Hundreds enjoyed the 8th Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival in August, where bartenders from around the world vied for the $10,000 top prize and title as the “World’s Best Mai Tai.”
Every August for the past eight years, the iconic on the “Big Island” of Hawaii pays homage to the legendary Mai Tai cocktail. Hundreds of visitors gather at the resort on beautiful Kailua Bay in Kona for a fun filled Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival.
The day begins at 11 a.m. with the Battle of the BBQ. Local restaurants and chefs competed for the title of “World’s Best BBQ.” This year’s Judges winner was Cool Runnings Catering of Kailua-Kona, which received a 5-night stay for two in a deluxe ocean view room at the Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui, a luau for two, round of golf for two at one of the neighboring courses, and a $500 food and beverage credit at the resort. The People’s Choice award went to Umeke Restaurant, also from Kailua-Kona.
While the BBQ competition was heating up, the Mai Tai Marketplace was opened for all to enjoy the arts, crafts and products of local vendors and artisans from throughout Hawaii. The delicious island produce and other food treats tantalized for every palette.
Grammy-nominated musician Henry Kapono and his band took center stage at the Royal Kona Resort’s main swimming pool in the early afternoon for a free concert. Guests kicked back with their own Mai Tais and relaxed to the island rhythms of this world renowned, award winning performer.
The main event started at 4:30 p.m. at the resort’s Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Bar. The Mai Tai Mix-off attracted over 20 bartenders and Mai Tai aficionados from many parts of the globe, all vying for the prestigious title as the creator of the “World’s Best Mai Tai.”
The First Place, $10,000 winner and new title holder was Art Deakins from Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, HI. Second place and $5,000 went to Tim Rita of the Cosmopolitan hotel in Las Vegas, NV. The third place prize of $2,500 was awarded to Kevin Beary of Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago, IL. Contestant Carl Kimura of 3 Fat Pigs in Waikoloa won a free, 7-night stay in a one-bedroom suite of his choice at any Diamond Resort in the United States valued at up to $6,300.
Throughout the Mai Tai competition, an enthusiastic audience cheered their favorite mixologists in a rousing tribute to the classic rum drink. The bartender concoctions were judged by a special panel based on taste, creativity, and name in the wild, 3-hour contest that produced lots of laughs and some amazing recipes.
And, after the Mix-off, visitors stuck around at Don’s Mai Tai Bar to reflect on a fabulous day and take in the sun setting over the blue Pacific. It’s a full day of merriment that shouldn’t be missed next year.
For more information, go to www.donsmaitaifest.com or www.royalkona.com.