Sakau Drinking: Not your average Friday Night brew

Pohnpei sakau, a variant of the Micronesian kava, comes from the pounded roots of the kava or sakau plant. Known for its narcotic effects, sakau is a drink derived by the thorough pounding of the roots of the kava pepper plant using basalt stones and rocks. The mixture is then added to the sap from the bark of hibiscus plant, creating a thick, brown liquid. Many island farmers earn their income from the Phonpei sakau, harvesting them from nearby plantations to be sold at the local sakau market.

The people of Pohnpei considers the kava plant as a sacred and essential part of their culture; the Pohnpei sakau playing a major part in the locals’ festivities, social functions and sacred rituals. During ceremonial feasts, sakau drinking, or attending “Sakau” is highly anticipated and is often held after sunset. Tourists and locals can share a drink of sakau from a common coconut cup and enjoy a peaceful night of celebration. For events such as these, one can consume a sakau cup directly from the stone or in milder, bottled versions like those sold in sakau markets. Around the island, numerous markets and stores can be found offering a variety of sakau ranging from the hardcore, thick stone-brew to the thin and watered down concoctions.

Although almost all places on earth celebrate and gather around a drink, attending sakau night in Pohnpei is truly a one of a kind experience for visitors. A warm night thrumming with the pounding of sakau roots, shared drinking and the idle chatter of the people create a seductive atmosphere that is certainly one of the highlights of experiencing this unique Pohnpeian culture.