The Royal Kona Resort is set to host the 10th installment of its annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival on August 18.
The festival on Hawaii Island hosts top bartenders from around the world who compete for the title of World's Best Mai Tai and a $10,000 grand prize.
Award-winning chef Aaron Sanchez, a judge on the Fox series "MasterChef," and author and tiki drink authority Jeff "Beachbum" Berry will serve as two of five celebrity judges for the mix-off.
The Mai Tai Festival is open to the public and includes a variety of activities in addition to the cocktail challenge. There will be a Mai Tai Marketplace, featuring crafts and island treats from local artisans and merchants, a "Battle of the BBQ," with Hawaiian-style barbecue, and a pool party featuring Hawaiian music icon Henry Kapono.
Attendees can watch and cheer as the global roster of mixologists whose drinks will be judged on taste, creativity and name. In addition to vying for the first place prize of $10,000, contestants can also take home $5,000 for second and $2,500 for third place.
The 2017 champion Kevin Beary, beverage director of Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago, Illinois, is expected to return to defend his title.
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