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Santa Monica, CA

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Kavahana

4.7 (274 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

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KAVAHANA ATMOSPHERE

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Hipster
Casual
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Moderate noise

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Recommended Reviews - Kavahana

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Christie S.

Came here on a Sunday afternoon and ordered an ube matcha. They only offered plant based milk, which I generally don't mind but I don't like it with matcha since I always usually find them too overpowering when pairing with matcha and I wouldn't be able to taste the matcha. I ordered it with coconut milk regardless since I thought it would probably paired the best with the ube flavor. The drink came out and just like I expected, I couldn't taste the matcha at all. The ube flavor was also very weak and I mostly only tasted the coconut milk. I really didn't like the drink and threw over half of the cup away... only reason why I gave them a two star is because the workers were nice. Won't recommend otherwise.

KAVA NECTAR DOUBLE SHOTS + MANGO LASSI + ORIGINAL NECTAR
Juliet G.

I love kava! I've only been to Kavahana a couple times but they have unique flavors they blend with the kava, such as ube and mango lassi! The bright green colors of the store front are fun and the back patio is spacious. Everyone here, including the customers are pretty sociable. I had a couple shots at the front of the bar with the staff and took a mango lassi mixed drink to the covered patio in the back. The flavor combination of this was very refreshing. It was a lil' thicker than your typical mango lassi, but the faint sweetness did a great job at masking the earthiness of the kava. It was bomb and I would have loved to order 2 but I hadn't eaten so that was not the move lol The space has their own parking lot, as well as easy street parking. The patio is nice and ambient with music playing and many boardgames available for your entertainment. The bathroom was clean and had some funny Barbie dolls on display in there. The effect of kava is mellow and puts you in a positive head space. It also does truly enhance your desire to have discussions and connect with each other. If you appreciate any of that, you will like it here for sure. Overall, the kava served at Kavahana is well mixed and the environment is curated in such a cute way, it just makes you want to come back and chill out with the homies. I highly recommend!

Pooja M.

I looooove this place. It's so interesting- getting high without weed and getting drunk without alcohol! Kava nectar is a 3000 yr old Hawaiian tradition and has a reverse tolerance- the staff will tell you all about it because they're so helpful! The ones that are thinner like a juice are easier to get a buzz from than the thicker ones. We got the cherry drop- got the buzz quickly but taste was ok, kind of like medicine. The ube was super yummy but not as big of a buzz. They have nice lighting and board games- we started this one horror board game last time. I'm totally going again tomorrow!

Alma A.

We got the double shot and it has a good chaser with it. Service was kind and very helpful. As a poly, my husband liked it, just thought it was a little too expensive for what we are getting. But the lounge area with games and able to bring dogs is so cute. We'll definitely be coming back.

Kavahana
Tiffany G.

What a great way to end the night with Kavahana. Chill out and enjoy the vibe at the bar or patio. They're always so friendly and inviting. I have yet to try their food but I would recommend their drinks.

Rose Matcha or Hojicha Latte
Autumn D.

Rose Matcha Latte was great. The customer service was great, simple and to the point. I love the Hawaiian theme again simple and to the point. They have a patio in the back and there is street parking and parking in the back. I'm curious to try the mango matcha latte. Love the dried pineapple addition.

Menu in Bar area
Anita G.

I recently visited Kavahana because they came up on my IG feed. I was interested in trying their kava infused lattes. Don't let the neighborhood fool you, Kavahana is a hidden gem. I absolutely love their colors, their vibe and the bar area and not to mention their backyard patio is so cute. I love the layout and they have an abundance of board games to keep you busy. My friend and I had tried the Paradise Nectar, Rosé Apple Nectar, and Ube Coconut Nectar. My favorite was the Ube, it had a light Ube taste with a sweet vanilla cream tone. I love the Paradise Nectar, it was refreshing! The Rosé Apple taste like a strong apple cider which was my least favorite. The people who work here are very sweet! They were attentive, and were very friendly and helpful. They were very detailed about explaining drinks and how to order (number of shots). So all our drinks were ordered with double shots of the kava giving you a mellow feeling. Kava does have a particular taste to it, very earthy. It's a bit strong at first, but after the first drink it got better. Let's talk effects- the first drink, my friend and I were relaxed and a little giggly but after second and third, not so much. It was our first time, so we're just wanted to experiment. Also, let me warn you, your tongue might feel a little numb. I was told my the worker, it is normal. We saw many customers offering the noodles, and they look like they were popular. We didn't try any food. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and if I was in the area, I would revisit and try one of their other drinks, especially the lattes. Thanks for a great first time, Kavahana!

Ruby M.

I heard about this place awhile back and I finally got to try it out. I love the atmosphere, perfect for a gathering with friends. Super cool interior, friendly staff. I am not too sure if this is everyone's cup of tea, I did try their beach nectar and the employee recommended 3 shots of Kava. The kava is what makes your mouth kind of numb, and is suppose to also relax you, good for a socia setting. I was not a big fan of three shots, I think it unfortunately made us not really enjoy the drink. However, I could see the potential in perhaps ordering one shot or just the drink itself! This place is also on the pricey side so be prepared! They offer other things on the menu, and I figure it's worth giving it another shot (no pun intended). Seems to me the drinks would taste better if it were just on its own or maybe one shot. Thank you again to the staff for being so kind and helpful.

