Kava News

When recreational marijuana use was legalized in Oregon back in 2014, pot proponents throughout the state and the U.S. rejoiced. Not only would Oregon join Colorado and neighboring Washington in the growing movement of ending the decades long prohibition of marijuana in the U.S., the legislation would also enable adults in the state to enjoy…

When the Fiji men’s Olympic rugby Sevens team defeated Great Britain by a commanding score of 43-7 in the final at Deodoro Stadium in Rio it marked the nation’s first ever Olympic medal. The historic win set off a wave of celebration that caused the entire country to stand up and cheer. Businesses closed for…

Understanding which countries allow drinking kava can be confusing. Take, for example, the curious case of kava in Germany.

Even as Vanuatu recovers from Cyclone Pam, the country faces increased risk of future storms caused by global climate change. Earlier this year on March 13, Cyclone Pam, a category 5 storm, hit Vanuatu, affecting the lives of over 188,000 people and leaving 11 dead. Shortly after the devastating storm hit, Vanuatu’s president made an international appeal for support to help the small island nation recover.

Vanuatu has been called the happiest country on earth. I had the opportunity to visit this South Pacific island nation a few years ago, and although I don’t know how to quantify happiness, I can tell you that when I arrived, I encountered the friendliest, most selfless and giving people I’ve ever met. Many Ni-Vanuatu…

On the volcanic island of Ambrym, in the South Pacific archipelago nation of Vanuatu, July brings about the annual yam harvest. On many of the islands in Vanuatu, the yam has special significance and plays a vital role in ceremonies like weddings and as a symbolic gift. To celebrate the yearly harvest, villages across Ambrym…

As part of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, we’re turning the Bula blog back in time to celebrate one of the founding fathers of Vanuatu culture, Roi Mata. History records Roi Mata as a powerful Melanesian chief during the 13th century from an island that is now part of Vanuatu. While Roi Mata’s reign was believed…

Hundreds of years ago on the tiny South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, legend has it that a young woman began arguing with her husband, Tamalie. When the argument turned heated, the woman ran from Tamalie, seeking safety in the lush jungle that surrounded the village. Seeing that her husband had followed in pursuit, the…

Nestled at the foot of the sacred mountain Yasur, on the island of Tanna, sits the village of Lamakara where a very American celebration takes place on February 15. Here men will dress in uniforms that resemble those worn by U.S. soldiers during the Second World War as they march through the streets toting sticks…