Hutchins A bottle of ‘Awa2O sold at the Kava Festival

The traditional form of consuming ‘awa has existed for many years in Hawai‘i as well as many other places, but these days the traditional way is not the only way to consume ‘awa. It has been put into cookies, brownies, fruit role up, and even commercial products, like ‘Awa2O. ‘Awa2O uses an extract, which is an emulsion filled with kavalactone that makes the beverage feel starchy in the mouth. Some like consuming ‘awa differently, while others continue to keep their traditon.

View an audio sildeshow by Brooke Hutchins

‘Awa banned across Europe since 2001

Photo by Nai‘a Watson Close up of ‘awa leaf–Piper methysticum

German and Swiss health authorities began placing restrictions on the sales of Kava products in 2001; a result of several reported cases of adverse reactions allegedly associated with Kava intake. In 2002, the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, BfArM, banned the sale of kava products, shutting down the German market. Other countries followed . Bans and recalls occurred throughout Canada, England, Australia and Switzerland.

Read the complete story by Rachel Manuel

Kava Festival attempts to bridge research and culture

Collaborative effort by Nai‘a Watson, Rachel Manuel, Brooke L. Hutchins, Josh Benton and Mike Save

A light Saturday morning rain opened this year’s Kava Festival at UH Manoa’s McCarthy Mall. And as the day began with a nod from nature, mankind answered with hula and oli–dance and chant to honor the land, the gods and the cultural importance of ‘awa, the Hawaiian name for Kava.

The Ethnobotony Department sets up their booth on the first day of the Kava Festival

Kealohaleimoanaakalahui, a hula halau made up of students from the Public Charter School Halau Lokahi took the stage area with confidence and grace. Lead by Kumu Hula Hinaleimoana Wong, their resounding voices drew the early arrivals to the main stage with little effort and set the stage for the festival’s theme of "I Maluhia ka Honua,” or “so the world may be at peace,” to be maintained throughout the day.

As the chanting slowly became the backdrop, event-goers filtered out toward the booths. Vendors welcomed questions and were eager to explain the many aspects of ‘awa, which has been used for close to 3,000 years in the Pacific not only to soothe and relax, but also as a ceremonial drink and in Hawaiian remedies.

On the following day, farmers and researchers in the fields of botany and ethnobotony, gave presentations on the most current information on ‘awa, such as: non-thermal pasteurization, disease management, commercialization versus cultural uses, effective microorganism use to increase yields and improved preparation for less bitter beverages.

Although the festival is in many ways a fun weekend to meet with friends and learn about ‘awa, event sponsor, the ‘Awa Development Council, is making serious efforts to grow an awareness of ‘awa's health benefits, to bridge research and culture and to promote sustainable agricultural practices through the industry.The festival was started in 2001 at Lyon's arboretum by Dr. Rainer Bussmann, Dr. Sam Gon III, Dr. Alan Teramura, Kumu John Keola Lake, Kawika Winter, Dr. Will McClatchy, Dr. H.C. "Skip" Bittenbender and Jonathan Yee. Till today, Yee heads the Awa Development Council, which is still the base supporter and sponsor of the event.

Other stories on ‘awa and related resources

• ‘Awa Development Council
• Read an LA Times article on ‘awa at the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar
• Check out Kapahulu Kafe's Tuesday ‘Awa nights.