KAVA!

Hi All,

I understand Tonga is deeply entrenched in the Kava way of life like Fiji. I have two questions on the subjuct:

1. Is it possible for tourists to buy kava (and if so, where is the best place)

2. Has anyone had problems bringing this back through customs (I'm heading to the US after Tonga)

Any help is appreciated

Cheers

Dave

I don't know about Tonga, but I know that you can buy easily the dry stuff in Fiji and Vanuatu, even in airport shops. So I guess you can bring it back (well, of course, in the US...). But to tell you the truth, Vanuatu's got the best.

Don't know about Tonga either, but kava isn't considered illegal elsewhere in the S Pacific. Sometimes kava is easier to get than alcohol. You can buy it in any market -- there's often a separate corner just for kava, including a few benches and tables set up where you can drink a few cups on the spot. I've seen packets (powdered form) sold in grocery stores.

I also don't know the precise situation for the USA. There are two possible problems with bringing some kava back home. The most obvious is that it is a natural organic product and you'd be expected to declare it as such. The second possible problem is that kava might be considered an illegal drug. I recall there being some fuss about kava in one or another european country - mainly a pharmaceutical lobby who saw kava as a threat to their own manufactured drugs.

Tongan Kava Rocks!

It's even available For Sale @ the airport!

Ive brought it back from Fiji a few times no problem. As long as its in a package and not loose in a bag you should be fine. Its Legal in the USA.

Like #4 I brought some back - to Australia from Fiji - declared at Customs (bouight at Nadi market) - no problem

I've brought kava---called yanggona in Fiji---back to the US. When it asks if you are bring in any agricultural products, I alsways indicate yes, and write in "Kava tea". No problems.