Kava Ceremony Etiquette Is Important
Don't miss a Kava ceremony if you want to have a truly authentic experience. This is one of the things about Fiji you should know before visiting. Kava is a root-based plant that is mashed into a drink and is thought to have calming properties. Kava rituals are held on the floor in a circle with everyone seated. The ceremony's leader–usually the village chief, the most senior Fijian, or the person hosting the kava ceremony–mixes kava with water to make the drink. A tanoa, or giant wooden bowl, is used to make the kava.
Clap once and drink the kava when the ceremony's leader hands you a bilo (a coconut shell cup). You should drink the bilo all at once rather than sipping it like a cocktail. Return the bilo, applause, and say "Bula" after that (good health). One bilo is sufficient for the entire group. When the ceremony's leader returns the bilo, everyone in the circle applauds three times.
Top tip: If you're unsure about Kava and only want to try a modest amount, ask the leader for "low tide." This tells the leader that you only want a small portion.
