Port Vila's social life splits between the waterfront bars, where expats and visitors drink cold Tusker beer at sunset, and the dozens of nakamals around town — informal drinking shelters where locals gather for kava.
A traditional nakamal is the best way to experience the country's national drink. Pay around 100–200 vatu for a shell of freshly pounded kava (much stronger than the Fijian version), drink it down in one go, then sit on the bench, spit, and let your head go pleasantly numb. The lights are dim and conversation is whispered — it is not a place to be loud. Look for the red lantern hung at the front.