It looks like muddy dishwater, and sometimes it tastes so bad it makes you wonder why on earth you're drinking it, but kava ('awa in Hawaiian) has a certain charm. Trouble is, aside from annual kava festivals, it can be really hard to find. Here are a few places that serve kava regularly on Oahu, or that sell kava in bottled form.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, Diamond Head Cove is open until midnight for "Awa Nights," featuring an awa bar and impromptu jam sessions. Traditional organic Hawaiian awa is served in a coconut cup ($5 for 8 ounces.) There's also a special awa smoothie, made with awa, bananas, coconut milk and maple syrup for $5.75. They also sell kava powder so you can make awa yourself.
In a little island shack, in a little island town, there's a little island shop that sells a little island secret... kava root, which is ceremoniously used in the Polynesian culture. Every Saturday, there are all-you-can-drink kava nights, accompanied by an open mic, with a $3 cover. The night goes from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Kava is $2.00 for a cup, $10 for an ohana bowl, which serves about 10 people. The variety of kava changes all the time because various local providers bring it in.
Down to Earth sells Ozia, which looks a lot like any other sports drink, although it's milder than what you'd normally get.
Tamura's also sells Ozia, an earthy blend of lemon balm, chamomile, and kava made in Aiea. It goes for $2.99 for a 16 oz. bottle.
Andy's Sandwiches and Smoothies
Andy's also sells Ozia, which, with its sweet and mild kava flavor, goes well with a sandwich.
Most performance nights, you'll see a bowl of kava on the counter at Ong King. Locals provide different varieties, and for a donation, take all the kava you can drink.
Every last Friday of the month, Studiobe holds Final Fridays, with an "Awa Nite Happy Our" from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. For a $5 donation, you can help yourself to kava and light pupu. "Awa is an amazing substitute for alcohol," said Moana, who runs the place. She gets her kava from various local providers.
