The Hale ʻAwa
Kanaka Kava is a local, Hawaiian family owned business. Our Hale ʻAwa and Pupu is located in the heart of Kailua-Kona
We serve the cultural foods of our ancestors here and the historically sacred plant medicine of ‘awa. Through serving our cultural foods and drink, we seek to perpetuate our culture, to serve the health of our community, and to share the history of this land, the real and palpable history of the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands.
Most of our dishes are the traditional foods shared during gatherings and feasts. These foods have a significantly, long history and relationship to our people, imbedded with the knowledge of the plants and foods that sustain us. Our cultural foods are rich in sustenance and, of course, local and organic! We source as much food and ‘awa that we can from our farm in Hāmākua.
Kanaka Kava was established in 2001 by Anakala Zach, which has since been passed down to his ‘Ohana. Kanaka Kava was created with hopes of sharing the depth of cultural and natural medicine as well as keeping real Hawaiian culture available to kanaka and haoles alike.
events.
Check out what we are doing at the bar throughout the week. We have open mics, forums, DJs, and other live performances. We’ll also let you know when that fresh fresh ‘awa is on its way to Kona!
If you’d like to play an event at Kanaka Kava, check out our opportunities page:
What People are Saying
“One of the best kava establishments on the Big Island, Kanaka Kava is also one of the few places that will ship frozen and perishable kava and related ingredients from their store. For an extra treat, their kava chocolate bars are a delicious alternative to the typical kava experience.”
—Big Island Guide
“Best awa bar in Kona, full of aloha, good vibes, and ‘Ono food”
— Kamalani
“I let anxiety take over my life for too long. Now I have the strength to control my emotions with ‘awa. ”
— Mary Ann
Stay Rooted with Our Instagram Updates
We post about kava, kanaka, our farm, and events at our Hale ʻAwa.