Mo'omeheu (t radition)
Aloha!
Mahalo (thank you) for allowing us to join you in your home to help you create memories with your significant other! Native Hawaiians navigated to the Hawaiian Islands, where they lived and flourished for centuries, carrying on the cultural traditions they brought with them and creating new ones. As our team began to build this date, we talked extensively about how two people carry on traditions and create new ones as they date, marry, create a family and more. Some traditions manifest in deep and meaningful ways, whereas other traditions no longer serve the interests of those participating. Your date will explore Hawaiian traditions in a fun and exciting way, as well as dive deeper into the traditions you want to continue as
a couple. Each month, we give a FREE DATE to a couple who snaps a picture of themselves enjoying that month’s Date Night In Box. To qualify, simply post your photo to Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #DateNightInBox. As always, we appreciate any social media sharing about our company. Now, sit back and le’ale’a (enjoy) your date!
D AT E A C T I V I T I E S
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SET THE MOOD ‘AI (EAT), INU (DRINK) AND HAIPULE (CHAT) HAND BINDING LEI CEREMONY KUMA HULA VIRTUAL REALITY EXPLORATION ‘ULU MAIKA WAYS TO CONTINUE
Set the Mood Take a moment to consider where your date will occur. Setting the mood is an important step toward really enjoying your experience together. If you’d like to kick it up a notch, feel free to head to your closet and dress the part as well! Below, you will find instructions and further details on how to set the ambiance for the night and listen to authentic Hawaiian tunes to transport you to the islands.
Ambiance and Music T h e Tr a d i t i o n o f H a w a i i a n Mu s i c Hawaiian music is rooted in old religious chants and hymns, which native Hawaiians mixed with the musical rhythms, sounds and instruments they learned from international history, immigrants and missionaries. Enjoy your traditional Hawaiian custom curated playlist for the duration of your date night by visiting DATENIGHTINBOX.COM/TRADITION.
T h e Tr a d i t i o n o f t h e C o c o n u t The coconut, known as niu, was elevated from an ordinary food item to a sacred tree. It is shown in mythical art and features in verbal lore as a magical tree, an image of Ku, the ancestor of the Hawaiian people and the link to their original home.
A uniquely life-giving tree and a mainstay on the tropical coast, the coconut plays a significant role in Hawaiian culture. Every part of the tree is used in some form. For example, the fibers are used for weaving, the stump is used to make drums, the shell of the nut is used as a vessel to hold liquid and the edible contents are used for nutrients. For your first activity, you will continue this Hawaiian tradition by making your own candle in a coconut.
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Included coconut Microwave
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Included wick
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Included wax
Microwave-safe container
Pot holder or hand towel
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Metal spoon
Lighter
DIRECTIONS Using caution, microwave the wax in a microwave-safe container in one-minute increments until it is completely melted. Between increments, use a pot holder or hand towel to remove the container, then stir the wax. Next, place the wick in the coconut shell. Working as a team, hold the top of the wick and slowly pour the wax into the shell. Place the candle in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Once the wax has hardened, remove the candle and trim the wick if necessary. Light your new candle and enjoy!
'Ai (Eat), Inu (Drink) & Haipule (Chat) ‘Ai (E at) Locate your included recipe card to view the optional luau-inspired menu and enjoy a meal together!
I nu (D r i n k) Now is also a PERFECT time to enjoy a tropical drink. Locate your included Skinnies Cocktail Mixers, which are made with 0 calories and allnatural ingredients, as well as your eco-friendly, compostable cups, made with 65% plant-based resources. Environmental stewardship is very important in Hawaiian culture, treating the land with respect and helping to care for and protect it. Your drinks can be enjoyed as mocktails or cocktails, so mix them up, relax and enjoy! If you prefer your drinks less sweet, consider using 1/2 the packet and adding more until you reach desired taste.
MAI TAI COCKTAIL: Add 1 Skinnies packet to 1 shot of coconut rum and club soda (or 4 ounces of water), garnish with a pineapple slice and enjoy. MAI TAI MOCKTAIL: Add 1 Skinnies packet to a club soda, garnish with a pineapple slice and enjoy. BAJA MARGARITA COCKTAIL: Add 1 Skinnies packet to 1 shot tequila and club soda (or 4 ounces of water), salt the rim, garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy. BAJA MARGARITA MOCKTAIL: Add 1 Skinnies packet to a club soda, salt the rim, garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy.
