Kavahana

It was my first time trying kava nectar and I’m definitely coming back! The kava flavor was a bit strong but masked well in the drink. I had 2 shots which in retrospect I should of had 3 to feel the full effects, I only felt my tongue a bit tingly. Their shaved ice was great! Love the mochi.

Kavahana is one of those rare spots where you walk in expecting a drink and end up staying because the room convinces you to slow down. The white brick walls, the soft light, the calm energy that settles over everything. It feels like a pocket of the city where you can finally breathe. I ordered the Mango Lassi Kava and the Mexican Horchata Kava. Both were made with real care. Too many places treat kava like a novelty or try to hide it under syrupy sweetness. That is not the case here. The Mango Lassi has that familiar creamy tang, the kind that hints at real fruit rather than flavoring. Then the kava comes in quietly and smooths everything out. It is soothing without ever turning heavy. The Mexican Horchata brings warm cinnamon, gentle sweetness, and a clean finish. It tastes like someone actually thought about balance instead of dumping ingredients into a blender. The kava sits at the center, grounding everything so the drink never turns cloying. Then there was the back patio show. A full comedy lineup tucked behind the café, the kind of surprise that makes a place memorable. The crowd was relaxed, the timing was tight, and the laughs felt genuine. Drinking something calming while comedians work the room creates a strange and perfect contrast. It is the kind of small discovery that makes you want to come back. What stands out most is how intentional everything feels. The drinks avoid the common pitfalls. The atmosphere encourages you to unwind without trying too hard. The patio show adds real character instead of feeling like an add-on. You arrive carrying whatever weight the day put on you. You leave lighter, calmer, and a little more connected to the people around you. Highly recommend.

I met Hana on Tik Tok about 3 years ago when she was selling Kava at a rave in LA. It was fun to listen to her talk about her knowledge of it and I shared my past very limited experience with it. But it was enough to entice me to want to give it a shot again. I love kava more now. And finally after a 5 year hiatus of staying in San Diego I made the trek back up to LA recently and Kava Hana was on my list. Had a great time! It was exactly how I thought it would be. The staff was great. The kava drinks were super yummy! The lowkey vibe was very pleasant. Will definitely be back!

This place needs to be your next stop for coffee, matcha, and "cocktails" - quotes because they are actually more like mocktails with the unique features of kava nectar. Staff is amazing and will guide and inform you about everything "kava" related. Asher was my bartender and he made some damn good drinks. The OG with double nectar shots starts of bitter but after a few sips and tingling sensations on your tongue, it gets smooth and almost sweet with a nice earthy flavor. The Coconut water definitely helps balance out the flavors and offers a nice hydration to your body. The Paradise nectar is a mango-pineapple like drink with the kava nectar and it's light, refreshing, and all-natural tropical! I especially love that they aren't filling the drinks with sugar so you're getting a real drink. And my last drink was the Strawberry matcha, made to order, hand whisked matcha, not too sweet, really great balanced flavors. I love the aesthetic and vibes, and the whole place is so relaxing!

If you’re looking for something truly unique, this is a must try. They specialize in ancient inspired beverages with their kava nectar that feel like an earthy, 3,000 year old chill in a cup. If you take the shots, know the root is part of the peppercorn family and gives your tongue a fun little tingle! I loved exploring their menu. The Bright Smooth Kona Latte was a perfect, mellow pick me up, and the Lava Salted Caramel had just the right balance of sweet and savory. The Rose Latte was delicate and fragrant, and the Beach Nectar 2.0 was so velvety. If you need a daytime boost, the Zener Energy Nectar Special comes with a shot of the original nectar on the side in a fun cup, recommend trying it. (Kava nectar shot is earthy) The vibe here is fantastic. The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. There’s an indoor seating area, bar top seating, and a great outdoor patio to soak up the Santa Monica air. I also loved that they have a selection of games you can take to your table, and they host other activities during the week, so definitely check their website or socials to see what’s happening. Parking- some spaces in a lot and street parking. If you are ready try something new and adventurous, I’d absolutely recommend Kava Hana.

Great vibes and immensely friendly staff! Whether it was kava or the placebo effect, we felt great after enjoying the kava drinks and even came back for round two a few hours later. Definitely worth a try!

First time trying & have to admit it feels a bit like hype, but my overall experience was pleasant. Their shop & aesthetic is really cute. I liked that they had outdoor seating & lounge chairs available. The person who rung me up was very nice, knowledgeable, and answered all my questions. The drink itself had a great taste, but I never felt the relaxation portion, even with a double shot. The "tingly" feeling they mentioned was reminiscent of being numbed at the dentist. I would have loved to finish my drink because it really was delicious, but I couldn't get past the numbing sensation enough to finish my drink. Paid close to 20 with 20% típ included. Parking was easy. I would definitely be back to try the other drinks, minus the kava.

