As we celebrate our 15th anniversary this year at Bula Kava House, we're raising a shell (or two!) to the journey that brought us here, to the people who've shared it with us, and to the ancient plant that started it all.
What Is Kava, Anyway?
If you're new to the world of kava, here's the short version: kava root (also known as Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the islands of the South Pacific, where it’s been cultivated and consumed ceremonially and medicinally for thousands of years. When the root is ground and strained into water, the resulting tea produces a gentle sense of calm and relaxation without the foggy head or rough morning that can come with alcohol. Earthy and grounding, once you've experienced kava, it's unforgettable.
A Dive Instructor, a Kava Bar, and a Lightbulb Moment
Our story begins on the sun-soaked shores of Kona, Hawaii. It was 2007, and Bula founder Judd Rench was working as a scuba diving instructor on the Big Island, spending his days beneath the waves. But it was what happened after work that would change everything.
After long days hauling tanks and leading dives, Judd's coworkers had a ritual: instead of heading to a bar for a beer, they'd gather at the local kava bar to unwind. One evening, Judd decided to join them. After a few shells, something clicked. His body relaxed while his mind still remained clear. Looking around at his coworkers, laughing and decompressing together, Judd finally understood the appeal. He'd found something special.
Bringing Kava Home to Portland
With its culture of wellness, community, and open-minded exploration, Judd’s hometown of Portland, Oregon felt like the perfect home for a kava bar. As a safe, natural alternative to alcohol and other intoxicants, kava offers something genuinely different: a way to relax and socialize that leaves you feeling good the next morning.
After spending two years searching the South Pacific for the world's best kava and planning the perfect community space, Judd opened Bula Kava House on March 22nd, 2011, the first of its kind in Portland.
15 Years, Two Locations, and a Whole Lot of Shells
What started in Portland has grown into something we're truly proud of. In 2022, we opened our second location in Vancouver, Washington, bringing the Bula experience across the river. And through our online store, you can now buy kava online from the comfort of home.
Through it all, our commitment to quality has never wavered. We offer a wide variety of the best kava root products in the world, sourced fresh from Vanuatu and other islands throughout the South Pacific. Judd continues to build direct relationships with the growers and suppliers who share our passion for quality. Every batch we carry is independently tested, so you can trust exactly what's on the label.
Come Share a Shell with Us
Whether you're a longtime regular or kava-curious for the very first time, we'd love to welcome you. Stop in at our Portland or Vancouver location and let us pour you a shell. Or explore our full selection of premium kava products in our online store.
Here's to 15 years and many more. Bula!