Photo 1 -The opening of my lua, or pit, is 28 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. I decided to line the inside of the pit with vesicular basalt rocks to retain more heat. Lining the pit with stones is not necessary for a successful imu cooking. An open dirt or sand pit would still work.
Photo 2 - The wood and stones are placed in the pit and the fire was lit.
Photos 3 & 4 - More wood is added to the fire. The blazing fire turned into hot coals.
Photo 5 - While the stones were being heated, banana trees are selected for the steaming material.
Photo 6 - Two banana trees are chosen and cut down.
Photo 7 - The ti plant that donated some of its leaves for the cooking process.