I’ve been to a lot of cover bars and this is a really unique one. Very tasty drinks, very innovative. Chill vibe, and decorations. Staff is really friendly and awesome. I love this place.

such a cool and beachy vibe cafe in santa monica! they specialize in kava nectar, which is a root drink originating from the south pacific islands that's been enjoyed for over 3000 years as a social, grounding family drink :) by itself, it has a pretty earthy flavor, but kavahana has absolutely mastered the art of creating yummy, flavorful drinks that incorporate kava nectar! what we got: strawberry latte with matcha and blue coconut cream top paradise nectar the kavahana lava salted caramel latte i totally was not expecting it but the matcha here really impressed me. the strawberry flavor was so fresh and the matcha flavor actually came through so well and was high quality! the blue coconut cream is perfectly subtle and a nice addition to the drink :) loveddddd the refreshing mango + pineapple flavor of the paradise nectar, and we definitely felt the little tingles from the kava nectar as we drank more lol. i'd describe it as the same feeling you get from eating too much pineapple at once. same with the kavahana, which mostly just tasted like fresh coconut water and was soo cute in the coconut hehe. the lava salted caramel latte was probably my favorite drink of all. the kona coffee was so smooth, and the salted caramel flavor was the perfect added sweetness. somehow it even felt super refreshing to drink!!

Kavahana Nectar Bar in Santa Monica December 6, 2025 My son was waiting for the bike shop to change his tire, and he suggested we go to this "Kava Nectar" shop on Pico. That combo doesn't even sound good, but I have an open mind to new things. Anyway, we went in and there was a group at the bar talking to the barista (or whatever) the chief tingler, and he was explaining to them the complex story of the kava and the nectar - I still don't get it and I was listening in. This was when he told them how many "shots" he recommended for the desired "effect" each person wanted. (As if). For first timers, they recommend you "go big" to get the most bang for your buck ($25 bucks to be exact) and of course, each "shot" costs $3 but the fancy energy nectar was more! Then, once he spooned into a paper cup each person's "shot" (a powdery substance taken from a bag), it was time to say, "BOO LAH!" Which apparently means "cheers" in Fiji. As they say the chant, they pour the powder into the nectar or whatever was in a glass waiting to be mixed. The barista finally came to us. My son had been there before (why I can't imagine) and knew what he wanted, however, I was still not able to GROK the concept AT ALL. The barista was explaining the effects produced from each of three different bags. One is happy and energetic; the 2nd was in between the 2 and the 3rd was mellow and lower stress - more chill. I asked him if each bag was essentially powdered kava and he said yes. I asked then how does the formula become specific - what is added to make each bag give a different effect on the customer? He was stumped and said I should talk to the other guy that he knew everything about it. Unfortunately, he was busy and didn't come and explain anything and I was still squinting at the menus on the wall behind them - nectars, kava, more shots = grittier earthy flavor. (They weren't kidding about gritty). So, the "shots" are the selling point - the kicker, the destination, the desire to feel something different to zazz up our ordinary ho-hum existence. And of course, they recommend you get at least 3 shots the first time - although they also make a point of telling you that 3 or more shots become more "earthy" tasting. I ordered the Passion Nectar with 3 shots of kava - the energetic one. He had us do the BOO YAH thing and then he took and mixed the mixture like a martini. Then poured it back into our cups and put a piece of dried pineapple on a toothpick into my drink. (The dried pineapple was the best thing about it). How did it taste you are asking? Well, how do I describe? Let's be nice here. It had notes of coconut that had been sitting out on a pool table for 24 hours with possible cigarette ashes flicked into it. The presence of the kava was indeed gritty and was not something remotely tasty however I tried to give it a chance. It was $20 after all + the obligatory 18% tip added on the little device they hand you when paying so $25 total. I had about 4 sips of it and it made as much sense to my tastebuds as the menus behind the counter. I just didn't understand the point. I never got the answer to how the Kava is treated to have such distinct qualities that would manifest as a result. Kind of like certain kinds of pot back in the day would have a certain trademark psychedelic effect vs. others that brought on the "super munchies." My son ordered the chocolate one, which was weird because it was hot and not at all chocolatey - he told them he thinks he ordered a different version of it last time and they nodded but didn't offer to make him one he might like. My son is polite and drank it all however slowly. I asked for a to-go top for my cup though I was ready to drop it into the bin on the way out, but my boy wanted it for the walk back to the bike shop. I will say that I am of the "boomer" clan, and perhaps not hip enough to understand the nuances attempted by this concept. I didn't feel ANYTHING from the beverage either. Whoever came up with this concept and managed to open a store with those confusing menu items and has managed to stay open with visible people going in and out, must be a marketing whiz about what this target audience is looking for and good on them I suppose. I am a huge fan of Shark Tank, and small business endeavors of all kinds, but this one feels manipulative and shlocky. It will be interesting to see if it's still there by summer. I'm sorry about the one star - if there had been a half star i would have given them 1 1/2 stars for the effort behind the counter.

