Attend the Kona Brewers Festival
The western side of the Big Island is home to Kona Brewing Company and that success has spurred one of the best brew festivals in Hawaii.
Attend the Kona Mai Tai Festival
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
Overview of Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival in Kona
The 2022 Mai Tai Festival was cancelled, we have not yet heard specific dates for a 2023 event.
If you’re a fan of a good Mai Tai, then you will want to attend the annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival. The festival takes place each August at the Royal Kona Resort in Kailua-Kona Hawaii.
Mai Tai Competition
They gather the very best bartenders from around the world to participate in their Mai Tai Mix-Off competition. The creativity and skill on display makes it a fun and action-packed event with a big $10,000 first prize at stake for the “World’s Best Mai Tai.”
Mai Tai Festival Admission
Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and while some booths will accept credit cards, others will require the purchase of Scrip from the event booths. Having some cash on hand is always a good idea at these events.
Mai Tai Festival Schedule of Events
The Mai Tai Festival is a full day of fun and activities starting at 11 am and running until 7:30 pm. The event includes a Battle of the BBQ cook-off, a local goods marketplace, a poolside party with live music and the Mai Tai Mix-Off.
Battle of the BBQ
11am – 4pm
Purchase taster plates from booths by local restaurants and chefs competing for World’s Best BBQ title. Vote for your favorites (voting open 11am-1:30pm).
Mai Tai Marketplace
11am – 4pm
Browse handcrafted items from local artists and vendors.
Poolside Party
2pm – 4pm
Enjoy live music and performances poolside.
Mai Tai Mix Off
4:30pm – 7:30pm
Watch as bartenders from around the world compete for the World’s Best Mai Tai title and cash prizes. While samples from this year’s competition are not available to the public (due to liquor laws), there are plenty of great Mai Tais available for purchase, including the winning creations from previous festivals.
Contact Info, Address and Map
Royal Kona Resort
808-329-3111
Website
75-5852 Alii Dr
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
