Buying Kava in Vanuatu

[kl.studio1]

I'm lucky enough to be heading back to Vanuatu at the end of the month. Went there about 4 years ago and was literally blown away by the power of kava, especially compared to previous experiences in Fiji. Since then I have played around with some Fiji Waka (local for me in New Zealand), also some Stone and Wow. Have just been getting back into a bit of Kava in prep for my upcoming trip (some KavaCandy arrived in the post today too - very nice).
Anyway - I'm wondering how one would go about finding really high quality dried root  in Vanuatu - anyone have any experience here they can share? I saw some 'novelty' looking kava floating around the tourist traps in Vila, but would like to get hold of some really good stuff to bring back,

 

[Bula Kava House]

Just got back myself. Since Ni-Vanuatu don't drink dry root kava, it is only sold to tourists or exported. Therefore the only place you're likely to find it is in places that market to tourists, and honestly for the most part it won't be any different than good kava bought online. My advice: Enjoy the nakamals. That Vanuatu fresh root stuff is where it's at.

 

[kl.studio1]

So do the online retailers arrange to have the product dried themselves?

 

[Bula Kava House]

Kava is not exported from Vanuatu before it is dried. Some of our kava is dried in the villages where it is farmed before being sent to the exporter when we order. There are a couple exporters who gather fresh root at their warehouses then dry it themselves as well.

 

[Bula Kava House]

Wait, was that clear? We don't necessarily "arrange" for kava to be dried. We make orders from our suppliers who then proceed to fulfill them by collecting, processing, and shipping us dried root.

 

[kavalover]

You can get fresh root Judd? If so could you ever sell it? I don't mean to hijack this thread, I was just wondering. You get some awesome stuff and I dig fresh root.

 

[Bula Kava House]

The only realistic way to get decent fresh root is to get it from Hawaii. It typically can't be exported from Vanuatu, which is too bad because it's a step above for sure.