Beautiful kava plants growing in their natural Pacific Island environment
Botanical Database

Kava Varieties DatabaseExplore Cultivars

Explore our comprehensive collection of 117 authenticated cultivars from across the Pacific Islands, featuring detailed botanical information and cultural significance.

From the noble varieties of Vanuatu to the sacred cultivars of Hawaii, discover the rich diversity of Piper methysticum through interactive filtering and detailed variety profiles.

Buy Premium Kava
117
Varieties Catalogued
8
Pacific Nations
Noble
Quality Focus
100%
Authenticated

What You'll Discover

Botanical Details
Complete morphological descriptions
Cultural Significance
Traditional uses and ceremonial roles
Chemotype Profiles
Detailed kavalactone compositions
Regional Origins
Authentic Pacific Island sources

Featured Article

Why Kava Origin Matters

Discover how volcanic soils, ancient traditions, and regional terroir create dramatically different kava experiences. Learn why authentic Pacific Island origins determine quality, potency, and safety.

Read Full Article

Showing 117 of 117 varieties

‘Ava Laʻau (“Wood ‘Ava”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

‘Ava Laʻau (“Wood ‘Ava”)

Piper methysticum ‘La‘au’

📍 Upolu (Aleipata)

Currently the most cultivated ‘ava in Samoa (~50% of plantings) sros.org.ws for its hardiness and reliable yield. Central to Samoan ‘ava ceremonies.

‘Ava Leʻa (“Pleasant”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

‘Ava Leʻa (“Pleasant”)

Piper methysticum ‘Leʻa’

📍 Upolu & Savai‘i, Samoa

Historically the most popular variety in Samoa (widely cultivated until a 2014 drought) reddit.com . The standard for a good ‘ava session.

Common
‘Ava Loa (“Long ‘Ava”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

‘Ava Loa (“Long ‘Ava”)

Piper methysticum 'Ava Loa'

📍 Savaiʻi (Saleaula)

Formerly common cultivar noted for its tall growth. May overlap with ‘Ava Talo genetically; still referenced in older literature and sometimes grown in villages mcil.gov.ws .

‘Ava Mumu (“Red ‘Ava”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

‘Ava Mumu (“Red ‘Ava”)

Piper methysticum 'Ava Mumu'

📍 Savaiʻi (Palauli)

Historically present but less popular; often reserved for medicinal use or mixed with other varieties. Identified as a distinct noble cultivar by researchers mcil.gov.ws .

‘Ava Talo (“Taro ‘Ava”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

‘Ava Talo (“Taro ‘Ava”)

Piper methysticum 'Ava Talo'

📍 Upolu (Falefa)

Rapidly became the dominant cultivar (~23% of plantings by mid-2010s) after climate shifts sros.org.ws . Valued for consistent quality and resilience.

‘Ava Tonga (“Tongan ‘Ava”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

‘Ava Tonga (“Tongan ‘Ava”)

Piper methysticum ‘Tonga’

📍 – (Imported to Samoa)

Uplifting and smooth, with less heaviness – imparts a friendly, social buzz.

Common
Abogae
Tudei

Abogae

Piper methysticum ‘Abogae’

📍 Pentecost, Vanuatu

Strong sedative (two-day).

Rare
Ahouia
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Ahouia

Piper methysticum 'Ahouia'

📍 Vanuatu (Northern islands)

Potent analgesic and sedative effects – traditionally used to relieve aches (considered “strong medicine”) d-pharmaa12007.weebly.com .

Rare
Amon
Noble

Amon

Piper methysticum 'Amon'

📍 Vanuatu (Northern region)

Noble, smooth effects

Common
Apin
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Apin

Piper methysticum ‘Apin’

📍 Tanna (Vanuatu)

Heavy, narcotic sedation – used to treat rheumatism and as a potent ritual drink (considered “magic kava”) d-pharmaa12007.weebly.com .

Rare
Asiyai
Noble

Asiyai

Piper methysticum 'Asiyai'

📍 Vanuatu (Northern region)

Noble (non-sedating) effects

Common
Bir Kar
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Bir Kar

Piper methysticum 'Bir Kar'

📍 Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)

Deep relaxation with mild euphoria – a well-balanced noble effect (often blended) kavasociety.nz .

Common
Bir Sul
Noble

Bir Sul

Piper methysticum 'Bir Sul'

📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Balanced

Common
Birfock
Tudei

Birfock

Piper methysticum ‘Birfock’

📍 Vanuatu

Heavy, narcotic sedative.

