You have a choice of two packages, the regular luau package for $65 or the deluxe package for $110. The basic features are very much the same. You can partake in all the activities and see the same show. The deluxe package includes all your drinks (and we went through a few) and VIP seating for the show. The VIP seating is not closer to the stage, but it is higher up. It also includes waiter service, rather than having to stand in long buffet lines, and includes a free photograph. It's hard to decide if the upgrade package is really worth the extra $45.

Paradise Cove is located on the leeward side of Oahu. It's about a 40-minute drive from Waikiki. All the admission prices include free motor coach transportation to the luau sight. This may be one of the low points of the evening. The motor coach picks everyone up at the Aston Hotel, where the line stretches around the block and it's mass confusion. The system of check-in is very manual, with clipboards and chaos. Once onboard, your host tries to get the spirit going with lots of lame jokes and stories. A simple briefing and Hawaiian music would have suited our tastes better.

However, once you arrive at the gates of Paradise Cove, things go a lot better. The cove is a beautiful grassy area on a privet cove and beach - absolutely stunning. You are welcomed with a fresh lei and a mai tai.

The grounds are covered with things to do. You can get a tattoo, take a hula lesson, throw a spear, take an outrigger ride, or just sit with a mai tai and watch the incredible sunset in paradise.

Soon the conch shells blows and it's time for the imu ceremony, the digging up of the roasted pig from his cooking pit. There is a lot of pomp and ceremony.

Then it's time for dinner. The fare is standard luau with kahula pig, vegetables, salad, rice and fish, and of course, poi. We had the deluxe package, so we had a friendly server taking care of us. However, the standard package is a buffet line and the lines seemed endless. The food was good, nothing gourmet but all tasty. I learned you don't come to a luau for the food!

After dinner there is a wonderful fast-paced show with hula dancing, fire walking, and songs. The show is tops and a great way to end a great evening.

Things wrap up all too quickly as everyone loads back on the motor coach for the ride back to Waikiki. We were all fat, happy, and a bit sleepy.

After that we were taught how to open a coconut with a rock, how to wear a pareo and how to make a Lava Flow. Then came the FOOD! Sesame chicken, mahi mahi, poi, fruit..it was delicious. If you like to drink they are very free with the maitais and the blue hawaiians.

The show itself was incredible! So many different styles of hula and hawaiian dancing. The fire dance left everyone speechless. A Must See!