Written by Lucy Cameron
Kava — known as yaqona in Fijian — is the country’s national drink, a mildly sedating root infusion served from a communal wooden tanoa bowl. It is the central cultural ritual of Fijian life.
What Kava Is
Kava is made from the dried, pounded root of Piper methysticum. Mixed with water in the tanoa, strained through cloth, served in half-coconut shells called bilos. Active compounds (kavalactones) produce a mild sedative effect — relaxation, slight lip-numbness, mental calm without intoxication.
Taste is earthy, slightly muddy, somewhat astringent.
The Kava Ceremony Protocol
- Sit cross-legged around the tanoa bowl
- Wait to be offered a bilo by the server
- Clap once before receiving (cobo)
- Drink the bilo in one go
- Clap three times after handing back the empty bilo
- Say maca (it is empty)
Two or three bilos is plenty for a first try.
Where to Try Kava
Almost every resort runs a guest-friendly kava ceremony as part of a weekly cultural night. Castaway, Outrigger, Shangri-La, and Mantaray Island Resort all do good versions.
For a more formal experience, a village visit includes a proper kava ceremony with the headman. Bring a half-kilo of yaqona root (FJD 30–40 at Nadi market) as a sevusevu.
For broader cultural context see our Fiji food and culture guide.
Safety
Kava is generally safe for short-term consumption. Avoid heavy drinking (more than 5–6 bilos in a session). Avoid mixing with alcohol or sedative medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid kava.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kava taste like?
Earthy, muddy, slightly astringent. Not delicious by most Western palates but tolerable in 2-bilo doses. The lip-tingle effect arrives within a few minutes.
Is kava legal?
In Fiji yes. Legal in the US, Australia, NZ, UK and most of Europe. Restricted in Germany, Switzerland and Poland.
How much kava can you drink?
Two to three bilos is plenty for a first try. Locals routinely drink 6–10 bilos in a session.
Where can I buy kava in Fiji?
Nadi Market and Suva Municipal Market sell pounded yaqona root. FJD 30–40 for a half-kilo.
Is kava safe?
For short-term traveller consumption, generally yes. Avoid heavy chronic use and alcohol/sedative combinations.