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Drink Down the Fiji Vibe at a Traditional Kava Ceremony
Published on February 08, 2010 by Bill Lehane, Writer
Country: Fiji 
The Experience
Nestled in the middle of nowhere, in the wide, blue Pacific Ocean, Fiji is a prime destination to just get away from it all. Sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets and cheap food and drink are just some of the attractions of this little island nation. Most unique among these attractions, however, has to be the national drink of kava.
If you've never heard of it, kava (which is also known as Yaqona, or grog) is a drink made from the root of a pepper called piper methstyicum. It looks a bit like muddy water, but packs a secret punch. It's not alcoholic or narcotic, but it has analgesic (pain relief) properties that make it very relaxing to drink. If this sounds like something you're not sure about but would like to try, then fear not, because a small dose of kava is perfectly harmless. It's merely loaded with Vitamin B, which acts as a natural muscle relaxant and antidepressant. And if you're not sure where to go to try it… Finding a kava ceremony in Fiji is about as easy as finding coffee in North America!
Kava ceremonies are used in almost every tradition of Fijian life, but you don't have to be local to give it a try. Traditionally, if you attend a village ceremony, you should bring a piece of the kava root with you to offer to the local chief; but in other areas this may not be necessary. In all cases, participants will sit in a circle before a large bowl of kava called a “tanoa,” with their feet facing away from the bowl. The actual drinking is done from a smaller wooden bowl called a “bilo” that is passed around the group. To prepare the drink, the root is ground into a cloth with a mortar and pestle, which is then dipped in water and massaged and squeezed into the tanoa.
For the kava ceremony itself, the host will begin by speaking in Fijian, but don't worry; you only have to know a few words to take part. The chief is the first to drink, and then the bilo is passed around in a circle. When the bowl is passed to you, clap once and say “Bula!” Drink the bowl down in one go before saying “Bula!” again and clapping three times. For extra politeness, you can also say “Vinaka,” or thank you. You'll probably feel your lips going numb, but it's perfectly normal. After another few rounds, you will feel your whole body relax and you might sweat a little, even though the drink is served cold. By the time you leave the kava ceremony, you should experience a tranquil light-headedness. You are now initiated as a true Fijian!
If you've never heard of it, kava (which is also known as Yaqona, or grog) is a drink made from the root of a pepper called piper methstyicum. It looks a bit like muddy water, but packs a secret punch. It's not alcoholic or narcotic, but it has analgesic (pain relief) properties that make it very relaxing to drink. If this sounds like something you're not sure about but would like to try, then fear not, because a small dose of kava is perfectly harmless. It's merely loaded with Vitamin B, which acts as a natural muscle relaxant and antidepressant. And if you're not sure where to go to try it… Finding a kava ceremony in Fiji is about as easy as finding coffee in North America!
Kava ceremonies are used in almost every tradition of Fijian life, but you don't have to be local to give it a try. Traditionally, if you attend a village ceremony, you should bring a piece of the kava root with you to offer to the local chief; but in other areas this may not be necessary. In all cases, participants will sit in a circle before a large bowl of kava called a “tanoa,” with their feet facing away from the bowl. The actual drinking is done from a smaller wooden bowl called a “bilo” that is passed around the group. To prepare the drink, the root is ground into a cloth with a mortar and pestle, which is then dipped in water and massaged and squeezed into the tanoa.
For the kava ceremony itself, the host will begin by speaking in Fijian, but don't worry; you only have to know a few words to take part. The chief is the first to drink, and then the bilo is passed around in a circle. When the bowl is passed to you, clap once and say “Bula!” Drink the bowl down in one go before saying “Bula!” again and clapping three times. For extra politeness, you can also say “Vinaka,” or thank you. You'll probably feel your lips going numb, but it's perfectly normal. After another few rounds, you will feel your whole body relax and you might sweat a little, even though the drink is served cold. By the time you leave the kava ceremony, you should experience a tranquil light-headedness. You are now initiated as a true Fijian!
Get Going!
Air Pacific, Continental and Korean Airlines have the most flights to Fiji (including flights from North America). However, the most practical way to get to visit the remote island is to integrate a visit there into a trip to Australia, from where you can get much cheaper flights. Visas are not required in advance for most countries provided you're staying less than four months.
The best time to visit Fiji to partake in a traditional kava ceremony is between May and October because the weather is dry and the temperatures are a pleasant 78-86°F (26-30°C). You'll also avoid the strong humidity the island gets between November and April.
