Archives
The Tubuai Islands and Kava
Next up on our tour of the Polynesian region of Oceania is the Tubuai Islands. Much like their cousins to the north in the Tuamotu Archipelago, the people of the Tubuai Islands are technically part of French Polynesia. This being the case, they also have their own unique culture and relationship with kava-as we will […]
Kava: The Amazing Intoxicating Pepper
Kava, the second most widespread intoxicating beverage after alcohol, is a cold herbal drink enjoyed throughout much of the Pacific Islands and Hawaii. It might just be a far safer (and much healthier) alternative to hitting the vodka or other narcotics or medications. So what exactly is kava, then? It’s a type of pepper plant, informally called the […]
The Tuamotu Archipelago and Kava
Next stop on our tour of the Polynesian region of Oceania is the Tuamotu Archipelago. Although the Tuamotu Archipelago is not a free standing nation (it is a part of French Polynesia) the fact that it is the largest archipelago in the world warrants a closer look. Beyond its geographical significance, the Tuamotu Archipelago has […]
Origin of Kava / Where Kava Originated
There is often quite heated controversy in some circles regarding the origins of Kava. The bottom line is that anyone who claims to know where Kava first appeared or where it truly comes from: They’re only speculating. Leading botanists in the study of the origin of Kava believe that it first appeared in northern Vanuatu. […]
The Marshall Islands and Kava
Our next stop on our tour of Micronesia is the Marshall Islands. The Marshallese have only recently begun their relationship with Kava. But before that, let’s explore the islands history, its people, and their culture. The Marshall Islands The Marshall Islands are a collection of over 1200 islands and islets, only five of which are […]
Hawaii and Kava (‘awa)
The people of the Hawaiian Islands have a rich history with Kava. It has carried over from ancient times and is still in place today. Before that discussion ensures (much to our delight) let’s look at the Hawaiian Islands and their history. Hawaii Hawaii is the most recent addition to the United States of America, […]
Palau and Kava
Rounding out our Kava-eye view of Micronesia is Palau. Palau, like many of these small island nations, has an interesting history. Palau also has a more traditional relationship with kava (which gives here a great relief). Let’s look at Palau today and the events that brought this young nation into being. Palau Officially known as […]
French Polynesia and Kava
We now move on to the third and final region of Oceania, the region of Polynesia. First stop on our Polynesian tour none other than regional namesake, French Polynesia. French Polynesia To begin with, French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity. What, might you ask IS a French overseas collectivity? Simply put, it is a […]
Nauru and Kava
Nauru, like many of its Micronesia neighbors, has an unusual relationship with Kava. Beyond its relationship to Kava, many environmentalists look to Nauru as a test case for natural resource management (or, more specifically, mismanagement). Before we get to that, let’s take a look at Nauru’s unique history and how they came to be the […]
