A highlight of any stay in the Cook Islands is the special ‘Island Night’ experience, which blends a traditional Polynesian feast with dancing. The feast is known as umukai; it involves baking food in a deep pit filled with scorching hot stones - an umu. Damp sacking and shredded banana leaves are placed over the hot stones to create steam. Traditional food, or kai, consists of chicken, pork, fish and vegetable dishes. The kai is placed in the umu, covered up with more leaves and earth and allowed to steam for around two hours. The resulting feast, having retained all its natural juices, is healthy and delicious.

Umukai is followed by entertainment - kariori. Guests are greeted with the fast-paced tempo of drums, and then dancing by island men and women dressed in traditional costume. Cook Islanders excel at dancing, singing and drumming. Before they are old enough to start school, children pick up traditional music, movements and rhythm. The kariori evening includes songs and plays; audience participation is a highlight of most shows.

Rarotonga has more than two dozen licensed bars and restaurants, with many offering a good selection of live entertainment and house music. Local dance bands are extremely popular and will often play a special blend of Polynesian rock ‘n’ roll. Many of Rarotonga’s venues are legendary - a night out is a must for many visitors. Friday night is generally the most popular night to go out, when closing time is 2am. Clubs are open until midnight the rest of the week. Selected resorts offer guided trips that include all transport and cover charges.

The trips usually visit three or more places and can be a great way to meet people. Theme nights can add to the evening’s entertainment. In Polynesia, both the men and women do the asking when it comes to dancing, so there is no point in being shy. Whatever you do, make an effort to go out at least one night of your stay. You will enjoy the food, the change of pace and the chance to make new friends.