Rare
Biyaj
Noble

Biyaj

Piper methysticum 'Biyaj'

📍 Vanuatu (Central islands)

Noble, mild

Common
Bogania
Tudei

Bogania

Piper methysticum ‘Bogania’

📍 Vanuatu

Strong sedative.

Rare
Borogoru tabal
Tudei

Borogoru tabal

Piper methysticum ‘Borogoru tabal’

📍 Vanuatu

Heavy sedative.

Rare
Borogu
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Borogu

Piper methysticum 'Borogu'

📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Strong and balanced – moderately bitter drink with rapid desired relaxation d-pharmaa12007.weebly.com pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov .

Common
Damu (“Red”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Damu (“Red”)

Piper methysticum 'Damu'

📍 Fiji (vanua Levu & Viti Levu)

Uplifting and clear-headed – considered a good “daily” kava with pleasant taste pafpnet.spc.int .

Common
Dokobana Loa (“Planting Stick – Dark”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Dokobana Loa (“Planting Stick – Dark”)

Piper methysticum ‘Dokobana Loa’

📍 Viti Levu / Kadavu

Strong but smooth effects – mixes heaviness and clarity, making it a preferred general-use kava.

Common
Dokobana Vula (“Planting Stick – Pale”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Dokobana Vula (“Planting Stick – Pale”)

Piper methysticum 'Dokobana Vula'

📍 Vanua Levu / Taveuni

Mellow but potent – combines deep relaxation with mental clarity (often noted for its “clean” effect).

Common
Fabukhai
Tudei

Fabukhai

Piper methysticum ‘Fabukhai’

📍 Vanuatu

Deep sedative effects.

Rare
Fabularalara
Tudei

Fabularalara

Piper methysticum ‘Fabularalara’

📍 Vanuatu

Very sedative; nausea possible.

Rare
Feo
Noble

Feo

Piper methysticum ‘Feo’

📍 Santa Isabel, Solomon Islands

Heavy body relaxation and sedation.

Common
Ge Gusug
Noble

Ge Gusug

Piper methysticum 'Ge Gusug'

📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Noble effects

Common
Ge Vemea
Noble

Ge Vemea

Piper methysticum 'Ge Vemea'

📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Noble effects

Common
Ge Wiswisket
Noble

Ge Wiswisket

Piper methysticum 'Ge Wiswisket'

📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Noble effects

Common
Gimonlagakris
Noble

Gimonlagakris

Piper methysticum ‘Gimonlagakris’

📍 Malakula, Vanuatu

Balanced mellow relaxation.

Rare
Gorogor entepal
Noble

Gorogor entepal

Piper methysticum ‘Gorogor entepal’

📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Moderately heady and uplifting.

Rare
Hanakapi‘ai
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Hanakapi‘ai

Piper methysticum 'Hanakapi‘ai'

📍 Kauaʻi (Napali Coast)

Famous potent ‘awa used traditionally on Kauaʻi; noted for its strength in chants and lore alohatonics.com .

Hiwa (“Black”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Hiwa (“Black”)

Piper methysticum 'Hiwa'

📍 Hawaii (all islands)

The most sacred Hawaiian variety – reserved for high priests and royalty, used in highest ceremonies ohanakavabar.com en.wikipedia.org . Its brew was sacred (mentioned in hula chants) en.wikipedia.org .

Honokane Iki (“Honokane Valley”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Honokane Iki (“Honokane Valley”)

Piper methysticum ‘Honokane Iki’

📍 Hawaiʻi (Kohala, Big Island)

Historically grown in Kohala; highly valued for its strength (modern growers prize its high kavain content) kavaforums.com .

Honolulu (Yonolulu)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Honolulu (Yonolulu)

Piper methysticum ‘Honolulu’

📍 Kadavu / Viti Levu

Uplifting “heady” effects with a notably pleasant flavor – regarded as one of the best-tasting kavas in Fiji pafpnet.spc.int calmingco.com .

Common
ʻOpihikao (“Opihikao”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

ʻOpihikao (“Opihikao”)

Piper methysticum ‘ʻOpihikao’

📍 Hawaiʻi (Puna, Big Island)

Very rare variety from Puna; valued for its towering growth and potent fresh root when available ohanakavabar.com .

