More hot rocks are spread over the bundles of food, then more ti leaves, a layer of wet sacks, and acanvas covering. Dirt is shoveled into the hole and patted down smoothly. Not a trace can be seen of either the meal or the earth oven in which it is cooking.
Three to four hours later, the dirt is shoveled away. The men dip their hands in cold water and then and then quickly remove the burned leave and rocks, allowing delicious smells to emerge from the oven. The bundles of cooked food are taken out, uncovered, and placed on platters, ready for a different kind of Thanksgiving meal, cooked and served Hawaiian style.