Awa (the Hawaiian pronunciation of kava) was brought to Hawaii by the original Polynesian voyagers, likely from the Marquesas, around 400-800 CE. In pre-contact Hawaii, awa was strictly regulated — certain varieties were reserved for ali'i (chiefs) and kahunas (priests). The Hawaiian Renaissance beginning in the 1970s has revived both language and cultural practices including awa ceremony. Hawaiian awa farms on the Big Island's Puna district grow some of the finest kava available commercially.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 82 | Very good conditions; premium Hawaiian awa at traditional ceremonial standard. |
| 2022 | 89 | Benchmark Hawaiian awa season; finest Mahakea quality in recent years. |
| 2021 | 85 | Excellent Oahu growing conditions; outstanding Mahakea with premium floral and earthy character. |
| 2020 | 78 | Good Hawaiian awa growing season; Mahakea cultivar at classic quality with characteristic gentle numbing and floral notes. |