The essence of Polynesia comes alive in the songs and dances of the celebrated Islanders Revue. Each year, owner and show choreographer Mireille Thornton creates new interpretations of village life in the South Pacific at the turn of the century.

Ms. Thornton's inspiration comes from regular visits to the islands that comprise Polynesia: Tahiti, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Samoa, and Hawaii.

Mai-Kai visitors witness Polynesia's rich heritage in dances such as the Hawaiian Wedding song where two young lovers are separated and then reunited in marriage. Or, the spirited Tahitian solo drum dance competition from Polynesia's largest annual cultural celebration, the "Heiva I Tahiti".

This year's dynamic show boasts more musicians, drums, and brightly colored costumes that light up the stage. The detailed costumes are hand-sewn and reflect the spirit of the South Seas.

They are made from hand-painted tapa cloth (from the bark of breadfruit trees), flowers, mother-of-pearl, feathers, abalone and other small seashells.

The Revue dance troupe also performs outside the restaurant for private parties, charity and community functions.

Performances are enjoyed twice nightly, 364 days a year (the Mai-Kai closes one day each year for the annual holiday staff party). Dinner reservation are recommended.

During the summer months (June through September), the Mai-Kai features a Kids Show every Sunday evening.

Witness the children, ages four to twelve, interpret stories of Polynesia's rich heritage through graceful dance movements.

They rehearse several times throughout the spring months to learn the new dance numbers and develop skills required to keep up with adult dancers.

Decked out in grass skirts, hand-painted cloth sarongs, leis and traditional feathered headpieces, the children offer their peer audience an insight into Polynesian culture and traditions. As the children entertainers become more coordinated, they advance to the next dance level which includes different props from rhythmic instruments to knives.

The owner and show's choreographer, Mireille Thornton, began as one of the original dancers in the Islanders Revue in 1961, making her part of the longest running Polynesian dance show in the continental United States. A native Polynesian, Thornton travels to Polynesia every year to work with dance experts and find new insperation for the troupe's dances and costumes.

Providing entertainment for the entire family, the Mai-Kai dancers invite audience members to hop on stage and learn some new dance moves. Sunday - Friday children under 12 years old enjoy the show at no charge. Each receives a lei and a Polynesian activity book. In addition, the Mai-Kai has a special menu tailored to children's tastes including Captain Hook's Ribs, Society Island Shrimp, Bora Bora Beef and Kon Tiki Chicken. The children's menu is available Sunday - Friday.