Last year, Los Angeles lost more than 100 restaurants, most of which were independent businesses that had been staples of the community for years. Between rising rents, labor costs, tariffs, and a strong shift in consumer habits, the reasons for the closures are well-documented in the media. In losing all of these businesses, there is a change in the LA atmosphere leaving people feeling like their nights out are less communal and more obligatory.
To have a successful small business in a major city like Los Angeles, the company’s priorities have to be intentionally defined in order to survive. There are only a handful of places that keep consistent crowds and while there are many puzzle pieces that need to fit together to have a successful establishment, it takes a special kind of dedication to delivering a high quality experience to become part of people’s routines. Shifting consumer habits have opened the door for businesses built around cultivating physical environments centered on social experiences.
One establishment that has positioned itself perfectly to thrive in the growing demand for genuine connection is Kavahana.
What is Kavahana?
Kavahana is a place in Santa Monica where people come to sit down, enjoy drinks, eat, and socialize, located at 306 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405. On the surface, Kavahana might seem like any other establishment, like a bar, or a coffee shop, but it is neither. It functions as a social anchor for the community, giving people a real opportunity to connect with each other while enjoying kava nectar drinks. Kavahana centers its menu around kava nectar, a zero proof drink made from the root of the kava plant, which has been enjoyed in the South Pacific and Hawaii for centuries.
Kavahana’s kava nectar is made by cold pressing fresh kava root into juice and gently drying it into a fine powder. Because the kava plant is grown from the ground and the root is what’s used in the drinks, kava nectar is known to have a really earthy taste. When the powder is prepared as a drink, it delivers a subtle tingle on the tongue followed by a relaxed feeling which often leads to confident and relaxed socialization at every table.
Colorful drinks at Kavahana, featuring their Strawberry Matcha and Strawberry Kona Coffee Latte alongside a traditional coconut shell of kava nectar.
Kavahana has a seat for everyone as people come in the morning to work, meet friends in the afternoon, and often stay throughout the evening. In a place that values slowing down, you’ll never be rushed out the door.
Kavahana opened at a time when many establishments were cutting hours and tightening operations. Instead of shrinking, it leaned into demand and became a place where people could linger. Kavahana, like many cafes, opens early, but it stands out by staying open late too, often until 1 AM on the weekend. Seating is offered in a way that encourages people to settle in for a while, instead of urging quick reservation rotation. The Kavahana experience starts the moment you walk in the door as familiar faces are welcomed by name and first-time guests are guided through the menu by staff.
Kavahana has made a strong positive impact on the community already and was even voted most loved new business in Santa Monica in 2025, reflecting its growing presence in the neighborhood. Customers consistently flow in and out throughout the day, typically staying longer than they would at a traditional cafe or bar.
Kavahana’s presence also extends beyond Santa Monica. The same kava nectar served behind the bar is shipped to all 50 states and Canada through their site. What makes the company especially unique is that it operates as both a hospitality space and a growing consumer brand. Guests can discover kava nectar in person and then continue the experience at home, something few establishments successfully bridge.
What does Kava Nectar Feel Like?
Many guests describe feeling more present in their surroundings after drinking kava nectar without feeling overstimulated by their environment. For some people, it serves as an alcohol replacement, but for others it is part of their morning routine to start their day feeling relaxed. Kava nectar drinks are served both traditionally in coconut shells and as thoughtfully crafted zero proof cocktails made with ingredients like mango, coconut milk, ginger, pineapple, and spirulina.
Every menu item at Kavahana is procured right from the source. Beyond kava nectar, Kavahana also serves 100% Hawaiian Kona coffee supplied from Hawaii’s Big Island, along with ceremonial matcha and roasted hojicha. Kavahana meets people where they are at, offering multiple options for people to choose how they want to feel. People can come for coffee, stay for a kava nectar drink, and leave a few hours later having tasted a little of everything.
Kavahana is also very dedicated to building real connections within their community. Each week there are free open mic nights and comedy nights focused solely on creating space for people to support and form bonds with each other. These events have no fees or minimums as they are designed simply to bring people together.
Weekly Open Mic Night at Kavahana in Santa Monica where local performers and guests gather for music, creativity, and community.
Kavahana has set the standard for prioritizing comfort and genuine connection in LA. In a world that is becoming more online by the moment, people want to leave their home and go somewhere they can feel human. Creating a space for this is exactly how Kavahana retains a strong customer base so effectively.
Los Angeles may be losing establishments, but people are not losing the desire for connecting with others through experience. If establishments are looking to survive this period of change, they need to prioritize the experience as a whole and realize people are looking for a sense of belonging, not just a place to eat and drink.Kavahana
306 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Open daily from morning to late night
Tuesdays: Open Mic Night
Wednesdays: Comedy Night
Kavahana.com
Instagram: @kavahana