Isa
Tudei

Isa

Piper methysticum 'Isa'

📍 Papua New Guinea (various provinces)

Very strong, heavy body load and lingering drowsiness (“cannot get any work done”)

Common
Iwi
Tudei

Iwi

Piper methysticum ‘Iwi’

📍 Papua New Guinea

Strong sedative, prolonged effect; nausea possible.

Rare
Kau kupwe
Noble

Kau kupwe

Piper methysticum 'Kau kupwe'

📍 Baluan Island (Manus), Papua New Guinea

Smooth and mellow effects with clear mind; regarded as the sole PNG noble variety

Rare
Kava Fulufulu (Fu’u)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Kava Fulufulu (Fu’u)

Piper methysticum 'Kava Fulufulu'

📍 Tongatapu / Haʻapai

Mild, pleasantly uplifting effects with clear-headed sociability calmingco.com .

Hard to get (locally popular)
Kava Kofe
Noble

Kava Kofe

Piper methysticum 'Kava Kofe'

📍 Tonga

Balanced

Common
Kava Kula
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Kava Kula

Piper methysticum 'Kava Kula'

📍 Vavaʻu / Tongatapu

Uplifting and “heady” – promotes euphoria and sociability (ideal for ceremonies) calmingco.com .

Rare
Kava Puou
Noble

Kava Puou

Piper methysticum ‘Puou’

📍 Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands

Balanced; excellent flavor (historical reports).

Rare
Kava Tea (Tēa)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Kava Tea (Tēa)

Piper methysticum ‘Tea’

📍 Eua / Tongatapu

Balanced mellow effect – often described as calming with mental clarity.

Common
Kelai (Miaome)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Kelai (Miaome)

Piper methysticum 'Kelai'

📍 Epi Island, Vanuatu

Balanced relaxation with slight euphoria – regarded as high-quality daily drink kavasociety.nz .

Common
Kumakua (“Ancestor”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Kumakua (“Ancestor”)

Piper methysticum ‘Kumakua’

📍 Oʻahu (Waiʻanae)

Recognized in folklore but “chemotype unknown”; an old variety that has survived with little research calmingco.com .

Laklak
Tudei

Laklak

Piper methysticum ‘Laklak’

📍 Vanuatu

Strong two-day sedative.

Rare
Leay
Noble

Leay

Piper methysticum 'Leay'

📍 Vanuatu (Northern region)

Noble effects

Common
Lekahina ‘Akau (“Long-White”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Lekahina ‘Akau (“Long-White”)

Piper methysticum ‘Hina ‘Akau’

📍 Vavaʻu

Surprisingly heavy and strong for a “white” kava – known to cause some drowsiness (borderline tudei) calmingco.com .

Rare
Lekahina (“Short-White”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Lekahina (“Short-White”)

Piper methysticum ‘Leka Hina’

📍 Haʻapai / Tongatapu

Mild yet uplifting – leaves one mentally focused and calm (suitable for daily use) calmingco.com .

Common
Lekakula ‘Akau (“Long-Red”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Lekakula ‘Akau (“Long-Red”)

Piper methysticum ‘Kula ‘Akau’

📍 Vavaʻu

Potent yet not overwhelming – offers a mix of elevation and sedation, making it suitable for late-afternoon ceremonies.

Common
Lekakula (“Short-Red”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Lekakula (“Short-Red”)

Piper methysticum ‘Leka Kula’

📍 Haʻapai / ʻEua

Bright, euphoric effect with mild relaxation – great daytime kava (high kavain content) calmingco.com .

Common
Loa Kasa Balavu (“Long Internode – Dark”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Loa Kasa Balavu (“Long Internode – Dark”)

Piper methysticum ‘Loa Kasa Balavu’

📍 Vanua Levu

Strong, full-bodied effect – both relaxing and moderately heavy (considered a high-quality noble strain) pafpnet.spc.int .

Common
Loa Kasa Leka (“Short Internode – Dark”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Loa Kasa Leka (“Short Internode – Dark”)

Piper methysticum 'Loa Kasa Leka'

📍 Fiji (Vanua Levu)

Very similar effects to Loa Kasa Balavu – perhaps a bit more “heady” due to slightly higher kavain proportion pafpnet.spc.int .

Common
Luʻukia
Noble

Luʻukia

Piper methysticum ‘Luʻukia’

📍 Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

Uplifting, clear-headed (est.).

Rare
Maewo (wild)
Wild

Maewo (wild)

Piper methysticum var. wichmannii (Maewo)

📍 Maewo Island, Vanuatu

Potent but unpleasant; nausea-inducing.

