Our Story

Life moves fast, and it can be hard to pause and take it in. Kava offers a different rhythm, one that’s grounded, uplifting, and open to connection. For decades, it’s been enjoyed as a natural, sober alternative that anyone can turn to, any time of day.

Kava Republic began as a kava bar and cafe in Hilo, Hawai‘i, founded by father-daughter duo Laurent and Yaelle Olivier. From the start, our mission was simple: create a space where people could slow down, come together, and share the clear-headed calm of well-prepared kava.

Laurent has worked with kava for over two decades. He opened one of the first kava bars on the mainland U.S., and has become one of the world’s largest wholesale kava distributors. Yaelle left behind a career in engineering to bring a fresh perspective and build a welcoming third space where genuine connection thrives.

Today, we source noble kava from our own farm in Hawai‘i and partners across the South Pacific, always prioritizing pure ingredients and sustainable practices. Our kava is 100% processed in the US in a CGMP Facility, ensuring the best quality on the market, too!

Whether you’re unwinding after work, finding focus before a creative project, or making space for deeper conversation– we hope that Kava Republic becomes a part of your go-to ritual for a clear mind and a relaxed body.

Kava Republic welcomes you!

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Our Kava Sources

We source our kava from six different regions across the Pacific, giving us the most variety of any kava business! We're so proud to work with incredible FDA-Registered farmers every day to ethically source the highest quality kava out there! Scroll to learn more about the unique qualities of each region's kava.

  • Hawai'i

    Hawai'ian 'awa is typically consumed fresh, as opposed to dried or powdered, making it a different experience than kava from other regions. It is also high in a kavalactone called kavain that is known for its feeling of hapiness or an elevated mood.

  • Solomon Islands

    Solomon Islands kava is our strongest variety, offering a harmonious balance of relaxation and mental clarity. It’s suitable for a variety of occasions, from unwinding after a busy day to a calm evening with friends.

  • Vanuatu

    Vanuatu kava is one of the most widely-used strains available. It’s known for its potent effects, which can be quite relaxing and even sedative. This strain is best suited for experienced users who are looking for a powerful kava experience.

  • Fiji

    Fijian kava is often considered a great middle ground between relaxation and socialization. It provides a balanced experience that’s perfect for social gatherings. The taste can be strong, but the balance is unbeatable!

  • Tonga

    Tongan kava is known for its smooth, mellow effects. It’s often used to unwind after a long day or to help with sleep. The taste is typically mild, making it a popular choice for beginners.

  • Papua New Guinea

    Papua New Guinea kava is noted for its ability to uplift mood and create a sense of euphoria. This strain is excellent for those seeking long-lasting mood enhancement and is often used for a joyful social experience.

Why Nobility Matters

The concept of “nobility” in kava refers to its chemotype and resulting feelings. Noble kava offers a balanced profile of kavalactones, the active compounds responsible for kava’s effects, ensuring the effects don't last longer than a few hours and don't leave you feeling "hungover." In Vanuatu, noble kava is highly prized and strictly regulated, ensuring that consumers receive the best possible product.

Noble kava strains are not only smoother in taste but also easier on the body. Unlike non-noble kava when consumed in excess, which can cause nausea or a “kava hangover,” noble kava provides a clean, pleasant experience, leaving you feeling fresh the next day. This makes it a preferred choice for both new and experienced kava drinkers.

Get Nerdy With Us!

We test all of our products in the largest food-grade kava processing facility in the U.S. to ensure top-notch quality. With this high-end testing, we're able to know more about the nobility and components of our kava, including kavalactone levels. Click below to learn more about kava chemotypes, kavalactones, & more!

  • Nobility in kava is established based on the Chemotype. A chemotype is an order in which the six primary alkaloids in kava are ranked based on how much is in the kava. For example, a common beginning alkaloid in noble kava is Dihydrokavain. This alkaloid is represented by a 2. This means if a chemotype starts with 2, of the alkaloids within the kava, Dihydrokavain is most prevalent.

    This order follows for all six alkaloids. One of the kava strains we use has a chemotype of 243165. This means it is highest in Dihydrokavain, second highest in Kavain, and so on. Keep clicking to read more about the different kavalactones that make up a chemotype!

  • There are 6 kavalactones, each doing something a bit different. Read more about each below!

    1. Demethoxyyangonin - MAO B Inhibitor/dopamine booster
    2. Dihydrokavain - Relaxing/sedating
    3. Yangonin - Stimulating/creative
    4. Kavain - Happy/elevated mood
    5. Dihydromethystican - Sedating/long lasting
    6. Methysticin - Pain Relieving

  • Each strain of kava has its own unique set of characteristics, from flavor profiles to potency levels. The part of the kava roots that the kava is made from can impact these characteristics. Read more below about the different root sections.

    Basal Roots: When it comes to kava, the basal roots are often considered the gold standard. These roots are the thick, stumpy, most mature parts of the kava plant, containing the highest concentration of kavalactones, the active compounds responsible for kava’s effects. This makes them more starchy and produce a more mind-relaxing effect.

    Lateral Roots: While basal roots get most of the attention, the lateral roots of kava are equally important. These thinner roots contain a different but complementary set of kavalactones in a higher concentration than the basal roots. Lateral roots add layers of complexity to the drinking experience, including a more body relaxing feel.

    Blends: Blending different parts of the kava plant is an art form. Expert blenders mix basal and lateral roots to create kava that offers a well-rounded experience. These blends are crafted to highlight the best qualities of each root type, resulting in a drink that’s both potent and smooth.

  • Kava Republic boasts a world-class testing facility. We use industry-standard equipment to test Nobility and its components, including Kavalactone levels.

    Not only do we thoroughly test all of the kava we import and distribute, but we also have it third-party tested by an FDA approved lab for quality and regulatory compliance. Traceability and transparency are super important to us, so we want everyone to know exatly what they're getting out of our products.