It was my first time at Kavahana. I was looking for a new drink to try and I found the shop on Yelp. The shop is specialized in Kava nectar. There is a parking lot adjacent to the place, in addition to street parking. We were greeted once we walked nside. The combination between the white brick walls and the green color give relaxing vibes. They have indoor seating and patio area too. The baristas told us about the history and uses of kava. Kava is a plant which is native to Pacific Island.The beverage is used for relaxation effects and improve anxiety. It can cause some tingling in the tongue, throat or mouth. I didn't experience any of these symptoms. We ordered mango lassi kava. The baristas asked us to choose the number of kava shots. He recommended to start with two shots. They called us when our drinks were ready. They put the two shots of kava powder in front of us, then mix them with the mango Lassi drink. The baristas told us to say "bula" with them before we drink. Bula is a common cultural greeting which means "to live" or "life". The kava was a little bit bitter but it blended well with the creaminess of mango Lassi. The staff were very friendly and genuinely warm. The service was excellent. We had a nice experience. If you are looking for trying a new drink, I recommend Kavahana.

Such a unique experience in LA. Here, you are able to experience different drinks or just separate servings on the side with Kava nectar. I had never tried it before coming here but the Kava nectar comes from a root that has calming and happiness-boosting effects when consumed. You can choose to get it mixed in your drink but I decided to do the special where it comes as a shot on the side. I ordered a Rose Matcha which was delicious and came with a dehydrated pineapple garnish. The taste of the Kava nectar by itself has a similar flavor palette to sea moss. The effects are nice though and it makes your mouth a little bit tingly. The staff was so knowledgeable and friendly. Cool place to try!

I recently visited Kavahana because they came up on my IG feed. I was interested in trying their kava infused lattes. Don't let the neighborhood fool you, Kavahana is a hidden gem. I absolutely love their colors, their vibe and the bar area and not to mention their backyard patio is so cute. I love the layout and they have an abundance of board games to keep you busy. My friend and I had tried the Paradise Nectar, Rosé Apple Nectar, and Ube Coconut Nectar. My favorite was the Ube, it had a light Ube taste with a sweet vanilla cream tone. I love the Paradise Nectar, it was refreshing! The Rosé Apple taste like a strong apple cider which was my least favorite. The people who work here are very sweet! They were attentive, and were very friendly and helpful. They were very detailed about explaining drinks and how to order (number of shots). So all our drinks were ordered with double shots of the kava giving you a mellow feeling. Kava does have a particular taste to it, very earthy. It's a bit strong at first, but after the first drink it got better. Let's talk effects- the first drink, my friend and I were relaxed and a little giggly but after second and third, not so much. It was our first time, so we're just wanted to experiment. Also, let me warn you, your tongue might feel a little numb. I was told my the worker, it is normal. We saw many customers offering the noodles, and they look like they were popular. We didn't try any food. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and if I was in the area, I would revisit and try one of their other drinks, especially the lattes. Thanks for a great first time, Kavahana!

This place needs to be your next stop for coffee, matcha, and "cocktails" - quotes because they are actually more like mocktails with the unique features of kava nectar. Staff is amazing and will guide and inform you about everything "kava" related. Asher was my bartender and he made some damn good drinks. The OG with double nectar shots starts of bitter but after a few sips and tingling sensations on your tongue, it gets smooth and almost sweet with a nice earthy flavor. The Coconut water definitely helps balance out the flavors and offers a nice hydration to your body. The Paradise nectar is a mango-pineapple like drink with the kava nectar and it's light, refreshing, and all-natural tropical! I especially love that they aren't filling the drinks with sugar so you're getting a real drink. And my last drink was the Strawberry matcha, made to order, hand whisked matcha, not too sweet, really great balanced flavors. I love the aesthetic and vibes, and the whole place is so relaxing!

