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Came here on a Sunday afternoon and ordered an ube matcha. They only offered plant based milk, which I generally don't mind but I don't like it with matcha since I always usually find them too overpowering when pairing with matcha and I wouldn't be able to taste the matcha. I ordered it with coconut milk regardless since I thought it would probably paired the best with the ube flavor. The drink came out and just like I expected, I couldn't taste the matcha at all. The ube flavor was also very weak and I mostly only tasted the coconut milk. I really didn't like the drink and threw over half of the cup away... only reason why I gave them a two star is because the workers were nice. Won't recommend otherwise.
I love kava! I've only been to Kavahana a couple times but they have unique flavors they blend with the kava, such as ube and mango lassi! The bright green colors of the store front are fun and the back patio is spacious. Everyone here, including the customers are pretty sociable. I had a couple shots at the front of the bar with the staff and took a mango lassi mixed drink to the covered patio in the back. The flavor combination of this was very refreshing. It was a lil' thicker than your typical mango lassi, but the faint sweetness did a great job at masking the earthiness of the kava. It was bomb and I would have loved to order 2 but I hadn't eaten so that was not the move lol The space has their own parking lot, as well as easy street parking. The patio is nice and ambient with music playing and many boardgames available for your entertainment. The bathroom was clean and had some funny Barbie dolls on display in there. The effect of kava is mellow and puts you in a positive head space. It also does truly enhance your desire to have discussions and connect with each other. If you appreciate any of that, you will like it here for sure. Overall, the kava served at Kavahana is well mixed and the environment is curated in such a cute way, it just makes you want to come back and chill out with the homies. I highly recommend!
We got the double shot and it has a good chaser with it. Service was kind and very helpful. As a poly, my husband liked it, just thought it was a little too expensive for what we are getting. But the lounge area with games and able to bring dogs is so cute. We'll definitely be coming back.
I looooove this place. It's so interesting- getting high without weed and getting drunk without alcohol! Kava nectar is a 3000 yr old Hawaiian tradition and has a reverse tolerance- the staff will tell you all about it because they're so helpful! The ones that are thinner like a juice are easier to get a buzz from than the thicker ones. We got the cherry drop- got the buzz quickly but taste was ok, kind of like medicine. The ube was super yummy but not as big of a buzz. They have nice lighting and board games- we started this one horror board game last time. I'm totally going again tomorrow!
What a great way to end the night with Kavahana. Chill out and enjoy the vibe at the bar or patio. They're always so friendly and inviting. I have yet to try their food but I would recommend their drinks.
Rose Matcha Latte was great. The customer service was great, simple and to the point. I love the Hawaiian theme again simple and to the point. They have a patio in the back and there is street parking and parking in the back. I'm curious to try the mango matcha latte. Love the dried pineapple addition.
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!
I heard about this place awhile back and I finally got to try it out. I love the atmosphere, perfect for a gathering with friends. Super cool interior, friendly staff. I am not too sure if this is everyone's cup of tea, I did try their beach nectar and the employee recommended 3 shots of Kava. The kava is what makes your mouth kind of numb, and is suppose to also relax you, good for a socia setting. I was not a big fan of three shots, I think it unfortunately made us not really enjoy the drink. However, I could see the potential in perhaps ordering one shot or just the drink itself! This place is also on the pricey side so be prepared! They offer other things on the menu, and I figure it's worth giving it another shot (no pun intended). Seems to me the drinks would taste better if it were just on its own or maybe one shot. Thank you again to the staff for being so kind and helpful.
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.
Very nice and tranquil cafe with outdoor seating that is dog friendly. Friendly staff, teaches you about the Kava Hawaiian plant. Never heard about it before, I just thought this was a matcha shop but it's something more special and unique. Had a mango lassi with two shots of Kava. They allow you to add the shot into the drink. There is a tingly feeling to your tongue after you drink it. Relaxing vibes in the outdoor seating space. The Ube cream buns were also tasty not too sweet and the ube matcha was good too with cream foam. Love that they have treats for dogs and free stickers. Very unique space in Santa Monica.