N/A (wild population)
Mahakea (“Branching”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Mahakea (“Branching”)

Piper methysticum 'Mahakea'

📍 Hawaii (widespread, originally Hawai‘i Island)

A prevalent Hawaiian ‘awa for ceremonies and social use – valued for its quality and abundance (considered a “Polynesian noble”) alohatonics.com .

Malog “Rock”
Tudei

Malog “Rock”

Piper methysticum ‘Malog Rock’

📍 Vanuatu

Very heavy sedative.

Rare
Malog velablalas
Noble

Malog velablalas

Piper methysticum ‘Malog velablalas’

📍 Santo, Vanuatu

Relaxing, smooth effect.

Rare
Malogro
Tudei

Malogro

Piper methysticum ‘Malogro’

📍 Vanuatu

Very heavy sedative.

Rare
Malogu Bora
Tudei

Malogu Bora

Piper methysticum ‘Malogu Bora’

📍 Vanuatu

Intense sedative, long-lasting.

Rare
Malogu Bwagango
Tudei

Malogu Bwagango

Piper methysticum ‘Malogu Bwagango’

📍 Vanuatu

Strongly sedative.

Rare
Malohuia
Noble

Malohuia

Piper methysticum ‘Malohuia’

📍 Vanuatu

Soothing, calming.

Rare
Malovoke
Tudei

Malovoke

Piper methysticum ‘Malovoke’

📍 Vanuatu

Powerful sedative.

Rare
Malovuro
Noble

Malovuro

Piper methysticum ‘Malovuro’

📍 Vanuatu

Mild, calming effects.

Rare
Mapulehu (“Healing”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Mapulehu (“Healing”)

Piper methysticum ‘Mapulehu’

📍 Hawaiʻi (Molokaʻi)

Used in traditional medicine and ceremonies on Molokaʻi (noted for gentle effect) alohatonics.com .

Matakaro Balavu (“Scabrous Long”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Matakaro Balavu (“Scabrous Long”)

Piper methysticum 'Matakaro Balavu'

📍 Taveuni / Viti Levu

Smooth and pleasant effects – considered high-quality, similar to Loa Kasa Balavu (no significant difference in chemotype) pafpnet.spc.int pafpnet.spc.int .

Common
Matakaro Leka (“Scabrous Short”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Matakaro Leka (“Scabrous Short”)

Piper methysticum ‘Matakaro Leka’

📍 Vanua Levu / Kadavu

A well-regarded daily-drinker kava: mildly calming with clear head – high kavain makes it mentally focusing pafpnet.spc.int pafpnet.spc.int .

Common
Meleliap (wild)
Wild

Meleliap (wild)

Piper methysticum var. wichmannii (Meleliap)

📍 Vanuatu (wild)

Strongly sedative; undesirable.

N/A (wild)
Melmel (Sese)
Noble

Melmel (Sese)

Piper methysticum 'Melmel'

📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Very weak (“nothing”); no hangover, allows long drinking sessions

Common
Melo Melo
Noble

Melo Melo

Piper methysticum 'Melo Melo'

📍 Ambae (Aoba) Island, Vanuatu

Notably smooth and euphoric yet clear-minded; long-lasting mellow relaxation

Common
Melomelo (Melmel, Sese)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Melomelo (Melmel, Sese)

Piper methysticum ‘Melomelo’

📍 Ambae (Vanuatu)

Extremely mild, “no hangover” effects – one can drink large amounts with very mild sedation d-pharmaa12007.weebly.com . Allows chiefs to converse at length without heavy intoxication d-pharmaa12007.weebly.com .

Common
Merei
Medicinal

Merei

Piper methysticum 'Merei'

📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Highly potent and potentially unpleasant (custom use only)

Rare
Moʻi (“Chief”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Moʻi (“Chief”)

Piper methysticum 'Mo‘i'

📍 Hawaii (traditional chiefly cultivar)

Once reserved for Aliʻi (royalty) – considered so potent that only chiefs could consume it (strong cerebral effect from high kavain) en.wikipedia.org . Offered to gods in rituals ohanakavabar.com .

Common
Nelimliun
Tudei

Nelimliun

Piper methysticum ‘Nelimliun’

📍 Vanuatu

Heavy, dulling effects.