The best time to visit Fiji to partake in a traditional kava ceremony is between May and October because the weather is dry and the temperatures are a pleasant 78-86°F (26-30°C). You'll also avoid the strong humidity the island gets between November and April.
Odds n' Ends
Most hotels or tour packages will offer a kava ceremony, and if even that is too complicated to arrange, sometimes you will be offered some of the beloved root while souvenir shopping around the island. If you do go to a village kava ceremony, a gift of kava root should be easy to find at any local market for around US$15 for a pound.
While it's always sure to be hot in Fiji, dress for the kava ceremony in the same way as you would enter a church. Cover your legs and shoulders, and remember to remove your shoes before sitting down in the circle. Hats, shorts and sunglasses should not be worn.
If your kava ceremony is scheduled for a certain time as part of a tour, don't be surprised if it gets started late. Locals like to make frequent jokes about the fluidity of plans on the island, and will often exclaim, 'it's Fiji time!'
While it's always sure to be hot in Fiji, dress for the kava ceremony in the same way as you would enter a church. Cover your legs and shoulders, and remember to remove your shoes before sitting down in the circle. Hats, shorts and sunglasses should not be worn.
If your kava ceremony is scheduled for a certain time as part of a tour, don't be surprised if it gets started late. Locals like to make frequent jokes about the fluidity of plans on the island, and will often exclaim, 'it's Fiji time!'
Want a Guide?
- Navua River Village & Kava Ceremony Tour
- This full-day tour offers a scenic boat ride to the riverside village of Navua, with a Kava ceremony and Fijian lunch included at the site. Includes English-speaking guide and hotel transfers from Nadi, the main resort city in Fiji. Departs Monday-Saturday, with prices from US$80-100 per person depending on your pickup point.
- Discover Fiji - Jewel of Fiji Tours
- This tour operator offers a set of three day tours to a Navua River Village, including a river canoe ride and either a bamboo rafting trip or a visit to the Magic Waterfall along with the village tour itself. Cultural presentations of dance and song come with a kava drinking welcome ceremony. Prices from US$67 - 80 per person depending on pickup point, with under 15s half price and under 5s free of charge.
- Captain Cook Island Day Cruise
- This one-day trip includes two essential parts of any trip to Fiji - a visit to one of the smaller islands and, of course, a kava drinking ceremony. The cruise also features a voyage to tiny Tivua Island on a tall ship, traditional music performances, a BBQ buffet lunch, a glass-bottomed boat ride and a mini-snorkelling trip. US$70 for adults, children aged 3 to 15 half price.
Places to Eat
- Chef's Restaurant
- This Nadi Town restaurant is probably the town's most upmarket, providing a range of quality dishes with five-star presentation. Nonetheless, the exchange rates are your friend: entrées range from US$13-26.
- Bounty Bar and Restaurant
- This bar-restaurant is situated midway on the short taxi ride between Nadi town and the airport. It specialises in lobster and steak, and also has its own beer garden. Why not splash out on the lobster for US$23 - think of how much more expensive it is at home!
- Sheraton Denarau
- This resort has five different restaurants to choose from, so there's something for everyone even if they're not staying at the hotel. The pick of the bunch is the Flying Fish, which serves delicious local seafood.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Smugglers' Cove
- This charming little resort is both a 3.5 star hotel and a hostel. Its best quality is that it is located literally right on the beach of Nadi Bay - the poolside bar at the back is actually set in the sand! Dorm rates start at US$10 per night in off-season, while the best double with a garden view is US$60 per night.
- Tivua Island Resort
- If you're going to go all out, forget the five-star hotels - why not stay on an island all to yourself? Tivua Island welcomes tour groups from 11am-3pm, but for the rest of the time the island, which is no bigger than your average football field, is home only to two bures, or wooden cottages. And if you pay extra, you can ensure the other is vacant for that perfect romantic getaway. It's not cheap either - quoted rates (which are negotiable) are for a whopping US$790 per night for three people.
- Club Fiji Resort
- This Nadi resort offers a selection of different accommodation types for families, couples and others. Why not try a self-contained apartment for US$105 per night? And even if you don't stay here, the resort's restaurant is one of the area's best, combining dishes from several world cuisines.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Offering elegant accommodation, the Grand Eastern Hotel is an ideal place to stay, whether you are on a business trip, romantic weekend, shopping spree or ... 11 miles away
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Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- Fiji Travel Guide - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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