Welcome to Kavahana, the nation’s first kava-nectar bar, located in the heart of Santa Monica, just three blocks from the beach. Since our opening in February 2024, we have been redefining the social drinking experience with our unique, mood-boosting kava nectar drinks.
Our Story
Kavahana was born from a deep appreciation for the traditional Pacific island drink, kava, and a desire to share its relaxing and sociable effects with a broader audience. Co-founder Hannah Wilen, who has been enjoying kava for over a decade to manage anxiety, envisioned a space where people could experience the calming benefits of kava in a welcoming and vibrant environment. Partnering with Neil Bhatia, the duo transitioned from serving kava at underground raves to establishing Kavahana as a brick-and-mortar destination.
What We Offer
At Kavahana, we serve kava nectar, a drink brewed from the roots of the kava plant. This natural beverage, free from alcohol, sugar, and additives, has been a staple in Pacific island cultures for over 3,000 years. Known for promoting relaxation and sociability, kava nectar is the perfect alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
Our menu features a variety of flavors, including Ube, Coconut, Rose, and Matcha Kava Nectar, each designed to introduce new drinkers to kava in a gentle and enjoyable way. For those new to kava, we recommend trying two to four drinks to start feeling the effects, thanks to kava’s unique property of reverse tolerance.
Our Mission
We aim to create an “open third space” where people can relax, work, study, and socialize. Kavahana is not just a bar or a coffee shop; it’s a community hub where you can play board games, attend open mic nights, participate in trivia contests, or sing karaoke. Our goal is to foster conscious connections, smiles, and joy, bringing people together in a friendly and alcohol-free environment.
Embracing Trends
The non-alcoholic beverage industry is growing rapidly, with the market projected to reach $1,242.3 billion by 2030. At Kavahana, we believe in the power of functional beverages—drinks that offer health benefits and provide a viable alternative to alcohol. Our kava nectar is something you can actually feel, making it a standout choice for those exploring the #SoberCurious movement.
Our Community
We take pride in being an AAPI-owned business and staying true to kava’s cultural origins. Through our active presence on Instagram and TikTok, we educate our audience about kava, share our journey authentically, and inspire others to learn more about this incredible drink.
Join Us
Come experience Kavahana for yourself and discover why our kava nectar is the best non-alcoholic drink you can actually feel. Whether you’re here to unwind after a long day, meet new friends, or simply enjoy a delicious drink, we look forward to welcoming you to our kava-nectar bar.
Visit us at Kavahana and be part of a growing community that values relaxation, conscious connections, and the joy of a truly unique beverage.