Shout out Cape to Cairo for putting me onto Kavahana! Coffee rave day parties have been popping up all over LA and it's the ideal outing for a Saturday morning during the Summer. Kavahana is a coffee shop located at the intersection of Pico Blvd/4th St in Santa Monica. There's a small parking lot in the back but you're likely going to have to find street parking. Yes, they do serve matcha but you have the option to order it with Kava Nectar which is made from the root of a Kava plant. Since this was our first time here, of course we got the double shot of Kava Nectar with our coffees. The nectar is non-alcoholic and tasted very earthy. It makes your mouth tingle and according to the barista, it supports your mood while also promoting well-being. My wife and I came to Kavahana because of the DJ collective Cape to Cairo who have been throwing Afro House monthly day parties at coffee shops over the last few months. We had such a fun morning and I definitely will get Kavahana the next time we're in Santa Monica or at Smorgasburg! If you enjoy house music, coffee, and can't go to Ibiza, then this is the party for you.

I don't drink, so I was excited to hear about this place and try it out! This is a great option for if you don't drink alcohol, or just don't feel like it‍ They have a good variety on their menu, with many options for drinks with and without kava. Their most popular, the Mango Lassi Kava, was delicious! It tasted just like mango lassi I make at home or get at restaurants, but with a Kava flavor. I also loved the Strawberry Matcha with their Blue Spirulina Coconut Foam! It was sooo smooth and you could taste all the flavors. We enjoyed all the other drinks as well, but these two were our favs! The soupless ramen was delicious as well, we all loved it, and the buns were a good snack! The spacious seating area in their back patio along with the thorough game shelf make this a great spot to hangout and enjoy some drinks! To be completely honest, the taste of Kava is a little unusual at first if you're not used to that kind of stuff. If you get extra shots of it in your drink, you can taste it, but I don't think it ruins it at all! It's still good, but if you get a lot of Kava in your drink, you can't expect it to have no Kava taste at all. I still enjoyed all the drinks. The Kava shots alone also give your tongue and mouth a bit of a numbing feeling. Kava Hana uses authentic ingredients in their drinks, making it all the more enjoyable experience! I was invited here as a collab for my food blog on instagram (@foodbysimm) but I genuinely enjoyed all of their items and the experience! I wanted to go before they even reached out, so I was honored that they did. The staff is friendly, and the food and drinks are good! The worker who helped us out was so patient with us and took his time to explain everything! He was so kind to give us reusable take-home coconut bowls as well! It also is a bit on the pricier side, so I would be prepared for that if you go, but it makes sense because they use Kava in their drinks. I would definitely recommend

Went on a Friday around noon and it wasn't just at all! There were a few customers that trickled in and out throughout our hour there. We tried a paradise nectar with 2 shots of Kava, a mango matcha and both kinds of soulless ramen. We liked the paradise nectar, however, we knew we'd like it more without the kava. It added such a bitterness to a nice tart refreshing drink. We also felt the kava shots didn't have an effect on us. We did feel the tongue tingling though. The mango matcha was good if you like mild Asian fruit flavors. The coconut mango blend was prominent for that flavor. The matcha wasn't very strong in flavor. The soupless island ramen was pretty good. It had the texture of instant ramen and the flavor of Indomie. Good flavor and even the regular one had a little kick. The small is a good snack size.

If you're looking for something truly unique, this is a must try. They specialize in ancient inspired beverages with their kava nectar that feel like an earthy, 3,000 year old chill in a cup. If you take the shots, know the root is part of the peppercorn family and gives your tongue a fun little tingle! I loved exploring their menu. The Bright Smooth Kona Latte was a perfect, mellow pick me up, and the Lava Salted Caramel had just the right balance of sweet and savory. The Rose Latte was delicate and fragrant, and the Beach Nectar 2.0 was so velvety. If you need a daytime boost, the Zener Energy Nectar Special comes with a shot of the original nectar on the side in a fun cup, recommend trying it. (Kava nectar shot is earthy) The vibe here is fantastic. The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. There's an indoor seating area, bar top seating, and a great outdoor patio to soak up the Santa Monica air. I also loved that they have a selection of games you can take to your table, and they host other activities during the week, so definitely check their website or socials to see what's happening. Parking- some spaces in a lot and street parking. If you are ready try something new and adventurous, I'd absolutely recommend Kava

Have you heard of kava nectar? It's the organic juice from the Pacific islands root that has been used for at least 1,500 years. It makes you feel tingly and relaxed. Really worth to try! Highlights of the menu: 1. Mango lassi nectar 2. Whole fresh coconut nectar 3. nectar with strawberry matcha latte 4. Taro fluffy buns 5. Noodles

