Varieties & Cultivars

Brief & Concise

Today, there are over 100 documented Kava varieties that differ significantly in origin, chemotype, and effect. In Vanuatu alone, the presumed homeland of the plant, more than 80 different cultivars are known. This diversity is the result of over 3,000 years of targeted selection by Pacific cultures.

The differences between the varieties are not just academic – they significantly determine the effect a Kava drink produces. A Kelai from Vanuatu acts completely differently than a Loa Waka from Fiji. Understanding these differences is key to a conscious and satisfying Kava experience.

Noble Kava vs. Tudei Kava

The distinction between Noble Kava and Tudei Kava describes cultivar and quality categories. The ranking in a chemotype can indicate the chemical profile, but it is not sufficient on its own. Confirmed cultivar identity, plant parts, origin, processing and analytical quality data must also be considered.

Noble Kava

✅ Traditional cultivars selected over centuries
✅ Traditional Noble profiles are usually described as shorter-lasting and more pleasant
✅ Onset and duration vary with cultivar, preparation, amount and person
✅ A chemotype can support classification, but does not prove it by itself
✅ There is no blanket guarantee of being hangover-free or well tolerated
✅ Quality also depends on cultivar identity, plant parts, origin, processing and analytical data

Examples: Borogu, Melo Melo, Kelai, Palasa, Pouni Ono

Tudei Kava (Two-Day)

❌ Tudei is a cultivar and quality category, not a group defined solely by the first chemotype digit
❌ Tudei profiles are often described as longer-lasting and more body-centered
❌ Onset and duration can vary considerably
❌ Nausea, tiredness or after-effects are reported more often, but do not occur equally in everyone
❌ A chemotype is only one clue; identity, plant parts, origin, processing and analytical data must also be assessed
❌ There is no absolute two-day duration or identical effect profile for every person

Examples: Isa, Palimanu, Wildkava

Important: When purchasing, look for a clearly named cultivar, plant parts, origin and processing, plus analytical data where available. The chemotype is one piece of evidence, not proof on its own.

Learn more about Noble vs. Tudei

Four effect profiles

Noble kava is commonly described as heady, balanced, balanced-heavy or heavy. Chemotypes rank the six principal kavalactones and help characterize a cultivar profile.

Heady

Head-focused effect: Euphoria, mental clarity, sociability. Ideal for daytime and social occasions.

Chemotypes: Bir Kar Literature reference: 246513 · Additional shop/trade reports: 423156 / 423561; Kelai Literature reference: 423516 · Published analyses: 423156
Varieties: Bir Kar, Kelai, Pouni Ono, Moi

→ Mood & Social

Balanced

Balanced effect: Relaxation without fatigue, mental calmness with physical well-being.

Chemotypes: Literature reference: 245361 · Modern analyzed/reported variants: 423156 / 243156
Varieties: Melo Melo

→ Anxiety Relief

Balanced-Heavy

Calm and social while also distinctly body-relaxing. Preparation and individual response can bring the heavy side further forward.

Chemotypes: Literature reference: 423561 · Published analyses: 423516 / 423651
Variety: Borogu

→ Physical relaxation

Heavy

Body-focused effect: Deep muscle relaxation, sedation, ideal for the evening and for sleeping.

Chemotypes: Palasa Literature reference: 246531 · Other reported variants: 423165 / 421635; Palarasul Literature reference: 246531 · Other reported variants: 423156 / 423165
Varieties: Palasa, Palarasul, Loa Waka

→ Sleep & Relaxation

Chemotype Calculator: Analyze each chemotype

Overview of Growing Regions

Kava is now grown in various regions of the Pacific. Each region has developed its own varieties adapted to the local climate and cultural preferences.

Region	Number of Varieties	Local Name	Known Varieties	Characteristics
Vanuatu	80+	Kava, Malok	Borogu, Melo Melo, Kelai, Palasa	Greatest diversity, region of origin
Fiji	13	Yaqona, Malogu	Loa Waka, Qila Balavu	Often heavier, good processing
Tonga	7	Kava	Pouni Ono, Leka Hina	All Noble, rather heady
Hawaii	13	'Awa	Moi, Hiwa, Papa Kea	Very potent, expensive
Samoa	4	'Ava	Ava La'au, Ava Tonga	Traditional, ceremonial
Papua New Guinea	1 Noble	Kau	Kau kupwe	Only Noble variety

Varieties from Vanuatu Varieties from Fiji, Tonga & Hawaii

Which Variety is Right for Me?

Choosing the right Kava variety depends on your desired effect and the time of day. Here is a guide:

For social occasions

Choose a Heady Kava:

• Kelai (Vanuatu)
• Pouni Ono (Tonga)
• Moi (Hawaii)

For stress & anxiety

Choose a Balanced Kava:

• Melo Melo (Vanuatu)
• Bir Kar (Vanuatu)
• Borogu (Vanuatu)

For muscle relaxation

Choose a Heavy Kava:

• Palasa (Vanuatu)
• Palarasul (Vanuatu)
• Loa Waka (Fiji)

For sleeping

Choose a Heavy Kava:

• Palasa (Vanuatu)
• Loa Waka (Fiji)
• Ambae (Vanuatu)

Tip for Beginners: Start with a Balanced kava such as Melo Melo. This cultivar offers a pleasant, even profile without leaning strongly in either direction.

In-Depth Articles

Explore the individual aspects of Kava varieties in our specialized subpages:

Noble Kava vs. Tudei

The most important distinction: Why Noble Kava is safe and Tudei should be avoided.

Varieties from Vanuatu

Over 80 varieties from the homeland of Kava: Borogu, Melo Melo, Kelai, Palasa, and more.

Varieties from Fiji, Tonga & Hawaii

Regional specialties: Loa Waka, Pouni Ono, 'Awa Moi and their unique characteristics.

Variety Profiles in Detail

Detailed profiles of the main varieties with chemotypes, effects, and recommendations.

Based on studies by

Dr. Vincent Lebot

ORCID

CIRAD, French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development

View profile →

With contributions from

Yadhu N. Singh Mark Merlin

This wiki is a curated resource that synthesizes research from peer-reviewed studies and expert researchers. It is not written by the researchers listed above, but rather based on their published work.

Scientific Sources

The information on this page is based on the following scientific studies and publications:

Kava: The Pacific Elixir - The Definitive Guide to Its Ethnobotany, History, and Chemistry

Vincent Lebot, Mark Merlin, Lamont Lindstrom (1997) – Yale University Press

View study

Measuring the Chemical and Cytotoxic Variability of Commercially Available Kava (Piper methysticum G. Forster)

Unknown (Unknown) – Unknown