Plenty ‘Awa and Even More Aloha

Rows of tropical delicacies lined the fair tables

by Nani Anderson


E inu I ka ‘awa Ikaika ka makani:
“Drink ‘awa to make the spirit strong”

This past Saturday, the Upper campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa was transformed into a place of sharing, community, aloha and plenty of ‘awa, a very different scene than the usual hustle and bustle of students on their way to class.


The transformation was not only physical with the various vendor tents, stage area, and so forth, but also in terms of energy – spirits were strong as time seemed to slow to a steady, relaxed pace. It was the 7th Annual Hawaii Pacific Islands Kava Festival, put on by the ‘Awa Development Council of Hawaii, the intention being to share knowledge of ‘awa, and celebrate its tradition “so that the world may be at peace.”

As described in the event program, and as many practitioners will explain in their own words, “‘Awa is an ancient crop of Oceania, whose indigenous cultures have embraced as a fundamental component of their heritage and identity.” Commercial farming of Kava only began in the 1990s, prior to which it was cultivated for home use, as medicine, for religious ceremony, and for social purposes.

‘Awa is plant whose root is carefully prepared into an earthy tasting drink that leaves a numbing sensation in the mouth and lips, relaxes the bodies muscles, and clears the mind. ‘Awa is neither addictive nor alcoholic, and in the old days it was the typical pauhana drink, allowing people to unwind gently after a long day of hard work. 

The annual ‘Awa Festival is not only a chance for ‘awa vendors, farmers and practitioners to share mana’o (thoughts) and wala’ ao (talk stories), but it is also an educational event, an opportunity for folks who don’t know much about ‘awa to learn first hand about this sacred crop and the traditions it carries.

Performers catch a breather and refreshments

The festival began at 11 am, with an opening chant and hula by halau Mele, evoking the kamakani (wind) while simultaneously grounding all participants to the purpose for which they were gathered – to celebrate, share and educate. Hawaiian music and slack key guitar, the aroma of plate lunch and poi balls, and of course, the very distinct flavor of various strains of ‘awa floating through the air.

There was Samoan, Fijian, Moku O Keawe (Big Island) and ‘awa from from our own island of Oahu. Each vendor carefully explained the type of strain they were providing, as there are many varieties, just like kalo (taro). Plenty folks just hung out for the day, refilling their glass of ‘awa, enjoying the music and the company of those around them.

When Mike Love performed around 5:00 pm, the festival was still going strong, although some vendors were selling out – the ‘awa popsicles with banana and coconut milk were long gone, as was the Big Island dried mango and fresh coconut candy. But there was still plenty ‘awa, and folks were cruising to the beats Mike Love offered as dusk began to fall.

The festival was a beautiful tribute to what it means to share ‘awa, even if not in the traditional setting. A classic ‘awa ritual was performed, but for the most part people were sipping on a glass, wandering around and talking stories, and no one was in a rush. ‘Awa is much more than a crop, it is a culture, a culture of stopping, sharing, and being with one another.

When dark crept up on the courtyard spirits were strong, and there was an incredible sense of peace in the air - the intention of the festival had been sown, planted and nourished.