Hawaiian theme connects Drive-In to Luau

Tiki torches stood along the sidewalk outside Duvall, and smoke rose gently. Across the sidewalk, students laid on carpets and stretched out on the grass field. A giant screen was hung on the side of the dorm. The film “Moana,” a Disney fantasy-adventure movie about a Polynesian tribe was screened at the drive-in on April 28.

“Moana” is set 3,000 years ago in Polynesia, an area that includes Hawaii, Tonga and Tahiti. After a blight struck a Polynesian island, a daughter of the chief of the tribe sailed to search for a legendary demigod for help.

Before the showing, volleyballs, Frisbees and soccer balls were provided, for entertainment. Food was provided including juice, chips, salad, fruit kebabs and hot dogs. The Hawaiian music being played enticed some students to form circles and dance.

Duvall Drive-in is a yearly tradition for the dorm. This year, the Duvall leadership team decided on Hawaii as a theme.

“We also want[ed] it to tie with the Luau,” Duvall resident assistant Daniel Ein Huie said. “So we made it a more Hawaiian thing, with tiki torches, fruit kebabs, more outdoor food and show “Moana,” the music is all Hawaiian tribal [music].” 

Before the movie started, a Duvall RA advertised the Luau and encouraged people to attend.

Sophomore Juan Felipe Paz had watched the movie before, and wanted to watch it again at the Drive-In. 

“It’s really good,” Paz said. “It’s a good example of life. It’s a good metaphor of how sin can corrupt and destroy us, but at the same time we are able to be safe by the work that Jesus did for us. ” 

The music and animation were good, too, he said.

Junior Abby Belanger had also watched the movie before, she said.

“I really enjoyed the movie when it came out; I like Polynesian culture,” Belanger said.

She liked to watch a movie on the lawn, she said.

“My family will do that and have a summer barbecue,” Belanger said. “We put a big sheet on and watch movie outside.”

 Around 100 students showed up at the event.

“We didn’t expected this many people,” Huie said. Dorm leadership also worried light rains throughout the afternoon and evening would deter people from attending the outdoor event.

“The weather turns out cooperative for us,” Huie said.