Kava VarietiesDatabase
Explore our comprehensive collection of 149 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.
What You'll Discover
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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 ArticleShowing 149 of 149 varieties
‘Ava La‘au
Piper methysticum ‘La‘au’
📍 Upolu, Samoa
Balanced mild-heavy relaxation; smooth.
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‘Ava Laʻau (“Wood ‘Ava”)
Piper methysticum ‘Laʻau’
📍 Upolu (Aleipata)
Currently the most cultivated ‘ava in Samoa (~50% of plantings) for its hardiness and reliable yield. Central to Samoan ‘ava ceremonies.
‘Ava Lea
Piper methysticum ‘Lea’
📍 Upolu & Savai‘i, Samoa
Calming, mildly euphoric; well balanced.
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‘Ava Leʻa (“Pleasant”)
Piper methysticum ‘Leʻa’
📍 Upolu (Lefaga)
Historically the most popular variety in Samoa (widely cultivated until a 2014 drought) . The standard for a good ‘ava session.
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‘Ava Loa (“Long ‘Ava”)
Piper methysticum ‘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 .
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‘Ava Mumu (“Red ‘Ava”)
Piper methysticum ‘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 .
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‘Ava Talo (“Taro ‘Ava”)
Piper methysticum ‘Talo’
📍 Upolu (Falefa)
Rapidly became the dominant cultivar (~23% of plantings by mid-2010s) after climate shifts . Valued for consistent quality and resilience.
‘Ava Tonga (“Tongan ‘Ava”)
Piper methysticum ‘Tonga’
📍 – (Imported to Samoa)
Uplifting and smooth, with less heaviness – imparts a friendly, social buzz.
Abogae
Piper methysticum ‘Abogae’
📍 Pentecost, Vanuatu
Strong sedative (two-day).
Ahouia
Piper methysticum 'Ahouia'
📍 Vanuatu (Northern islands)
Classic noble effects
Ahouia
Piper methysticum ‘Ahouia’
📍 Epi Island, Vanuatu
Calm, pleasantly relaxing.
Ahouia
Piper methysticum ‘Ahouia’
📍 Tanna (Vanuatu)
Potent analgesic and sedative effects – traditionally used to relieve aches (considered “strong medicine”) .
Amon
Piper methysticum 'Amon'
📍 Vanuatu (Northern region)
Noble, smooth effects
Apin
Piper methysticum ‘Apin’
📍 Tanna (Vanuatu)
Heavy, narcotic sedation – used to treat rheumatism and as a potent ritual drink (considered “magic kava”) .
Asiyai
Piper methysticum 'Asiyai'
📍 Vanuatu (Northern region)
Noble (non-sedating) effects
Ava Loa
Piper methysticum 'Ava Loa'
📍 Samoa
Smooth, non-sedating (typical noble ava)
Ava Mumu
Piper methysticum 'Ava Mumu'
📍 Samoa
Slightly heavier relaxing effect among Samoan cultivars
Ava Talo
Piper methysticum 'Ava Talo'
📍 Samoa
Moderate, balanced effects
Bir Kar
Piper methysticum 'Bir Kar'
📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Strong (borderline heavy) for a noble
Bir Kar
Piper methysticum ‘Bir Kar’
📍 Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)
Deep relaxation with mild euphoria – a well-balanced noble effect (often blended) .
Bir Sul
Piper methysticum 'Bir Sul'
📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Balanced
Birfock
Piper methysticum ‘Birfock’
📍 Vanuatu
Heavy, narcotic sedative.
Biyaj
Piper methysticum 'Biyaj'
📍 Vanuatu (Central islands)
Noble, mild
Bogania
Piper methysticum ‘Bogania’
📍 Vanuatu
Strong sedative.
Borogoru tabal
Piper methysticum ‘Borogoru tabal’
📍 Vanuatu
Heavy sedative.
Borogu
Piper methysticum 'Borogu'
📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Strong but balanced heady effect; one shell is usually sufficient
Borogu
Piper methysticum ‘Borogu’
📍 Pentecost (Vanuatu)
Strong and balanced – moderately bitter drink with rapid desired relaxation .
