Join us for the Pacific Islands Kava Festival, UH Mānoa Campus, Saturday, October 3

'Awa or Kava(pronounced aahvaah) is a sacred plant in the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures and has many uses from the spiritual to the medicinal. It is more commonly known today as an intoxicating beverage but it's uses are found in ceremonial traditions both religious and community based across Polynesia. 'Awa has several medicinal uses including the treatment of: colds, headaches, respiratory diseases such as asthma, diabetes, rheumatism and it is commonly used as a muscle relaxant or sedative, often in conjunction with Lomi Lomi or Hawaiian massage.

An `awa drink, good for migraines or pre menstrual discomfort may be prepared for personal use by chewing a few small pieces of clean root until a thumb size cud is formed. Once you have produced three of these cuds, mash them in a bowl with fresh water. Strain the liquid through cheese cloth to remove the fibrous elements and if you prefer add cane juice or honey as a sweeter as 'awa is the Hawaiian word for bitter.

In the traditional Hawaiian preparation, the `awa may be mixed with water or with coconut milk and is sometimes warmed in a special calabash called a kanoa, over hot stones. After straining it is consumed when it has cooled.

'Awa is often served as a beverage of thanksgiving and is gulped not sipped with some left in the cup that is poured onto the ground with a prayer. E hanai `awa a ikaika ka makani.
Offering `awa and prayers to one's ancestors strengthens their spirit presence so that they may be of help to you and your Ohana or family.

Pacific Islands Kava Festival, UH Mānoa Campus, Saturday, October 3
The Kava Festival, also known in Hawai'i as the 'Awa Festival, features many aspects of 'awa as central to culture for Hawai'i and the Pacific Islands. The festival celebrates 'awa as an important and fundamental aspect of Hawaiian culture and a treasure for Hawai'i's people and the world.

Live local music from Hawai'i's hottest music groups, educational and cultural booths, 'awa sampling, 'awa plants, 'apu making workshop, preparation demos, pa'i'ai/poi pounding, food booths, and Hawai'i's 'awa serving bars and cafes will also be serving the public. In addition, a traditional Hawaiian kapu 'awa ceremony will be performed honoring VIPs who have made contributions in culture, education and science.

More information on the Awa Development Council website

Saturday, October 3, 2009
UH Manoa main campus, on McCarthy Mall
Map of Campus Mall
9:00am-5:30pm
Free Admission
Parking on street or on campus

JDS Consulting- Hawaii Home Staging and Decor Design. Providing Real Estate Merchandising services including: Home Staging, Interior Decor, Turn Key, Landscaping, Remodeling, & Open House Hosting. Diamond Head, Kahala, Waikiki, Kapahulu, Kailua, Makiki, Tantalus, Hawaii Kai, Manoa, Nu'uanu, Ala Moana, Waialua, Haleiwa, North Shore, Kapolei, Makaha, Honolulu.