On Sunday, April 30, Kings’ Shops joined the second annual Waikoloa Lei Day Festival in celebration of the art and history of lei-making in Hawai‘i. Festivities took place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the resort area, including Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, and Queens’ Marketplace, in addition to Kings’ Shops. Visitors enjoyed free lei-making workshops all day, a farmers market, food booths, giveaways, and a full schedule of hula performances and live music.
A highlight of the day was the first-ever Kings’ Cup Cocktail Competition, sponsored by Kuleana Rum Works, a Hawai‘i Island grower, distiller and blender. Bartenders Stephen Lopez and Daniel Wadsworth from Lava Lava Beach Club clinched the title and set the bar high for next year. Contestants from 14 different bars and restaurants mixed, muddled, swizzled, shook and stirred creative concoctions for an enthusiastic crowd.
Teams of two competed in a Speed round and a Presentation round, featuring cocktails made with Kuleana Rum. Judges and spectators had the opportunity to sample the specialty cocktails and vote on their favorite. Lopez and Wadsworth created their cocktail with Kuleana’s Hōkūlei Agricole, a 92-proof, aged sipping rum.
“I was not a judge, but I loved that they used Hōkūlei Agricole,” said Kuleana Rum’s Regional Sales Manager, Art Deakins. He said that consistency was a big part of the competition. “The idea was not just to put on a big show; see who could outdo who, and never make that drink again. Our hope was that that they would create rum cocktail they were proud of and actually make and serve it at their bar.”
The idea for Kings’ Cup started coming together in late March. “Kings’ Shops reached out,” said Deakins. “And I just had to say yes.” He had attended and competed in the World Mai Tai Contest at Royal Kona Resort, and he and his partners had been talking about trying something similar with their Kuleana rums.
“I already had an idea for the format. So we got together with the Marriott, and they were happy to help with a prize, and a lot of the details,” Deakins said. “Between the three of us we made it happen in about 30 days.” He and his partners are already talking about next year.
“We’re thrilled with the success of the Kings’ Cup,” said Cheryl Beckley, Marketing and Local Leasing Manager for the shopping center. “It was a great part of the Waikoloa Lei Day Festival, and a fun way to toast the occasion. Our thanks to the many visitors, residents, competitors, entertainers, lei makers and others who joined us. We hope to see everyone next year.
Kings’ Shops is Hawai‘i Island’s premier shopping and dining destination. Located in the heart of the Kohala Coast, the center offers a great collection of local and national retailers such as Tiffany & Co., Tommy Bahama, Tori Richard, and Michael Kors. There’s something for everyone at Kings’ Shops including live entertainment, weekly farmers markets, monthly night market events, fine art galleries and full-service restaurants like Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, Foster’s Kitchen, and A-Bay’s Island Grill.
For more information, visit www.kingsshops.com.