A photograph of Hannah Wilen and Neil Bhatia, taken in daylight under a white tent. Hannah and Neil are the founders of Kavahana.

Photography by Stereogram

About Kavahana

Welcome to Kavahana, the first kava-only bar in Los Angeles, California!

We’re Neil & Hannah, founders of Kavahana. We are proud to introduce kava to the city and share our passion for this incredible plant.

Hannah has been drinking kava for almost a decade, and Neil fell in love with kava when searching for alternatives to alcohol to manage stress (we both used to work in tech!) Kavahana is a reflection of our own journeys and desire to offer options to people who are seeking an alternative to alcohol.

Our mission is to spread the happiness and magic of kava and provide a safe and welcoming space for people to experience it. We believe that kava has the potential to transform the way people socialize and unwind.

We invite you to join us at Kavahana and experience the magic of kava for yourself. Please reach out to us here with any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kava 101

Kava is a root plant native to the South Pacific islands, where it has been used for centuries in traditional ceremonies and for its social and relaxing effects. It has numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing mood, and improving sleep quality. You can read more about kava here!

Kava is typically consumed as a drink made from the roots of the kava plant, which are traditionally hand kneaded with water or coconut water. The kava is then strained and either can be drank as is (the traditional way) or mixed into a delicious kava concotion!

Kava has an earthy and nutty taste. You’ll also feel a tingly sensation in your mouth when drinking kava, which is a natural effect of the kavalactones in the plant. Kavalactones are the compounds that are responsible for the uplifting and relaxing effects of kava, so if you feel the kava tingle when drinking kava, you know it’s good kava!

Yes! Kava is 100% legal in the United States.

Kava Benefits & Effects

Kava provide a unique experience of relaxation, happiness, and upliftedness, while also promoting mental clarity and focus. Many people describe it as a sensation that leaves them feeling more grounded and at peace. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day, socialize with friends, or simply enjoy some time alone. It’s the best healthy alternative to alcohol out there (think all the benefits with no hangover!)

The effects of kava can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on factors such as the strength of the kava, the quantity consumed, and your metabolism. At Kavahana, our drinks are carefully prepared to ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience.

Kava’s relaxing effects can make it a useful tool for promoting sleep. Many people find that drinking kava before bed helps them fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply. However, if you are experiencing chronic insomnia or other sleep disorders, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using kava as a sleep aid.

Kava has been shown to help reduce symptoms of social anxiety, including nervousness and tension. At Kavahana, we believe that kava has the potential to transform the way people socialize and unwind, providing a natural and healthy alternative to alcohol.

Kava at Kavahana

At Kavahana, we offer a variety of kava drinks including traditional kava brews, flavored kava drinks, and kava shakes. Check out our menu!

Yes! All our kava drinks are 100% vegan and gluten-free.

You can find us at local farmers markets in the Los Angeles area. We post about which farmers markets we will be attending and our hours of operation on our Instagram (@kavahanabar). Make sure to follow us to stay up-to-date on where you can find us and try our delicious kava drinks! We also occasionally participate in events and pop-ups around the city, so keep an eye on our social media for updates on our location.

We would love to bring the magic of kava to your special occasion! Message us here with details of your event and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

We do not yet have a brick-and-mortar location. We will be at farmers markets, night markets, and concerts throughout LA and we are available for private bookings and events. Please reach out to hello@kavahana.com to inquire.

Kava & Health

Absolutely! Kava has been consumed safely for centuries in the South Pacific, where it is a cultural staple. The plant has a long history of use as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. At Kavahana, we only use high-quality kava sourced directly from the Pacific Islands, and we follow strict preparation and serving guidelines to ensure you have the best kava experience!

Kava is not addictive and does not lead to physical dependence. Another one of the many amazing things about kava!

At Kavahana, we prioritize the safety of our customers and recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before drinking kava if you are taking medication.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid consuming kava.

Kavahana Logo in White with Two Lines with a white Border

At Kavahana, we're leading the future of non-alcoholic socialization and relaxation through the magic of kava.

Kavahana Logo in White with Two Lines with a white Border

At Kavahana, we're leading the future of non-alcoholic socialization and relaxation through the magic of kava.