Nakamals (Kava bar)
Nakamals is the Vanuatu word for Kava bar its a places where kava juice is sold and where the people go to enjoy and relax in each others company. Nakamals sell kava, kava brings people, people bring money and money generates a micro economy for small pacific nations. Nakamals open when the day is at its end when works over and the light slowly fades its make the best time drink kava as kava make your eyes sensitive to light. Kava discourages anti-social behavior, so unlike traditional bars that provide alcohol, it is unlikely you will come across any unsavory behavior when drinking at a nakamal.        
Owners of Nakamals pride themselves on having the best (healthy, clean and strong) kava and a nice location with a relaxed and safe atmosphere. In Port Vila, Vanuatu there are an abundant number of Nakamals because kava is in high demand but not every owner is able to keep these standards up. - its easy to open a Nakamal but its hard to maintain it. A lot of nakamals start with a bang, but then find it difficult to maintain the required elements of a good nakamal and a lot close after a period of time. In saying that,  Nakamals that maintain a good level of quality kava and a clean atmosphere gather a loyal fan base.
Nakamals and kava websites have a lot in common they pride themselves on the best product keeping up with the supply and demand.  In Vanuatu there are strict laws over the exportation of Kava. Only strains that by their lactones composition are deemed as "noble" are allowed to be exported.  There are no like laws in any other counties exporting kava outside of Vanuatu, so its up to the buyer to use their discrestion when sourcing  kava.

The Ten Most Known Nakamals in Port Vila                                                                                                              

First bucket
Located halfway up the hill to the Digicel tower at Nambatri is a hidden gem. First bucket is far enough away from the main road of Vila that you find yourself in a bush- like environment with only the noise of birds to accompany that wonderful kava feeling. This place is all about levels, with a set for two just a little further up the hill for those conversations that require some more privacy. First bucket will cater for any weather conditions. If its raining there are plenty of seats under cover, if its cold you should have no trouble getting a spot close to the camp fire and on those beautiful clear Port Vila nights a view over Nambatri at dusk awaits.
If you find yourself in the area of Nambatri this is one of those local neighborhood nakamals that is definitely worth checking out.

Demsas Nakamal
Located near Port Vila stadium and nestled in between the netball and tennis courts, Demsas Nakamal may well be the first true Sports Nakamal in Port Vila. Demsas moves away from the traditional modern day sports bar that usually includes massive plasma screens and expensive sound systems. Instead it maintains the quiet dark atmosphere of a nakamal with a pole-position view of the action on the surrounding netball and tennis courts.

Chiefs
Is located next to the museum Chiefs is a model of consistency. Always busy, always strong kava and youre always likely to see the whos who of Port Vila, including prominent politicians, catholic priests (seriously)  and of course some chiefs as well.

Reynolds Nakamal
Located close to Parliament House, one Nakamal that continues to shine even in torrential rain is Reynolds. Reynolds boasts enough undercover area to host a parliamentary sitting. Accompany this with a good range of foods and they are a stalwart of the nakamal scene in Port Vila

Sophie's
Located in N#3 not the most scenic of nakamals, but its opening hours make it a popular spot for a late night tusker or soft drink and the food selection. This nakamal could be likened to a dark, quiet, unhygienic restaurant! It even has a small TV facing the seating area to keep patrons entertained.

Hanningtons Nakamal
Opposite Korman Stadium overlooking pristine Second Lagoon, this is a relaxing place to welcome the evening with or without kava. Tusker, food (including great samosas) and soft drinks available. This is the most atmospheric nakamal fo the lot.

Shefa Bayview Nakamal
Located at George Pompidou beautiful views, good food and availability of cold Tusker and soft drinks make this a good people choice. Sit back, watch the sun set over Vila Bay and share a story with your kava drinking companions. Easily the best views in town, just dont forget to bring some sunglasses if you are there when the sun goes down.

Green Light Seaside
At Seaside another popular late night tusker drinking location. The large amount of space also makes it a good place to hide noisy groups of people. Selection of food and soft drinks available. Like Sophies, this nakamal is known to kick onto the very wee hours of the morning.

Molkis Nakamal
Located at Club Hippique its a bit of a journey out of town, but a beautiful setting just about in the water of Second Lagoon. A favorite of horse riders and cricketers after playing at the club hippique venue, to wind down and take in the environment around them. Some soft drinks and food are available.

Maevo Nakamal
Down Seaside way the views draw patrons to this nakamal and is very popular with tourists. Perched on the edge of a high bank overlooking the lagoon,  it is quiet and friendly, with Tusker, soft drinks and some food available.

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