Damu
Piper methysticum 'Damu'
📍 Fiji (vanua Levu & Viti Levu)
Smooth, mellow and slightly sedating
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Damu (“Red”)
Piper methysticum ‘Damu’
📍 Vanua Levu / Taveuni
Uplifting and clear-headed – considered a good “daily” kava with pleasant taste .
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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.
Dokobana Vula
Piper methysticum 'Dokobana Vula'
📍 Fiji (Taveuni)
Uplifting, relatively strong
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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).
Fabukhai
Piper methysticum ‘Fabukhai’
📍 Vanuatu
Deep sedative effects.
Fabularalara
Piper methysticum ‘Fabularalara’
📍 Vanuatu
Very sedative; nausea possible.
Feo
Piper methysticum ‘Feo’
📍 Santa Isabel, Solomon Islands
Heavy body relaxation and sedation.
Ge Gusug
Piper methysticum 'Ge Gusug'
📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Noble effects
Ge Vemea
Piper methysticum 'Ge Vemea'
📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Noble effects
Ge Wiswisket
Piper methysticum 'Ge Wiswisket'
📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Noble effects
Gimonlagakris
Piper methysticum ‘Gimonlagakris’
📍 Malakula, Vanuatu
Balanced mellow relaxation.
Gorogor entepal
Piper methysticum ‘Gorogor entepal’
📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Moderately heady and uplifting.
Hanakapi‘ai
Piper methysticum 'Hanakapi‘ai'
📍 Kaua‘i, Hawaii
Balanced, pleasant effects (reputed local variety)
Hanakapiʻai
Piper methysticum ‘Hanakapiʻai’
📍 Kauaʻi (Napali Coast)
Famous potent ‘awa used traditionally on Kauaʻi; noted for its strength in chants and lore .
Hiwa
Piper methysticum 'Hiwa'
📍 Hawaii (all islands)
Sedative and soothing (considered one of the heavier Hawaiian cultivars)
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Hiwa (“Black”)
Piper methysticum ‘Hiwa’
📍 Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
The most sacred Hawaiian variety – reserved for high priests and royalty, used in highest ceremonies . Its brew was sacred (mentioned in hula chants) .
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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) .
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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 .
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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 .
Isa
Piper methysticum 'Isa'
📍 Papua New Guinea (various provinces)
Very strong, heavy body load and lingering drowsiness (“cannot get any work done”)
Isa
Piper methysticum ‘Isa’
📍 Madang, Papua New Guinea
Extremely heavy sedative; effects can last 1–2 days.
Iwi
Piper methysticum ‘Iwi’
📍 Papua New Guinea
Strong sedative, prolonged effect; nausea possible.
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
Kava Fulufulu (Fu’u)
Piper methysticum 'Kava Fulufulu'
📍 Tonga
Smooth and less sedating (day-friendly cultivar)
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Kava Fulufulu (Fuʻu)
Piper methysticum ‘Fulufulu’
📍 Tongatapu / Haʻapai
Mild, pleasantly uplifting effects with clear-headed sociability .
Kava Kofe
Piper methysticum 'Kava Kofe'
📍 Tonga
Balanced
Kava Kula
Piper methysticum 'Kava Kula'
📍 Tonga
Uplifting daytime kava (less sedating)
Kava Kula
Piper methysticum ‘Kula’
📍 Vavaʻu / Tongatapu
Uplifting and “heady” – promotes euphoria and sociability (ideal for ceremonies) .
Kava Puou
Piper methysticum ‘Puou’
📍 Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
Balanced; excellent flavor (historical reports).
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Kava Tea (Tēa)
Piper methysticum ‘Tea’
📍 Eua / Tongatapu
Balanced mellow effect – often described as calming with mental clarity.
Kelai (Miaome)
Piper methysticum 'Kelai'
📍 Epi Island, Vanuatu
Noble, pleasant
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Kelai (Miaome)
Piper methysticum ‘Kelai’
📍 Epi (Vanuatu)
Balanced relaxation with slight euphoria – regarded as high-quality daily drink .
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Kumakua (“Ancestor”)
Piper methysticum ‘Kumakua’
📍 Oʻahu (Waiʻanae)
Recognized in folklore but “chemotype unknown”; an old variety that has survived with little research .
