#Awa

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health, in collaboration with the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources has issued a memorandum this week detailing a Generally Recognized as Safe or GRAS determination for ‘awa. The DOH memorandum was developed to recognize the substantial history of consumption of the traditional ‘awa beverage by Native Hawaiians.

At Wow-Wee Maui, Kava is offered by the coconut shell, for around $6. This muddy murky drink might seem a bit mysterious to the tourists and the locals who haven’t been introduced to an ‘awa circle.

By Wendy Osher The bitter ‘awa root is often seen in ceremonial protocol throughout the Pacific, but is used in social settings as well.  Cultural practitioner Kapono’ai Molitau, who also sells the product at his Native Intelligence store in old Wailuku Town explains the different levels and protocols associated with the drinking of ‘awa. [flashvideo […]