For the longest time, I've mistakenly been thinking that Kavahana is a coconut-drink cafe, until I finally had a meeting nearby and gave it a chance. To my surprise, the petite looking venue from outside was actually quite spacious with a semi outdoor extra cute patio at the back. I could easily picture hosting a small party there! The barista did tell me that they're a cafe by the day and lounge by the evening, and they regularly ran some fun events throughout the week like trivia nights or standup comedy. Their signature beverages were Kava Nectar based, a plant-based ingredient that's claimed to give relaxation. Unpopular opinion probably but I was more intrigued by their Hawaiian Kona Coffee. Happily said, I was so impressed by my Lava Salted Caramel Latte, which did use Kona Coffee beans, mixed with housemade caramel syrup and black lava salt. It's just that impeccable sweet and salty duo, making a wonderful trio with quality coffee. NGL it's tad pricey, but hey it's LA and Santa Monica so IYKYK. Also little downside was service might be bit slow as there's only one attendant taking order, playing barista, and everything else.

5 SMatcha Moment Worth Savoring Finally--a ceremonial matcha that lives up to the name. Smooth, earthy, and vibrant, the iced tea was pure joy in a cup. I love that they're using clean ingredients and adding a creative twist with coconut water and Kava. It's not just a drink--it's an experience. You can taste the intention behind it. The vibe is cool, the concept is smart, and the matcha is truly next-level. I'll be back for more.

I went on the app too good to go and bought supposedly $21 of food for $6.99. When I got there, they gave me this tiny little mango drink that is smaller than the smallest Starbucks drink and I said no way is this $21 and they said well it's about $16 and I said it wasn't what was advertised and I didn't drive clear across the city for it. But they wouldn't give me anything else so I'm writing too good to go and asking for a refund.

Kavahana blew me away. The kava here hits with that calm, euphoric wave without any of the heavy or sick feeling you can get at other spots. You can taste how clean and thoughtfully prepared it is from the first sip. The staff is super welcoming, the vibe is chill, and it's one of those places where you instantly feel grounded the moment you walk in. Easily one of the best kava experiences I've had in LA.

Even without the syrup, it tastes and smells nice Highly recommend ube Good number of outlets and good WiFi Great service by Jake (the mustache man) & Joshua (the bandana man...this is how I'll remember their names lol) Felt so welcomed and comfy working from my laptop 8p Tuesday open mic but in the back patio so it doesn't it distract you from whatever you're working on in the main store front Great vibes and new people coming in throughout the night but minding their own biz

I'm such a matcha fan I had to stop by. Walked in nice cozy place with patio seating in the back. Asked for help ordering my drink, Cam and Keri were both more than helpful. Kari walked me through the menu and Cam explained the history and how the drinks come together. Very interesting! I ordered a strawberry Matcha with coconut cream. It was by far the best Matcha I've ever had. The drink was so pretty and delicious too! Definitely coming back when I'm in the area. Amazing.

The TARO BUNS. THE BEST EVER - BETTER THAN DTF. The ube coconut nectar with two shots is DEVINE!! The employees are fricken great. They are so fun and so kind. Truly so amazing. The ambience is AMAZING. The vibe is just so coastal and so summer. Try. Everything. I'm not even exaggerating!

Kavahana was a whole new experience for my boyfriend and I. It was explained to us in detail by the cashier and its origins-- and originally our goal was to go here to find a nice spot to study. The effects of Kava is essentially "Good Feels" but there will basically be effects on your body's nervous system. We were also advised to order more of the sweeter types on the menu as the normal ones are more on the bitter side. To be honest, we got the Ube Coconut Nectar and the Mexican Chocolate Nectar, and the tastes we were expecting (the typical flavors from the name as you can imagine) was far off from how it actually was. The nectar was bold, giving that fuzzy and tingly feel when you first sip it. I didn't feel much of the tingle sensation but my bf did with the mexican chocolate. We tried our best to get accustomed to it, but every sip was a bit hard (even with stirring it consistently). The staff was friendly and the spot is super chill and nice. There's a cozy decorated interior and a cozy patio area. For us, the effects were fine but we personally would have to pass due to the tastes and pricing. We are still however grateful for the space and the friendly customer service, we remarked that the servers are very knowledgeable on the products and very approachable.

Cute place! I tried their nectar for the first time and it was an interesting experience. My mouth did start tingling as the barista said and there's definitely a bitter aftertaste but I didn't feel social or more relaxed as they advertised. I do think it is a cool concept though and would try again at night time. The mango lassi flavor was amazing tho! If anything, try their matcha! The strawberry matcha was really good but had more of a watery consistency. Cute patio and fun board games too!

