Kava, a traditional beverage made from water and the ground root of the pepper plant, is served at special gatherings. Guests are welcomed to a village with a kava ceremony. And at important events, such as a meeting of chiefs or a wedding, kava is always served. On Turtle Island you will experience the kava ceremony on Wednesday evenings, and you’ll have a chance to enjoy kava with the staff on evenings as well. After the ceremony, much laughter, singing and socializing happens around the kava bowl. Our distinctive bowl, lovingly tended for years and called a tanoa, is a hand-carved turtle.
You will be offered the option of “high tide,” or “low tide”
A high tide means you would like a full cup.
If you ask for a low tide, it means they will give you a half cup of Kava.
The locals seem to like to give you a full cup to be respectful.
When the kava comes to you, there are traditions to follow. When you drink kava be sure to follow these steps
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Clap your hands once with a cupped hand making a hollow sound
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Yell: Bula!
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Drink in one gulp
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Clap three times with hands cupped to make that hollow sound again.
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Say: “Mathe” pronounced maw-they
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