Laklak
Piper methysticum ‘Laklak’
📍 Vanuatu
Strong two-day sedative.
Leay
Piper methysticum 'Leay'
📍 Vanuatu (Northern region)
Noble effects
Lekahina
Piper methysticum 'Lekahina'
📍 Tonga
Gentle, clear-headed effect
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Lekahina ‘Akau (“Long-White”)
Piper methysticum ‘Hina ‘Akau’
📍 Vavaʻu
Surprisingly heavy and strong for a “white” kava – known to cause some drowsiness (borderline tudei) .
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Lekahina (“Short-White”)
Piper methysticum ‘Leka Hina’
📍 Haʻapai / Tongatapu
Mild yet uplifting – leaves one mentally focused and calm (suitable for daily use) .
Lekakula
Piper methysticum 'Lekakula'
📍 Tonga
Mellow and calming, with mild euphoria
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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.
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Lekakula (“Short-Red”)
Piper methysticum ‘Leka Kula’
📍 Haʻapai / ʻEua
Bright, euphoric effect with mild relaxation – great daytime kava (high kavain content) .
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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) .
Loa Kasa Leka
Piper methysticum 'Loa Kasa Leka'
📍 Fiji (Vanua Levu)
Mild, easy-going effects
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Loa Kasa Leka (“Short Internode – Dark”)
Piper methysticum ‘Loa Kasa Leka’
📍 Vanua Levu
Very similar effects to Loa Kasa Balavu – perhaps a bit more “heady” due to slightly higher kavain proportion .
Luʻukia
Piper methysticum ‘Luʻukia’
📍 Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
Uplifting, clear-headed (est.).
Maewo (wild)
Piper methysticum var. wichmannii (Maewo)
📍 Maewo Island, Vanuatu
Potent but unpleasant; nausea-inducing.
Mahakea
Piper methysticum 'Mahakea'
📍 Hawaii (widespread, originally Hawai‘i Island)
Balanced yet potent; uplifting cerebral effect with gentle relaxation (high kavain):contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41}
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Mahakea (“Branching”)
Piper methysticum ‘Mahakea’
📍 Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
A prevalent Hawaiian ‘awa for ceremonies and social use – valued for its quality and abundance (considered a “Polynesian noble”) .
Malog “Rock”
Piper methysticum ‘Malog Rock’
📍 Vanuatu
Very heavy sedative.
Malog velablalas
Piper methysticum ‘Malog velablalas’
📍 Santo, Vanuatu
Relaxing, smooth effect.
Malogro
Piper methysticum ‘Malogro’
📍 Vanuatu
Very heavy sedative.
Malogu Bora
Piper methysticum ‘Malogu Bora’
📍 Vanuatu
Intense sedative, long-lasting.
Malogu Bwagango
Piper methysticum ‘Malogu Bwagango’
📍 Vanuatu
Strongly sedative.
Malohuia
Piper methysticum ‘Malohuia’
📍 Vanuatu
Soothing, calming.
Malovoke
Piper methysticum ‘Malovoke’
📍 Vanuatu
Powerful sedative.
Malovuro
Piper methysticum ‘Malovuro’
📍 Vanuatu
Mild, calming effects.
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Mapulehu (“Healing”)
Piper methysticum ‘Mapulehu’
📍 Hawaiʻi (Molokaʻi)
Used in traditional medicine and ceremonies on Molokaʻi (noted for gentle effect) .
Matakaro Balavu
Piper methysticum 'Matakaro Balavu'
📍 Fiji (Kadavu)
Balanced, full-bodied effects
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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) .
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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 .
Meleliap (wild)
Piper methysticum var. wichmannii (Meleliap)
📍 Vanuatu (wild)
Strongly sedative; undesirable.
Melmel (Sese)
Piper methysticum 'Melmel'
📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Very weak (“nothing”); no hangover, allows long drinking sessions
Melo Melo
Piper methysticum 'Melo Melo'
📍 Ambae (Aoba) Island, Vanuatu
Notably smooth and euphoric yet clear-minded; long-lasting mellow relaxation
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Melomelo (Melmel, Sese)
Piper methysticum ‘Melomelo’
📍 Ambae (Vanuatu)
Extremely mild, “no hangover” effects – one can drink large amounts with very mild sedation . Allows chiefs to converse at length without heavy intoxication .
