Dave's Kava Bar

We had some new additions to our share co-ed room last night, a couple and a lady from Pahoa. She has a house here in Hilo but has rented it out...she was headed to the Kava bar down the road and asked if we wanted to come with.

As we were walking down the street we got to know each other a bit and discovered that we were all vegans! There's a moment when vegans meet and it's like you've found family and someone who understands you, we were instantly connected.

Kava is a traditional herbal drink made from the root of the tropical shrub, Piper methysticum. This soothing beverage has proven medicinal effects, including alleviating stress and anxiety and combating fatigue. Kava is also used to treat migraine headaches and cramps. Best of all, the drink keeps the mind alert even as the body relaxes.

The bar was a unique outdoors setting and the man behind the bar didn't disappoint with his long beard and hippy persona, he was very knowledgable about the effects of the kava root and suggested we take the Kava Flight which involved 3 varieties of kava tea. The first was the traditional, the second a more potent brew and the last (my favourite) was mixed with fresh coconut water for added sweetness. Before starting the flight we did a little ceremony that involved clapping in unison to create the circle, dipping our finger in our drink and giving the first drop to the land, dipping again and throwing over your shoulder for the past and a third dip for all our new friends. It is suggested that the kava be drunk like a shot for rapid intake and then you clap again to close the circle. 

The kava had a very distinct flavour, it was very rooty and pungent. The middle, most pungent one tasted a little dirty...but still interesting. 

Dave also makes kava tinctures and we were offered a free sample...it was like he was feeding us little birds with an eye dropper. All I could taste was the roots and the alcohol.

When we started do the second drink of our flight the singer on stage started singing the Neil Young song Helpless....the first line in the song is, There is a town in North Ontario...I said, that's where we're from!!! It was slightly trippy, and kind of cool.

Overall, I felt relaxed from the Kava but didn't feel anything too drastic...I did sleep really good last night, which is a bonus. It was a fun experience. 

Toodle ooo!

Michelle