Puariki

Puariki is a rare cultivar grown almost exclusively on the remote island of Tongoa, in the Shepherd Islands group of Vanuatu. The name means “small kava” in the local language, a reference to the cultivar’s modest root yields compared to its larger cousin Pualiu. Puariki plants grow slowly, reaching only 10 to 25 kilograms at maturity after five to seven years. Tongoan farmers consistently name Puariki as their favourite cultivar and a source of significant local pride.

Genetically, Puariki is among the closest relatives of the legendary Kelai, and it makes a strong alternative for anyone who appreciates that cultivar. The aromatic character is exceptional: complex, layered, rewarding attention. Sourcing Puariki requires dedicated trips to Tongoa, often involving chartered aircraft to move freshly harvested roots to the Santo processing facility before they lose freshness. Future availability cannot be promised. This is a limited release.

Genetically, Puariki is among the closest relatives of the legendary Kelai, and it makes a strong alternative for anyone who appreciates that cultivar. The aromatic character is exceptional: complex, layered, rewarding attention. Sourcing Puariki requires dedicated trips to Tongoa, often involving chartered aircraft to move freshly harvested roots to the Santo processing facility before they lose freshness. Future availability cannot be promised. This is a limited release.

Genetically, Puariki is one of the closest relatives of the legendary Kelai – making it an excellent alternative for those who appreciate that cultivar.

Sourcing Puariki requires dedicated expeditions to the island, often involving chartered aircraft to transport freshly harvested plants to the processing facility on Santo before they lose their freshness. This is a strictly limited release – future availability is uncertain.

Sold in accordance with EU regulations exclusively for aromatherapy and natural textile dyeing applications.

• Island of Origin: Tongoa, Vanuatu
• Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: Natural (30-70)
• Typical Chemotype: 423156
• Processing: Traditional powder – fully washed and peeled roots, temperature-controlled drying, ground to fine powder
• Aromatic Profile: Fresh and slightly zesty with warm, earthy undertones and subtle spice. Clean and lifted character
• Pigment Colour: Warm golden-amber to rich tan

Quality Guaranteed by the Kava Society (New Zealand) Kava Europe is proud to be the exclusive European distributor of the Kava Society’s exceptional kava. This is truly the best kava in the world. Unlike most kava on the market – poorly dried and cleaned roots of unknown origin – each Kava Society batch is processed from freshly harvested plants using pioneering methods that preserve maximum freshness while ensuring absolute purity. Every batch undergoes rigorous laboratory testing with certificates of analysis. This is the exact same premium kava sold in New Zealand, meeting all New Zealand quality and safety regulations. When you choose our products, you’re getting kava as it should be – fresh, pure, and properly identified.

Also, check our kava t-shirts and accessories.