The Royal Kona Resort on Hawaiçi’s Big Island is hosting the “First Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival” on Aug. 22.
The all-day event promises a host of activities topped off with a $10,000 “World’s Best Mai Tai” contest and a special evening concert by the award-winning group Hapa.

Other Festival activities will include a marketplace, highlighting local produce and products and a “Battle of the BBQ” food tasting contest featuring Big Island chefs competing for title of “People’s Choice” in both taste and presentation. There will also be a seminar on Beachbum Berry’s version of the history of the Mai Tai.
Twenty-four finalists will be chosen from all registrants to participate in the “Mix Off” competition at the resort’s Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Bar. All recipes must feature Bacardi Rum — a sponsor — with the winner and his or her recipe featured by the company in promotional materials following the competition.