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
Kavahana is a coffee/tea shop on Pico blvd/4th street in Santa Monica. It's an Island inspire lounge serving up kava nectar drinks for smiles, relaxation & socializing, inspired by the Pacific Islands and Hawaii. I like their bar setup atmosphere with plenty of natural light. I came mid afternoon to try some of their refreshing cold coffee drinks. I got a Cold Brew. And it was refreshing and thirst quencher especially on a very warm day. Some drinks are overly priced. Interior decor was very aesthetic, spacious and imbues an Hawaiian vibe. Their male staff was attentive and professional. Street parking only. Overall, it was an interesting coffee shop that I have been to; I had a good experience and cold coffee drink. read more
4 months ago
was just looking for a smoothie spot and ended up finding such a unique place -- a Hawaiian bar serving kava nectar drinks Honestly, I didn't even know what kava was before this. Turns out it's a relaxing non-alcoholic drink with a very unusual effect -- I felt a slight numbness on my tongue The bar itself was clean, atmospheric, and super cozy, the drink was actually really tasty, and the service was absolutely amazing. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. If you want to try something different and unique, this place is definitely worth visiting! read more
2 months ago
Came here on a Sunday afternoon and ordered an ube matcha. They only offered plant based milk, which I generally don't mind but I don't like it with matcha since I always usually find them too overpowering when pairing with matcha and I wouldn't be able to taste the matcha. I ordered it with coconut milk regardless since I thought it would probably paired the best with the ube flavor. The drink came out and just like I expected, I couldn't taste the matcha at all. The ube flavor was also very weak and I mostly only tasted the coconut milk. I really didn't like the drink and threw over half of the cup away... only reason why I gave them a two star is because the workers were nice. Won't recommend otherwise. read more
I love kava! I've only been to Kavahana a couple times but they have unique flavors they blend with the kava, such as ube and mango lassi! The bright green colors of the store front are fun and the back patio is spacious. Everyone here, including the customers are pretty sociable. I had a couple shots at the front of the bar with the staff and took a mango lassi mixed drink to the covered patio in the back. The flavor combination of this was very refreshing. It was a lil' thicker than your typical mango lassi, but the faint sweetness did a great job at masking the earthiness of the kava. It was bomb and I would have loved to order 2 but I hadn't eaten so that was not the move lol The space has their own parking lot, as well as easy street parking. The patio is nice and ambient with music playing and many boardgames available for your entertainment. The bathroom was clean and had some funny Barbie dolls on display in there. The effect of kava is mellow and puts you in a positive head space. It also does truly enhance your desire to have discussions and connect with each other. If you appreciate any of that, you will like it here for sure. Overall, the kava served at Kavahana is well mixed and the environment is curated in such a cute way, it just makes you want to come back and chill out with the homies. I highly recommend! read more
We got the double shot and it has a good chaser with it. Service was kind and very helpful. As a poly, my husband liked it, just thought it was a little too expensive for what we are getting. But the lounge area with games and able to bring dogs is so cute. We'll definitely be coming back. read more
I looooove this place. It's so interesting- getting high without weed and getting drunk without alcohol! Kava nectar is a 3000 yr old Hawaiian tradition and has a reverse tolerance- the staff will tell you all about it because they're so helpful! The ones that are thinner like a juice are easier to get a buzz from than the thicker ones. We got the cherry drop- got the buzz quickly but taste was ok, kind of like medicine. The ube was super yummy but not as big of a buzz. They have nice lighting and board games- we started this one horror board game last time. I'm totally going again tomorrow! read more
5 months ago
What a great way to end the night with Kavahana. Chill out and enjoy the vibe at the bar or patio. They're always so friendly and inviting. I have yet to try their food but I would recommend their drinks. read more
Rose Matcha Latte was great. The customer service was great, simple and to the point. I love the Hawaiian theme again simple and to the point. They have a patio in the back and there is street parking and parking in the back. I'm curious to try the mango matcha latte. Love the dried pineapple addition. read more
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! read more
I heard about this place awhile back and I finally got to try it out. I love the atmosphere, perfect for a gathering with friends. Super cool interior, friendly staff. I am not too sure if this is everyone's cup of tea, I did try their beach nectar and the employee recommended 3 shots of Kava. The kava is what makes your mouth kind of numb, and is suppose to also relax you, good for a socia setting. I was not a big fan of three shots, I think it unfortunately made us not really enjoy the drink. However, I could see the potential in perhaps ordering one shot or just the drink itself! This place is also on the pricey side so be prepared! They offer other things on the menu, and I figure it's worth giving it another shot (no pun intended). Seems to me the drinks would taste better if it were just on its own or maybe one shot. Thank you again to the staff for being so kind and helpful. read more
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! read more
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. read more
8 months ago
Very nice and tranquil cafe with outdoor seating that is dog friendly. Friendly staff, teaches you about the Kava Hawaiian plant. Never heard about it before, I just thought this was a matcha shop but it's something more special and unique. Had a mango lassi with two shots of Kava. They allow you to add the shot into the drink. There is a tingly feeling to your tongue after you drink it. Relaxing vibes in the outdoor seating space. The Ube cream buns were also tasty not too sweet and the ube matcha was good too with cream foam. Love that they have treats for dogs and free stickers. Very unique space in Santa Monica. read more
1 year ago
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. read more
Business owner information
Hana ﾠ.
Hi Melanie, this is Hana, owner of Kavahana! Thank you so much for…
1 year ago
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 read more
29 days ago
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 read more
The people here are incredibly friendly, and I always enjoy the conversations when I visit. It's not too far from Venice Beach, which makes it a great stop. I ordered the soupless island ramen, which was delicious and full of flavor, it truly melted in my mouth. I also tried the Golden Nectar with dried pineapple over the straw, and it was such a fun and tasty touch. read more
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. read more
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 read more
11 months ago
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! read more
1 year ago
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. read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
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! read more
1 year ago
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. read more
2 years ago
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. read more
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! read more
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. read more
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 read more
Business owner information
Hana ﾠ.
Hi Ariana, thank you so much for visiting and I’m so happy you…
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. read more
1 year ago
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. read more
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! read more
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!! read more
10 months ago
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. read more
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306 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
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(424) 280-1694
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