Fresh Coconut
Alex J.

This place needs to be your next stop for coffee, matcha, and "cocktails" - quotes because they are actually more like mocktails with the unique features of kava nectar. Staff is amazing and will guide and inform you about everything "kava" related. Asher was my bartender and he made some damn good drinks. The OG with double nectar shots starts of bitter but after a few sips and tingling sensations on your tongue, it gets smooth and almost sweet with a nice earthy flavor. The Coconut water definitely helps balance out the flavors and offers a nice hydration to your body. The Paradise nectar is a mango-pineapple like drink with the kava nectar and it's light, refreshing, and all-natural tropical! I especially love that they aren't filling the drinks with sugar so you're getting a real drink. And my last drink was the Strawberry matcha, made to order, hand whisked matcha, not too sweet, really great balanced flavors. I love the aesthetic and vibes, and the whole place is so relaxing!

Storefront
Kevin M.

Shout out Cape to Cairo for putting me onto Kavahana! Coffee rave day parties have been popping up all over LA and it's the ideal outing for a Saturday morning during the Summer. Kavahana is a coffee shop located at the intersection of Pico Blvd/4th St in Santa Monica. There's a small parking lot in the back but you're likely going to have to find street parking. Yes, they do serve matcha but you have the option to order it with Kava Nectar which is made from the root of a Kava plant. Since this was our first time here, of course we got the double shot of Kava Nectar with our coffees. The nectar is non-alcoholic and tasted very earthy. It makes your mouth tingle and according to the barista, it supports your mood while also promoting well-being. My wife and I came to Kavahana because of the DJ collective Cape to Cairo who have been throwing Afro House monthly day parties at coffee shops over the last few months. We had such a fun morning and I definitely will get Kavahana the next time we're in Santa Monica or at Smorgasburg! If you enjoy house music, coffee, and can't go to Ibiza, then this is the party for you.

Ube matcha and mango lassi
Kimberly H.

Very nice and tranquil cafe with outdoor seating that is dog friendly. Friendly staff, teaches you about the Kava Hawaiian plant. Never heard about it before, I just thought this was a matcha shop but it's something more special and unique. Had a mango lassi with two shots of Kava. They allow you to add the shot into the drink. There is a tingly feeling to your tongue after you drink it. Relaxing vibes in the outdoor seating space. The Ube cream buns were also tasty not too sweet and the ube matcha was good too with cream foam. Love that they have treats for dogs and free stickers. Very unique space in Santa Monica.

Mango Matcha
Melanie G.

Went on a Friday around noon and it wasn't just at all! There were a few customers that trickled in and out throughout our hour there. We tried a paradise nectar with 2 shots of Kava, a mango matcha and both kinds of soulless ramen. We liked the paradise nectar, however, we knew we'd like it more without the kava. It added such a bitterness to a nice tart refreshing drink. We also felt the kava shots didn't have an effect on us. We did feel the tongue tingling though. The mango matcha was good if you like mild Asian fruit flavors. The coconut mango blend was prominent for that flavor. The matcha wasn't very strong in flavor. The soupless island ramen was pretty good. It had the texture of instant ramen and the flavor of Indomie. Good flavor and even the regular one had a little kick. The small is a good snack size.

Lava Salted Caramel Kona Coffee Latte
Brittney E.

If you're looking for something truly unique, this is a must try. They specialize in ancient inspired beverages with their kava nectar that feel like an earthy, 3,000 year old chill in a cup. If you take the shots, know the root is part of the peppercorn family and gives your tongue a fun little tingle! I loved exploring their menu. The Bright Smooth Kona Latte was a perfect, mellow pick me up, and the Lava Salted Caramel had just the right balance of sweet and savory. The Rose Latte was delicate and fragrant, and the Beach Nectar 2.0 was so velvety. If you need a daytime boost, the Zener Energy Nectar Special comes with a shot of the original nectar on the side in a fun cup, recommend trying it. (Kava nectar shot is earthy) The vibe here is fantastic. The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. There's an indoor seating area, bar top seating, and a great outdoor patio to soak up the Santa Monica air. I also loved that they have a selection of games you can take to your table, and they host other activities during the week, so definitely check their website or socials to see what's happening. Parking- some spaces in a lot and street parking. If you are ready try something new and adventurous, I'd absolutely recommend Kava

Paradise Nectar

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2 months ago

The ube drink with single kava shot was delicious. Come on Tuesday to hear open mic night! Higher prices

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Kavahana Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Kavahana

Are all of the drinks non-dairy?

Yes, all our drinks are 100% vegan :)

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Fruits

Shutters On The Beach - Look at that nice changing table!

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Nice place if you can afford spending $50 for a cocktail and a water :-)

Kavahana - lounges - Updated October 2026

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