We did the paradise admission. There may be a significant difference between the Paradise and Royal, but I was happy with ours. We still saw the stage well. We all got hand made palm head bands. The Royal people got real plumeria leis, but we got hand made kukui nut necklaces/leis, which was superior, IMO. They will last for a long time.
We got two complimentary drinks, which was either small Mai Tais, tap beer, or wine. There was also a cash bar with stronger mai tais and a few other mixed drinks like a strawberry piña colada. I got a mai tai in a pineapple, which had a good bit and was decently mixed.
There were also a few vendors with hand-made items such as shell necklaces, carved bone necklaces, plumeria clips, and such. One of the drum performers actually makes amazing carved tikis or bowls. I bought a large carved turtle bowl and am very excited about it.
The food was plentiful and it was ok. My husband liked the chicken and the fish is what I liked. It was prepared in a way different than I had ever had. The Hawaiian bread is purple; I am now officially disappointed in any “Hawaiian” bread I’ve had on the continent.
The Chief as MC was great. The performance was amazing. They had dancing and performances to represent many Pacific island cultures. And THEN, the fire dancing was crazy awesome. Chief Sielu was one of the performers and he has been featured on talk shows, discovery channel, and many others. He has won many awards, as have several of the other fire performers.
Suggestion, if you are sitting close to the stage, they give away the cool palm baskets that they weave on stage, so be ready to volunteer to receive one.
Over all, it was great. Would recommend to everyone.