Kava Cultivars
Each kava cultivar has unique characteristics shaped by centuries of traditional cultivation. Explore our curated selection of premium noble varieties from Fiji and Vanuatu.
Kava Cultivar Explorer
Discover the unique characteristics of each noble kava variety we source from Fiji and Vanuatu.
Select any cultivar card to view detailed information
Yalu
Named after a Fijian climbing plant with large leaves. Distinguished by remarkably smooth stems with virtually no visible lenticels. The dark green coloration and smooth texture make this variety easy to identify.
Yonolulu
Named after multicolored crepe paper used for decorations (sometimes spelled 'Honolulu'). Features green stems with few large lenticels near the top of each internode. Known for its bushy, compact growth and consistent quality.
Qila Balavu
Translates to 'strong stick with long internodes.' Features green stems with few lenticels that have darker green centers. Distinguished from Yonolulu by its notably longer internode length and taller growth habit.
Damu
Named for the red/purple (damu) coloration of its stems. Features few lenticels with purple pigmentation darkest near lower nodes. Grows tall with an upright habit, often exceeding head height. Prized for its strength.
Qila Leka
Translates to 'strong stick with short internodes.' Characterized by green stems with fine lengthwise striations and many soft lenticels. Variable in height and growth habit, making it adaptable to different growing conditions.
Vula Kasa Leka
The name means 'pale stem with short internodes.' Features pale green stems densely covered with small dark green lenticels. Known for its spreading habit and remarkably consistent 4-2-6 chemotype in both waka and lewena.
Vula Kasa Balavu
The pale-stemmed variety with long internodes. Similar to Vula Kasa Leka but with longer, thinner internodes. The abundant dark green lenticels on pale stems are a key identifying feature of this reliable variety.
Dokobana Vula
Named for the 'large pale planting branch.' Features green stems with many very dark green lenticels with raised brown centers. May develop distinctive dark triangular stripes from lower nodes. Grows above head height.
Matakaro Leka
Named for its distinctive 'scab-like' (matakaro) dark lenticels with short internodes. Features striking contrast between dark purple lenticels and green stem background. Highly regarded for its potent effects.
Matakaro Balavu
The long-internode version of Matakaro, sharing the distinctive dark purple 'scab-like' lenticels against green stems. Grows to shoulder height with an upright habit. Valued for ceremonial and premium use.
Dokobana Loa
The 'dark planting branch' variety. Features purple lenticels with stem pigmentation that fades toward the upper node, leaving visible green areas. This fading pattern distinguishes it from the fully dark Loa Kasa varieties.
Loa Kasa Leka
Features dark purple to black stems with many raised lenticels with brown centers. The dark coloration dominates throughout. Short internodes and dark petioles complete the striking appearance. Highly prized for exceptional potency.
Loa Kasa Balavu
The premium dark-stemmed variety with long internodes. Shares the striking dark purple to black coloration of Loa Kasa Leka but with notably longer internodes. Considered among the finest Fijian varieties for ceremonial occasions.
Melomelo
A highly prized ceremonial variety from Ambae Island, known for its exceptionally smooth taste and euphoric effects. One of the most sought-after noble varieties in Vanuatu, often reserved for special occasions.
Gorgor
A high-priority noble variety from Ambrym Island, known for its active volcanoes and rich volcanic soil. Ambrym kava is highly regarded throughout Vanuatu for its potency and distinctive character.
Kelai
A high-priority noble variety from Epi Island, also known locally as 'Miaome.' Epi is recognized for producing quality kava, and Kelai offers well-balanced effects suited for both daily drinking and ceremonies.
Borogu
The most popular and widely cultivated noble kava variety in Vanuatu, originating from Santo Island. Known for its balanced effects, pleasant taste, and reliable potency. The benchmark variety for quality Vanuatu kava.
Palarasul
A high-priority noble variety from Santo Island, known for its strong sedative properties. One of several prized varieties from Santo. Favored for evening use and deep relaxation.
Palasa
A high-priority noble variety from Santo Island, closely related to Palarasul. Santo produces some of Vanuatu's most respected kava varieties. Palasa is valued for its reliable quality and traditional importance.
Bir Kar
A noble variety from Santo Island with a distinctive flavor profile. Known for producing clear-headed effects while maintaining strong anxiolytic properties. One of the Bir family of varieties from Santo.
Pia
A high-priority noble variety from Tanna Island in the southern Tafea Province. Tanna has deep kava traditions and Pia is among its most prized varieties, known for quality and cultural significance.
Ahouia
A high-priority noble variety from Tanna Island, one of several prized Tanna cultivars alongside Pia. Tanna's deep kava culture and volcanic soil produce some of Vanuatu's most respected varieties.
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