Dates Set for 2016 HIBT in Kona

A marlin, caught by a crew from Kusatsu, Japan, was featured at last year’s Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. HIBT photo.

Fishing crews from around the world will once again descend on Kailua-Kona later this year for the 57th edition of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.

This year’s event will run from July 30 to Aug. 6. Fishing starts each morning at 7:30 from Kailua Pier, and boats return their prized catches at 4:30 p.m. for everyone to see at the weigh-ins.

Last year’s event was won by Team Likeke, who scored 2,296 points. Sunshine Coast Fishing Club of Australia finished in second place, while Kona Game Fishing Club from Kusatsu, Japan rounded out the top three.

HIBT organizers say that their event headquarters, retail, and tournament control will be housed at the neighboring Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.