Resorts often have Island Nights where traditional food from the umakai is accompanied traditional dancing and singing. There are some good options for dining out in Rarotonga. Seafood is a staple of Polynesian cuisine and Rarotonga's restaurants, such as Trader Jacks, specialise in this and island-style dishes. Upmarket dining can be found at the Flame Tree in Muri and the Portofino in Tupapa. The food is good, so is the atmosphere, though the service is on Cook Islands time, but that shouldn't worry you as a visitor, after all you have all the time in the world.
Traders is open for lunch, dinner and snacks.
Otherwise, cool off by the bar or dance the night away to live bands. The setting is something to be desired, but the servings are extremely generous. Compliments go to the chef, but you pay for what you get. Choose to sit in the bar with coconut trees protruding through the roof and the beach outside your window, or in the restaurant set on a man-made stream abundant with various species of fish. Don't be surprised if you get served lasagna or potato chips from a packet, in the absence of the real stuff.