The day-long festival started off with the World’s Best BBQ competition, won by Banjy’s Restaurant in Waikoloa. The day’s events also included the Mai Tai Marketplace and the Beach Bum Berry’s Mai Tai history seminar. Guests were treated to the musical stylings of Henry Kapono as he played poolside with his band. He was joined by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy nominee, and founder of the group Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, on a few sets. The Mai Tai competition began shortly after the Kapono pool side party. The grand prize was awarded to Christina Maffei of Trump International Hotel in Waikiki, while our local mixologoist Brice Ginardi of Okolemaluna Tiki Lounge won the People’s Choice Award.
To top off the event, the Spin Doctors took the stage under the stars and rocked the house with the occasional accompaniment of Mick Fleetwood. The festival appeared to exceed everyone’s expectations and left the crowd looking forward to next year’s Mai Tai Festival. Bottoms up!
BINC reports:
