Always eager to help the local community, Mokulele Airlines was proud to sponsor Don the Beachcomber’s 7th Annual Mai Tai Festival. “We’re always looking for ways to support the community,” said Ron Hansen, President and CEO of Mokulele Airlines. “And we had a great time. The hospitality, the food, and of course the Mai Tai’s were all world class.”
Once again the beautiful Royal Kona resort hosted the competition that drew over 20 bartenders from around the world, including strong representation from Hawaii. As the official airline of competition, Mokulele transported many of the competing mixologists and their coolers full of top-secret ingredients.
The days events included hey hotly contested battle of the barbecue, shopping for island treats, and crafts for local artisans at merchants, a pool party at which Grammy-nominated artist Henry Kapono laid down the jams, and of course the mix-off main event. The price is included $10,000 for the first place winner, $5,000 for second, and $2500 dollars for the bartender who came in third—enough money to make your head spin.
Besides the spinning, there was a lot of shaking, twirling, twisting, topping, garnishing, and of course serving. That’s why one could be excused for thinking they were seeing double when two bartenders, both named Justin, and both from The Manifest bar in Oahu’s Chinatown, come in first and third. As for Mokulele Airlines, we’re ready for the next round.