9th Annual Mai Tai Festival
On August 19, 2017, Royal Kona Resort celebrates the legendary Mai Tai cocktail at the ninth annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival. Watch as over 20 of the world's top bartenders converge on the Big Island of Hawaii to mix it up in a battle for the title of World’s Best Mai Tai and a $10,000 cash prize.
Festival Highlights include:
Mai Tai Marketplace: Shop for crafts and island treats from local artisans and merchants from 11am-4pm
Battle of the BBQ: Taste and vote for Hawaii's best barbecue from 11am-2pm Pool Party: Listen to live music from local Hawaiian artists by the pool from 2:30pm-4pm
Mai Tai Mix-off: From 4:30pm – 7:30pm watch bartenders from around the world vie for the title of World’s Best Mai Tai and cash prizes. First place winner receives $10,000, second place winner receives $5,000, and third place winner receives $2,500.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, August 19, 2017
11:00AM-4:00PM:
Battle of the BBQ at the Luau Grounds (Free Entry) Local restaurants/chefs compete for title of the World’s Best BBQ. Taster plates are available for purchase and you get to vote for People’s Choice. Voting open from 11:00am-1:30pm – with winner announced at 1:45pm. Scrip will be sold for tasters at many of the food booths competing for the Battle of the World’s Best BBQ. Some booths will accept credit cards.
11:00AM-4:00PM:
Mai Tai Marketplace at the Luau Grounds (Free Entry) Come browse as local vendors and artisans from across Hawaii display and sell their handcrafted items, delicious local produce and food.
2:00PM-4:00PM:
Poolside Party (Free Entry) Join us poolside for one and a half hours of live music. Kick back or boogie down with a Mai Tai as we enjoy the island rhythms of local Hawaiian performers.
4:30PM-7:30PM:
Mai Tai Mix-off (Free Entry) Over 20 Bartenders from across the globe compete for the coveted title of World’s Best Mai Tai and cash prizes. First place receives $10,000, second gets $5,000, and third draws $2,500. You will be amazed at the creative and inspired Mai Tais while you are entertained by our emcee who will keep you laughing and engaged for this 3-hour spectacular. 7:30PM: The Party’s Not Over… Don’s Mai Tai Bar is still open – stick around to relax and relish in this fabulous day!