Rare
Nene (“Turtle Back”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Nene (“Turtle Back”)

Piper methysticum 'Nene'

📍 Hawaii (originally Hawai‘i Island)

A common and beloved Hawaiian cultivar; used to soothe children (name “nene” an onomatopoeia for a calming hush) ohanakavabar.com . Often grown in gardens for everyday use.

Ni kawa Pia
Noble

Ni kawa Pia

Piper methysticum ‘Ni kawa Pia’

📍 Vanuatu

Uplifting, social effects.

Rare
Olitao
Noble

Olitao

Piper methysticum 'Olitao'

📍 Vanuatu (Central/Eastern region)

Noble effects

Common
Pade
Noble

Pade

Piper methysticum ‘Pade’

📍 Vanuatu

Potent, heady effects.

Rare
Palarasul
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Palarasul

Piper methysticum 'Palarasul'

📍 Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)

“Heady” and euphoric – produces mental clarity and social elevation along with calm【1†Look】.

Rare
Palasa
Noble

Palasa

Piper methysticum 'Palasa'

📍 Vanuatu (Espiritu Santo)

Balanced relaxant.

Common
Palimet
Noble

Palimet

Piper methysticum 'Palimet'

📍 Emae Island, Vanuatu

Smooth noble effects (traditionally safe cultivar)

Common
Palisi
Tudei
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Palisi

Piper methysticum 'Palisi'

📍 Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)

Very heavy, sedating effects that can last up to two days (not for regular consumption) kavasociety.nz researchgate.net .

Common
Panaʻewa (“Panaʻewa”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Panaʻewa (“Panaʻewa”)

Piper methysticum ‘Panaʻewa’

📍 Hawaiʻi (Hilo)

Common ceremonial variety in Hilo region; appreciated for its smooth taste and balanced high ohanakavabar.com .

Papa ʻEleʻele (“Dark Stem”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Papa ʻEleʻele (“Dark Stem”)

Piper methysticum ‘Papa ʻEleʻele’

📍 Hawaiʻi (Waipiʻo Valley)

Known as “Queen’s ʻAwa” in Waipiʻo – associated with legendary chiefess (Luʻukia); grown in specific valley patches ohanakavabar.com . Oldest Hawaiian strain, though stems brittle in wind calmingco.com .

Papa ʻEleʻele Puʻupuʻu (“Lumpy Dark”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Papa ʻEleʻele Puʻupuʻu (“Lumpy Dark”)

Piper methysticum ‘Papa ʻEleʻele Puʻupuʻu’

📍 Maui (Kīpahulu)

Strong and “kicking” – notable for a powerful relaxing effect akin to its parent strain alohatonics.com .

Rare
Papa Kea (“Light Stem”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Papa Kea (“Light Stem”)

Piper methysticum ‘Papa Kea’

📍 Hawaiʻi (Puna)

Exceptionally strong for Hawaiian ʻawa – very high kavalactone content yields pronounced euphoria and relaxation alohatonics.com .

Rare
Pia
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Pia

Piper methysticum 'Pia'

📍 Vanuatu (Central)

Calm, soothing relaxation without drowsiness – promotes harmony (“reconciliation kava”) d-pharmaa12007.weebly.com .

Common
Pirimerei
Tudei

Pirimerei

Piper methysticum ‘Pirimerei’

📍 Vanuatu

Strong sedative.

Rare
Poivota
Noble

Poivota

Piper methysticum 'Poivota'

📍 Vanuatu (Central)

Noble effects

Common
Poua
Noble

Poua

Piper methysticum ‘Poua’

📍 Vanuatu

Relaxing, sedative.

Rare
Pualiu
Noble

Pualiu

Piper methysticum 'Pualiu'

📍 Vanuatu (Polynesian outlier islands)

Noble, pleasant

Rare
Puariki
Noble

Puariki

Piper methysticum 'Puariki'

📍 Vanuatu (Polynesian outlier islands)

Mildly stimulating.

Rare
Qila Balavu (“Strong Long”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Qila Balavu (“Strong Long”)

Piper methysticum ‘Qila Balavu’

📍 Viti Levu / Taveuni

Bold “heady” effects with notable muscle relaxation – appreciated for its potent yet clear effect pafpnet.spc.int .

Common
Qila Leka (“Strong Short”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Qila Leka (“Strong Short”)

Piper methysticum ‘Qila Leka’

📍 Vanua Levu

Very similar effects to Qila Balavu – stimulating yet relaxing; easy on taste.