Merei
Piper methysticum 'Merei'
📍 Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Highly potent and potentially unpleasant (custom use only)
Mo‘i
Piper methysticum 'Mo‘i'
📍 Hawaii (traditional chiefly cultivar)
Strong heady (cerebral) effects; historically considered the most potent Hawaiian variety:contentReference[oaicite:44]{index=44}
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Moʻi (“Chief”)
Piper methysticum ‘Moʻi’
📍 Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
Once reserved for Aliʻi (royalty) – considered so potent that only chiefs could consume it (strong cerebral effect from high kavain) . Offered to gods in rituals .
Nelimliun
Piper methysticum ‘Nelimliun’
📍 Vanuatu
Heavy, dulling effects.
Nene
Piper methysticum 'Nene'
📍 Hawaii (originally Hawai‘i Island)
Uplifting and clear-headed; regarded as a well-balanced drinking kava
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Nene (“Turtle Back”)
Piper methysticum ‘Nene’
📍 Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
A common and beloved Hawaiian cultivar; used to soothe children (name “nene” an onomatopoeia for a calming hush) . Often grown in gardens for everyday use.
Ni kawa Pia
Piper methysticum ‘Ni kawa Pia’
📍 Vanuatu
Uplifting, social effects.
Olitao
Piper methysticum 'Olitao'
📍 Vanuatu (Central/Eastern region)
Noble effects
Pade
Piper methysticum ‘Pade’
📍 Vanuatu
Potent, heady effects.
Palarasul
Piper methysticum 'Palarasul'
📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Smooth, clearly euphoric, mentally refreshing (heady)
Palarasul
Piper methysticum ‘Palarasul’
📍 Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)
“Heady” and euphoric – produces mental clarity and social elevation along with calm【1†Look】.
Palasa
Piper methysticum 'Palasa'
📍 Vanuatu (Espiritu Santo)
Noble, balanced
Palasa
Piper methysticum ‘Palasa’
📍 Vanuatu
Balanced relaxant.
Palimet
Piper methysticum 'Palimet'
📍 Emae Island, Vanuatu
Smooth noble effects (traditionally safe cultivar)
Palisi
Piper methysticum 'Palisi'
📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Extremely potent, long-lasting sedative “two-day” effects with nausea if overused
Palisi
Piper methysticum ‘Palisi’
📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Strongly sedative and long-lasting; can cause lethargy/nausea.
Palisi
Piper methysticum ‘Palisi’
📍 Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)
Very heavy, sedating effects that can last up to two days (not for regular consumption) .
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Panaʻewa (“Panaʻewa”)
Piper methysticum ‘Panaʻewa’
📍 Hawaiʻi (Hilo)
Common ceremonial variety in Hilo region; appreciated for its smooth taste and balanced high .
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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 . Oldest Hawaiian strain, though stems brittle in wind .
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 .
Papa Kea (“Light Stem”)
Piper methysticum ‘Papa Kea’
📍 Hawaiʻi (Puna)
Exceptionally strong for Hawaiian ʻawa – very high kavalactone content yields pronounced euphoria and relaxation .
Pia
Piper methysticum 'Pia'
📍 Vanuatu (Central)
Noble, mild
Pia
Piper methysticum ‘Pia’
📍 Tanna (Vanuatu)
Calm, soothing relaxation without drowsiness – promotes harmony (“reconciliation kava”) .
Pirimerei
Piper methysticum ‘Pirimerei’
📍 Vanuatu
Strong sedative.
Poivota
Piper methysticum 'Poivota'
📍 Vanuatu (Central)
Noble effects
Poua
Piper methysticum ‘Poua’
📍 Vanuatu
Relaxing, sedative.
Pualiu
Piper methysticum 'Pualiu'
📍 Vanuatu (Polynesian outlier islands)
Noble, pleasant
Puariki
Piper methysticum 'Puariki'
📍 Vanuatu (Polynesian outlier islands)
Noble, balanced
Puariki
Piper methysticum ‘Puariki’
📍 Vanuatu
Mildly stimulating.
