The eighth annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival is Aug. 13 at Royal Kona Resort.
The festival, which celebrates the legendary mai tai cocktail, will feature more than 20 of the world’s top bartenders mixing it up in a battle for the title of “World’s Best Mai Tai,” and a $10,000 cash prize for first place, $5,000 for second and $2,500 for third. The Mai Tai Mix-off runs 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Mai tai judges are master distiller Mark Nigbur, Service Publications Inc. publisher and editor-in-chief Christopher Teves, rum export and Smuggler’s Cove owner Martin Cate, Chef Ippy Aiona, and Justin Park, co-owner of Bar Leather Apron.
Festival highlights leading up to the Mai Tai Mix-off include the Mai Tai Marketplace, which will offer crafts and treats from local artisans and merchants from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m; the Battle of the BBQ, in which attendees will be able to taste and vote for Hawaii best barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and a pool party featuring live music by the Grammy-nominated artist Henry Kapono from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. Scrip will be sold at the event for food and some beverage purchases. Certain drinks and food will be sold via cash and/or credit.
Info: www.donsmaitaifest.com.