Common
Rahmedel (Rahmadel)
Noble

Rahmedel (Rahmadel)

Piper methysticum ‘Rahmedel’ (Rahmoadeal)

📍 Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Used only on special occasions due to rarity – considered a “ceremonial sakau” for chiefs (one shell can suffice) rootofhappinesskava.com . Often mixed with Rahmwahnger to soften its harshness.

Rahmwahnger (“Speckled”)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Rahmwahnger (“Speckled”)

Piper methysticum ‘Rahmwahnger’

📍 Pohnpei (Madolenihmw)

The everyday sakau on Pohnpei – accounts for ~90% of use rootofhappinesskava.com . Pounded fresh for ceremonies and social gatherings; valued for its power and “kick.”

Rahmwanger
Noble

Rahmwanger

Piper methysticum 'Rahmwanger'

📍 Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Very strong, heavy “buzz” and body-numbing relaxation (notable potency)

Common
Raimelomelo
Noble

Raimelomelo

Piper methysticum ‘Raimelomelo’

📍 Vanuatu

Balanced, smooth.

Rare
Ranapapa
Tudei

Ranapapa

Piper methysticum ‘Ranapapa’

📍 Vanuatu

Potent sedative.

Rare
Rhowen
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Rhowen

Piper methysticum ‘Rhowen’

📍 Tanna (Vanuatu)

Mild calming effects – taken to ward off anxiety and even “to guard against sorcery” in folklore d-pharmaa12007.weebly.com .

Rare
Ring
Tudei

Ring

Piper methysticum ‘Ring’

📍 Vanuatu

Heavy effects.

Rare
Rongrongwul
Tudei

Rongrongwul

Piper methysticum ‘Rongrongwul’

📍 Vanuatu

Very sedative.

Rare
Sentender
Tudei

Sentender

Piper methysticum ‘Sentender’

📍 Vanuatu

Intense sedation.

Rare
Seselaralara
Noble

Seselaralara

Piper methysticum ‘Seselaralara’

📍 Vanuatu

Calm, pleasant effects.

Rare
Silese
Noble

Silese

Piper methysticum 'Silese'

📍 Vanuatu (Southern islands)

Mild relaxant.

Rare
Sini bo (wild)
Wild

Sini bo (wild)

Piper methysticum var. wichmannii (Sini bo)

📍 Vanuatu (wild)

Heavy, long-lasting sedative effect.

N/A (wild)
Tafandai
Noble

Tafandai

Piper methysticum ‘Tafandai’

📍 Vanuatu

Potent, heady effects.

Rare
Taritamaewo
Tudei

Taritamaewo

Piper methysticum ‘Taritamaewo’

📍 Vanuatu

Strong sedation.

Rare
Tarivarus
Tudei

Tarivarus

Piper methysticum ‘Tarivarus’

📍 Vanuatu

Powerful sedative.

Rare
Tarivoravora
Tudei

Tarivoravora

Piper methysticum ‘Tarivoravora’

📍 Vanuatu

Very heavy sedative.

Rare
Temotu Purple (Temo)
Noble

Temotu Purple (Temo)

Piper methysticum ‘Temotu Purple’

📍 Temotu Province, Solomon Islands

Euphoric then relaxing; balanced heady-to-mellow.

Rare
Urukara
Noble

Urukara

Piper methysticum 'Urukara'

📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Noble, moderately strong

Common
Vakorokoro
Noble

Vakorokoro

Piper methysticum ‘Vakorokoro’

📍 Vanuatu

Relaxing, sedative.

Rare
Vambu (wild)
Wild

Vambu (wild)

Piper methysticum var. wichmannii (Vambu)

📍 Vanuatu (wild)

Highly sedative; not for drinking.

N/A (wild)
Visul
Tudei

Visul

Piper methysticum 'Visul'

📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Very strong, heavy (considered an ignoble “two-day” variety)

Rare
Vula Kasa Leka
Noble

Vula Kasa Leka

Piper methysticum 'Vula Kasa Leka'

📍 Fiji (Viti Levu)

Mild and clear-headed

Common
Wild Kava
Wild

Wild Kava

Piper wichmannii (wild type)

📍 Vanuatu (native wild ancestor)

Not traditionally consumed (harsher chemotype); considered progenitor of drinkable kava

Rare
Yalu (variant of Damu)
Noble
Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)

Yalu (variant of Damu)

Piper methysticum ‘Yalu’

📍 Taveuni (Fiji)

Identical to Damu – a balanced, all-purpose effect with good flavor and no hangover.

Common