Haipule (Chat) Regardless of whether you create the included recipes, it’s time to find a comfortable space to enjoy some table talk. A tradition can sometimes be an arbitrary custom that has been passed down from one generation to the next. A tradition’s longevity can have many reasons, some positive and others negative. We learn traditions when we are young, and as we grow, we might naturally carry on some traditions or fiercely vow to not carry others into the future. As you begin to ponder traditions in your personal life and the traditions you might have as a couple, take some time to think independently about traditions in your life, whether positive or negative.
A f te r yo u co mple te t hi s t a s k , a n s we r t he que stio n s b elow to get he r. 1.
When and why did the tradition start?
2.
Was the tradition intended to solve a problem, or does it contribute to a problem?
3.
How has the tradition changed over time, or how would you like it to change?
4.
What ideas from the tradition are we passing on to future generations?
5.
As a couple, should we redefine this tradition?
Maile Hand Binding Lei
Kumu Hula
The lei custom was introduced to the
T he Histo r y of Hu l a D a n c i n g
Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who navigated the seas by the stars and sailed in canoes. Leis were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers and more. The most significant lei, the maile, was originally used to signify a peace agreement between opposing chiefs. Later, it came to symbolize respect, peace, friendship and love. The maile lei is also used to bind a bride and groom’s
Hula has many roots, with various traditions offering different origins. Hula dancers train for years with the physical intensity of professional athletes, and it is important to view ceremonies or performances
hands together as a symbol of unity.
respectfully.
Join one of your hands with your
Visit
significant other’s hand and twist your included lei around them. While your hands are bound together, discuss the following prompts together: 1.
2.
3.
What do you admire about your
from an authentic Hawaiian instructor.
What do you respect about your
the moves, face one
significant other?
another and practice
What you are most proud of about
What you are grateful for in your
What is one thing that keeps your relationship grounded?
6.
learn a bit of hula
Once you’re
significant other? 5.
COM/TRADITION to
significant other?
your significant other? 4.
DATENIGHTINBOX.
What is one new tradition you want to incorporate into your relationship with your significant other?
comfortable with
them together, working to stay in sync. Begin with one partner leading and the other partner mirroring, then switch. It might feel silly at first—and it’s okay to laugh!—but learning to trust and move with one another is important in any relationship.
Virtual Reality Exploration HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Phone or tablet
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Included VR Viewer
Hawaii VR: Let Hawaii Happen app
As your date comes to a close, we wanted to provide you with as real an experience as possible. You’ll begin by virtually paragliding to an island of your choice. Then, upon landing, a local will give you the most personal tour of their island. Depending on your island of choice, you might virtually surf, explore waterfalls or experience ancient volcanoes. Locate your included virtual viewer phone stand and viewing device. Download the Hawaii V R: Let Hawaii Happ e n app. You can explore this app using your computer, but your best experience would be with a mobile device. Before you begin, it’s important that you follow these instructions:
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Turn the sound up as you will receive instructions and the tour audibly.
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If applicable, remove the case
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If applicable, turn off portrait
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Take a look at the picture to ensure
from your phone. orientation lock. you place your phone in the viewer correctly.
If you have an Android device, head to the Google Play store and down The Island VR app. Choose between Free Roam or Fly Mode to navigate the island. Sit back and relax as you explore the island, hear the sound of the waves crashing and more!
Bonus Activity 'Ulu Mai ka ‘Ulu maika is an ancient Hawaiian game that might remind you of bowling! The traditional game is played by placing two wooden or metal stakes in the ground 6 inches apart and about 15 feet away from where the players stand. The players then roll a stone toward the stakes with two objectives 1) rolling it between the stakes and 2) rolling it as far as possible. If you’d like to continue your Mo’omeheu date, locate materials from around your house to use as stakes and stones and set up the game. Take turns rolling your “stones” between the stakes.
Until ne
Reflection & ways to continue your night Ta k e a m o m e n t t o r e f l e c t o n y o u r M o ’ o m e h e u D ate Ni ght I n . D i s c u s s t he s e q ue s t io n s to get he r:
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Which part of the date did you enjoy the most?
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Did you try something new as a part of your date? What was
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Are there any aspects of the date that you would like to
it like to experience it with your significant other?
incorporate into your relationship in the future?
Che ck out t he s e movie s to co nt i nue you r date:
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Pirates of the Caribbean 50 First Dates Fool’s Gold Aloha Jurassic World
xt time!
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