It is believed by some that Cook was the first white man to try the kava drink. Around 1778 the plant was given the scientific name of piper methysticum . Debates over the origin of kava are still a heated topic, some claim kava first started on the Island of Papua New Guinea others give the right to Vanuatu or Tonga. One thing is a fact, kava has been used in Polynesian culture for hundreds even thousands of years. The use of kava for recreational, social, and other purposes gradually spread throughout the other islands of Oceania making it as far north as Hawaii.
Most cultures have a locally available natural substance they use to reduce tension.
Before making contact with Europeans, Polynesians had not discovered how to ferment alcoholic beverages. Kava fulfilled this need, therefore alcohol was not needed. Only as mission influence grew was kava viewed as something heathen and attempts were made to reduce and even eliminate kava use. Kava use was greatly reduced in the more populated areas but still had a strong following in the outlying islands and rural areas. The fact that kava was used for more than just social entertainment, contributed to the preservation of its use.