Why Do We Faikava?

            Many ancient traditions continue throughout the Pacific relatively unchanged from there early days.  These customs and rituals bind Hawaiian, Samoan, Maori, Tongan, Tahitian, and others island communities together, and create a sense of interconnectedness both culturally and spiritually.  Though many of these traditions vary from island to island, they all stem from the foundations of our shared past.

            The Kava plant is one of the strongest symbols of this Polynesian shared identity.  The roots of the plant are ground and mixed with water to form the drink that is known as Kava, ‘Awa, ‘Ava, or Yaqona.  Many Pacific cultures share similar stories and chants that stem from the birth of the plant, to its ceremonial place in society, as well as its social function of bringing organization and harmony to its people.

            In Tonga, the kava has become a national symbol unity.  A formal kava ceremony is always invoked during a fakanofo - the cultural bestowment of a title; the marriage of one ha‘a (lineage) to another; or uiaki fono - the settling of disputes between different families.  The kava ritual in its informal practice is known as faikava.  The tradition of faikava has become a strong mainstay in Tongan communities back home and abroad.  When a child is born, a faikava is held to honor the newborn and it’s family.  When a young man decides to take a bride, a faikava is called as a means of cultural courtship between the bride and groom.  When a family member passes away, the men of the family will get together and hold a faikava to raise money and make the necessary delegation of responsibilities for each family member.  This practice keeps Tongans bound to their culture and traditional roles in this modern world.  Many faikava clubs have formed in which groups meet together to drink kava, play music and compose songs, discuss the welfare of their community, raise money for functions and families in need, and most importantly, to socialize.

            UTOPIA Hawai‘i continues this traditional practice by holding its own faikava circle for our mahu, fakaleiti, and fa’afafine community.  The circle brings brothers and sisters together for the same reasons as Tongan faikava circles.  Through the drinking of kava, the group creates a shared feeling of interconnectedness through song and music, laughter, conversation, and sharing.  The faikava circle restores the cultural bind that many Pacific Islanders feel towards one another and helps ground many individuals to their roots.