Absolutely love the ambience here with delicious drinks and food. We've tried a few different drinks including: rose matcha latte (5/5), ube hojicha latte (3.5/5), strawberry matcha latte (4.5/5), and hojicha island water (4/5 which is basically hojicha with coconut water.) I also got the blue coconut cream which was a nice addition to our drinks to make it more creamy. We also really liked the spicy soupless island ramen which was only a tad spicy and was basically deliciously flavored instant noodles. Highly recommend dropping by and trying this place out.

This may affect everyone differently but my husband and I (27) didn't feel a buzz, more like a slight headache? It also got hard to drink for me because the taste of kava is so tingly, and i'm prone to sensory overstimulation. Not their fault but not our favorite. The snack ramen however, and the cute patio, were really fun. Would come back for their servers alone, super kind and helpful for first timers. Try it once, maybe it'll affect you better

I've been coming here for about a year now, it's always great to come and chill here. Amazing and genuine staff, always helpful and knowledgeable about the drinks. If you haven't had kava before, it all depends on the person, but you do get a tingly sensation and once again, depending on the person it has a relaxing effect. I like coming to their weekly events whenever I get the chance.

I came here with my sister to try the Kava drinks that tiktok had recommended heavily and to be honest it was a huge bust. When we had arrived it was mid afternoon around 3ish and empty and the two baristas working did not greet or welcome us in, instead I said hello after standing there awkwardly waiting and had to ask how ordering their drinks and the process worked. They responded that you pick your drink out and the amount of kava shots determines what kind of feeling you get from drinking it. I had asked for a different milk substitute for my drink but I did not know until i received my receipt after I had already paid that they charge for milk substitutes. I was irked and annoyed because they failed to greet us and then they failed to mention that milk substitutes are an extra charge and when I saw the price for the two drinks we got that were not even remotely tasty, we were both disappointed. I understood that the taste would be earthy and gritty but this was not pleasant at all to drink. I spent about 56$ including the tip for two drinks that were not worth the try at all. We felt unwelcomed and I felt embarrassed because I really wanted us to like this place. Overall, would not want to come back here again.

Love kavahana which serve kava nectar! I've been both day and night time! And loved each time I've visited. It's a great place to cowork and meet up with friends! The staff does a great job of explaining everything in person. Definitely recommend Zenergy Nectar of Hawaiian coffee/matcha side shot of kava nectar! Love that there's parking in the back too!

Came for a Cape to Cairo event where there was a DJ in the back patio. First time at Kavahana and knew nothing about kava but the server was great and was patient in describing it and letting us know which were the best drinks for what we were looking for. I got the Golden Nectar, which was mainly kava and turmeric, so think of it like a golden latte or something. I am not sure I felt the health / medicinal benefits that were described but they also said your first try is when you should get a double or triple shot but those were +$4 or +$7 and at a drink that was already $13, I couldn't justify adding the extra shot(s) of kava. It was nonetheless a decent drink. It was sweeter in the beginning and when you get to the bottom, it's more bitter with the kava. I'm sure it's something that you need to drink consistently to see/feel the benefits. While I'd like to experiment and see how helpful it could be for my wellbeing, it is a very expensive drink so I'm not sure how often / feasible it is to come frequently but worth a visit!

Two words to describe this place: INTERESTING & DIFFERENT. It is definitely an experience but I really enjoyed it. The people at the front are great, they give you the full lowdown on what Kava is / what's its all about. It makes your tongue tingly, not even sure how to describe it. I can't wait to try this place out again not in a group setting, more on a weekday when I'm really trying to lock on. I had the Ube one and was 10/10

So excited to finally be able to try kava at the newly opened @kavahanabar in Santa Monica! This cool new concept specializes in non-alcoholic drinks, which they craft from kava nectar, a root drink that is consumed ceremonially and socially by South Pacific Islanders. I love how kava immediately gives you a sense of relaxation and calmness, while increasing sociability and focus without any of the detrimental side and health effects of alcohol and caffeine. Personally, I had a really good (and quick!) reaction during my first time trying Kava, and I thought that the kava shot itself was mildly herbal and mixed very well with both the drinks I tried. If you're hungry, I also recommend their spicy noodles, which were SO good and the perfect little snack. Service and ownership were all really sweet, friendly and took the time to explain their concept/check on me, and there's even free parking in the back, which is such a huge perk for Santa Monica. If you're in the Santa Monica area, I highly recommend check both their daytime cafe and nighttime bar out! Featured here: ube latte mango lassi spicy noodles

What unique drinks and wonderful place to go to relax! I had the Kava drink with the spirulina in it. It made my mouth tingle and put me in such a relax state I went home and took a nap. I had the worst headache and it got rid of it. Everyone that works here are very nice. I bet it's from all the Kava they are having lol! You don't need alcohol, you can drink this and feel good naturally. They even have karaoke night, open mic and comedy night at this place. I feel it would be a great place to meet nice people to network with. A little bit about the history of kava and its health benefits; -It is best known for its relaxing qualities. Kava is said to elevate mood, well being, and contentment, and produce a feeling of relaxation. -Several studies have found that kava may be useful in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous disorders. -it was introduced to help the communities in the north of Australia in the 1980s as a substitute for alcohol, to reduce alcohol-related harms in the community -Kava is more effective than CBD -has elevated brain monoamines and reduced whole-body cortisol levels. Check this unique place out and have a cup of Kava to chill and destress helping a local business!!