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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 .
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Qila Leka (“Strong Short”)
Piper methysticum ‘Qila Leka’
📍 Vanua Levu
Very similar effects to Qila Balavu – stimulating yet relaxing; easy on taste.
Rahmedel (“Smooth”)
Piper methysticum ‘Rahmedel’ (Rahmoadeal)
📍 Pohnpei (Kitti)
Used only on special occasions due to rarity – considered a “ceremonial sakau” for chiefs (one shell can suffice) . Often mixed with Rahmwahnger to soften its harshness.
Rahmedel (Rahmadel)
Piper methysticum 'Rahmedel'
📍 Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Strong and heady but slightly smoother than Rahmwanger; regarded as high-quality sakau
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Rahmwahnger (“Speckled”)
Piper methysticum ‘Rahmwahnger’
📍 Pohnpei (Madolenihmw)
The everyday sakau on Pohnpei – accounts for ~90% of use . Pounded fresh for ceremonies and social gatherings; valued for its power and “kick.”
Rahmwanger
Piper methysticum 'Rahmwanger'
📍 Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Very strong, heavy “buzz” and body-numbing relaxation (notable potency)
Raimelomelo
Piper methysticum ‘Raimelomelo’
📍 Vanuatu
Balanced, smooth.
Ranapapa
Piper methysticum ‘Ranapapa’
📍 Vanuatu
Potent sedative.
Rhowen
Piper methysticum ‘Rhowen’
📍 Tanna (Vanuatu)
Mild calming effects – taken to ward off anxiety and even “to guard against sorcery” in folklore .
Ring
Piper methysticum ‘Ring’
📍 Vanuatu
Heavy effects.
Rongrongwul
Piper methysticum ‘Rongrongwul’
📍 Vanuatu
Very sedative.
Sentender
Piper methysticum ‘Sentender’
📍 Vanuatu
Intense sedation.
Seselaralara
Piper methysticum ‘Seselaralara’
📍 Vanuatu
Calm, pleasant effects.
Silese
Piper methysticum 'Silese'
📍 Vanuatu (Southern islands)
Noble effects
Silese
Piper methysticum ‘Silese’
📍 Malekula, Vanuatu
Mild relaxant.
Sini bo (wild)
Piper methysticum var. wichmannii (Sini bo)
📍 Vanuatu (wild)
Heavy, long-lasting sedative effect.
Tafandai
Piper methysticum ‘Tafandai’
📍 Vanuatu
Potent, heady effects.
Taritamaewo
Piper methysticum ‘Taritamaewo’
📍 Vanuatu
Strong sedation.
Tarivarus
Piper methysticum ‘Tarivarus’
📍 Vanuatu
Powerful sedative.
Tarivoravora
Piper methysticum ‘Tarivoravora’
📍 Vanuatu
Very heavy sedative.
Temotu Purple (Temo)
Piper methysticum ‘Temotu Purple’
📍 Temotu Province, Solomon Islands
Euphoric then relaxing; balanced heady-to-mellow.
Urukara
Piper methysticum 'Urukara'
📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Noble, moderately strong
Vakorokoro
Piper methysticum ‘Vakorokoro’
📍 Vanuatu
Relaxing, sedative.
Vambu (wild)
Piper methysticum var. wichmannii (Vambu)
📍 Vanuatu (wild)
Highly sedative; not for drinking.
Visul
Piper methysticum 'Visul'
📍 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Very strong, heavy (considered an ignoble “two-day” variety)
Vula Kasa Leka
Piper methysticum 'Vula Kasa Leka'
📍 Fiji (Viti Levu)
Mild and clear-headed
Wild Kava
Piper wichmannii (wild type)
📍 Vanuatu (native wild ancestor)
Not traditionally consumed (harsher chemotype); considered progenitor of drinkable kava
Yalu (variant of Damu)
Piper methysticum ‘Yalu’
📍 Taveuni (Fiji)
Identical to Damu – a balanced, all-purpose effect with good flavor and no hangover.