Hi Chris,
This Hawaiian ‘awa cultivar is named for Honokane Iki Valley where it was once found in abundance . It has perhaps the highest kavain % of all the native ‘awa here. In 1988 I was hiking through Pololu Valley, then to Honokane Nui Valley (Nene was found there) and finally ended up in Honokane Iki Valley. While I thought I was in the middle of total solitude– searching for ‘awa cultivars. It surprised me to see a house, a deep black sand beach and a man with some young children. He introduced himself as– Clyde, and offered water from a spring right there near the sea. His grandchildren and he were out visiting this family homestead where Clyde was born. We talked about the old ‘awa patches growing in these mostly uninhabited valleys along this remote coast and he talked a lot about Hawaiian music. After a great visit I continued on my way. Some weeks later I saw Clyde’s photo in our newspaper and realized he was Clyde “Kindy” Sproat-the famous Hawaiian musician , he was performing at Carnegie Hall and had been honored with a NEA National Heritage Fellowship.
Thank you! I wonder if other areas of the Pacific, where kava was/is grown, have isolated "forgotten" patches of kava plants- like a long-ago farmers hidden fields? Hawai'i used to have lots (some 100's of years old) but it would be interesting to hear from other Forum folks in Fiji or Vanuatu what they might know about it. I recall the times finding forest 'awa in Hawai'i as so exciting, great exercise too! @kasa_balavu any comments??@Alia, I love your stories.You are like the Indiana Jones of the Kava crowd. I'm always licking my chops when I read about your kava adventures.
Maybe when I retire I'll rent a boat. We can grab a couple of machetes, cameras, and a Kava Bowl and find out. Maybe after the mosquito season ... Hey, just because Indiana Jones repels mosquitos doesn't mean it works for everyone.
Hi @Alia,
Yes there are large land areas here which are vacant--forest and jungle. I am very grateful for your first hand explanation of Fijian lands...I was totally unaware of how things are over your way. Also, the Fijians did not abandon kava use as did the Hawaiians...thus with Missionary influence and a Queen or 2 saying- "Don't plant anymore" maybe some Hawaiians walked away from their 'awa patches.
Or if it's like hanakapi'ai try send me some. I been missing un-stepped-on heavy kava lately.
I received some today in Florida. Thank you. It's very nice