Loved my visit to Kava Hana Bar! I had the ube coconut and pumpkin spice lattes, and they were both amazing -- rich, balanced, and gave that signature kava relaxation feeling. The melon shaved ice with mochi inside was so refreshing and fun to eat, not overly sweet at all. I also got the red bean buns which added the perfect sweet touch to my drinks. It's such a cozy spot to chill, read, or catch up with friends. Everything from the drinks to the vibe felt thoughtful and relaxing.

Had the butest and most amazing experience here! A friend and I have had kava a couple of times before coming here but we've been DYING to try this spot because the drinks looked and sounded so good. We got the mango lassi and the ube coconut nectar and the drinks are 100000/10 and the vibes and the energy matched that. Upon coming here, Jet informed us about kava nectar and its effects and offered us some shots to try. The staff were so sweet and I just loved their vibe so we will definitely be coming back for sure!

The place itself has a nice vibe. It's chill and there's a back patio and they also have games you can play. We happened to be there on a night where they were doing karaoke and it seems like they do small events on other nights. We got the Mexican hot chocolate and ube. I liked the ube one. The price I think was about $16/17

I loved this place. Daughters and I were on vacation and had never had kava decided ito try it for a pre dinner treat. The staff were so nice, explained everything and gave us tips in a really friendly way -we did not at all get the feeling his inter dialogue was "eye roll uggg more tourists" They have a patio out back that was cute and full of people all playing board/card games. We enjoyed our drinks and it was a really great vibe.

I discovered this place on my hiatus from alcohol. It's a nice alternative if you are on a no drink January or have cut out alcohol all together. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about kava--which is great if you've never tried it before.

Cool concept. Chill vibes. Great product. If you haven't tried kava, now is your chance! What is it? Kava is a beverage (or extract) that is a popular ceremonial drink to relax. My first time trying it was in Hawaii - tried it straight up with water and BOYYYY... my mouth was numb and felt funny. It's a great substitute for alcohol and cool to try at least once. The vibes are South Pacific (tropical, laid back), prices are high for this experience (but like I mentioned, if you haven't tried it at least once, you definitely should)! All in all - Kavahana is a fun place! Give it a try! :)

Amazing service, very nice guy that helped explain to me the process of their kava nectar. Will come back simply because of the service :) ambiance was very clean!

Unique experience as we've never tried Kava drinks before. We each got a double shot at the recommendation from the staff but unfortunately we didn't feel anything from the kava. But the staff were really nice and helpful. The drinks were yummy. However The tingling/numbness on the tongue and throat were not enjoyable but went away quickly after finishing our drinks. Very very pricey. The place is cute and tiny. There is more space out back in the patio and they hold events out there but it was cold and rainy the day we went. It has the vibe of a coffee shop. They have games you can play. There is some parking in back. If it were closer, I'd love to try it again to see if I feel anything from the nectar.

Must try! It took me a while to get used the taste and sensation but after coming here a couple of times I love it. The mango drink was one of my favorites. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. The place has a strong smell of what I believe is due to the Kava but lots of sitting available. Overall would recommend giving it a try!

I tried the Ube coconut water with three shots of Kava. I did not mind spending 20 dollars for the experience but obviously that's a bit pricey for a drink. If you react well to the root then it's worth your 20 dollars. Unfortunately for me, I only felt a little tired after drinking the Kava. The cashier was nice enough to explain what Kava is. I liked the outside patio which had games to play. It was a chill spot.

Having tried kava from another country and most recently my last trip in Hawaii I was looking forward to trying this place. Over hyped smoothies and "unique" warm water concoction that will leave you dismayed. The disappointment continues with an overpriced $8 dried ramen that might remind you of your college days. Ambience was nice however after a flock of mid 20s influencers with their flashing lights / camera have gone. A truly unique LA experience.

