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Although all the luaus on Maui are different to some degree, a luau follows a basic formula. They are always held at sunset, typically last about 3 hours, and include an open bar serving Mai Tais and other tasty tropical drinks, a buffet-style dinner featuring traditionally prepared kalua pig (steam-cooked over kiawe/mesquite wood in an underground rock pit called an imu), steak, local style chicken, island fish, the traditional staple poi, and many other side dishes and salads. Following dinner is the luau show, featuring various forms of Hawaiian song and dance (hula). Many luaus feature the songs and dances of other Polynesian islands as well, including the fast-paced Tahitian dances, and the exciting Samoan fireknife dance!