I admit I have never been to the actual venue but I tried their drinks at the pop up at Smorgasburg LA due to recommendation from a friend. Personally I liked the drink enough, I got the mango one. My friend got the blue coconut one and hated hers lol but she gets particular sometimes... honestly I think I liked hers more than mine, but couldn't commit to drinking two of them so it got tossed sadly. That being said I also probably won't feel the need to have Kava again. It's kind of bitter/ chalky and made my tastebuds messed up, bummer bc I was trying to eattttt at Smorgasburg! Lol. But it was a fun experience for the one time. I believe it was a man named Joshua working that day-- he was very knowledgeable about Kava and how it would make our bodies feel. This would have been a 4 star review but then I remembered Joshua gave us an on-the-house upgrade from 2 servings of Kava to 3 so we could actually feel it as first timers (you feel it more the more you drink it!). So 5 stars for his kindness!

I got their ube drink with a single shot of Kava. It was delicious but I didn't get a tingly tongue. Not sure if I felt the chilling effect as I was already pretty chill and it was a relaxing day, but it definitely didn't make things worse. Price makes this pretty cost-prohibitive to be a common purchase, but I guess it's nice now and then.

We did the drive from the Valley to Santa Monica to try this place, and it was worth it!!! The people working there were knowledgeable and took their time explaining to us how their Kava is different. They showed us the actual Kava root and told us about their drinks. Very cool!!! I tried the one with fresh coconut water, and it did the trick. I felt it working within a few minutes of the first sip. Kava has a very distinctive flavor, but the one here at Kavahana was sublime. There's a back patio with plenty of tables and some in the front as well. We sat on the back and played table games ( they have quite a selection ready to enjoy while you sip on your drinks). Overall, it was an amazing experience, and we loved every second of it. Definitely will be going again soon.

Was in the area and finally had a chance to stop in after first trying them at Smorgasburg. Super cool vibes with lots of seating, games and an outdoor patio! Tried their Ube this time around and it just might be my new favorite. Also have been or ordering their Kava Nectar to make at home on their site, kavahana.com. Their drinks are still 100x better than what I'm making at home though :) Who needs alcohol when you've got Kava?

Delicious strawberry matcha! This place is so cute- great vibes and super friendly staff. There are so many fun events they put on each week and I'm super excited to attend one!

Kavahana is LA's first kava nectar bar and it's an experience you need to try! Kava nectar is a nonalcoholic root drink that you can actually feel and it promotes a relaxing, socializing, and happy feeling It reminds me of the effects from alcohol, but without the terrible hangover. It's been enjoyed for over 3,000 years in Hawaii and the South Pacific islands The first few sips will tingle your tongue, and that's normal because the kava plant is a member of the peppercorn family! You can enjoy it as a shot, mixed in with their specialty drinks (the mango lassi nectar is ), or with their coffee and matcha They use 100% Kona coffee from Hawaii and the matcha is ceremonial grade from Japan! They also serve shareable foods like ramen and fresh fluffy buns filled with taro, red bean, and mushroom This bar is hands down one of the most unique and coolest places I've been to all year, and it's definitely worth checking out when you're in Santa Monica

Kavahana isn't cheap but goodness, it's nice! I was able to try them at Smorgasburg. They have a brick and mortar shop which I'd love to try now because they've made me a fan! The flavors options are plentiful and the taste is good. Plus, the colors are so pretty and instagrammable, lol! We did the Beach Nectar which was a gorgeous blueish purpleish color with kava nectar ofc, but also blue spirulina, coconut, vanilla and house can syrup. Loved it! Great for those who are sober, Cali sober, sober curious - whatever you are. We did feel relaxed but with a natural energy after having it. We swear! It was cool and liked the feels it gave us!

Having seen Kavahana frequently on social media, and with them opening their first shop, I decided to pay a visit and experience the world of kava for myself. As a newcomer to the kava scene, I was intrigued by its promise of relaxation without the alcoholic effects. Based in Santa Monica, I loved the vibes the moment we stepped inside. The owner's presence added a personal touch to the experience, and their generosity with a complimentary shot for checking in on Yelp was a pleasant surprise! Opting for the matchakava nectar and ube coconut nectar, we were met with delightful flavors that exceeded expectations. As we sipped on our drinks, we began to feel a unique sense of relaxation wash over us--a sensation reminiscent of a mellow midpoint between the effects of Mary Jane and the laid-back vibe of a hookah session. Whether it was placebo or not, the experience was undeniably enjoyable and left us eager to return and explore more of Kavahana's diverse flavor offerings. I am definitely coming back!

Loved that the place had a little parking lot. The vibes are nice, and you can feel the switch when it went from afternoon and approached dusk. The prices were definitely above average - esp for matcha and hojicha. Disclaimer: I wasn't able to try the kava drinks, but my friend got one and seemed to like it.