59th Hawai‘i Billfishing Tournament Begins Aug. 3

Last year, the first-time team from Surfside Marina-Team Miss Behavin capture the win and the HIBT’s prestigious Governor’s trophy with 1,300 points. It was a dream for this 3-person team to fish HIBT and they are returning this year to defend the top spot. Courtesy photo.

The public is invited to Kailua-Kona Pier to see the 59th annual Hawai‘i International Billfish Tournament (HIBT). Events are scheduled throughout the week in Kailua-Kona from Saturday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 6, teams from around the world will compete over five days to hook the biggest fish and take home the prestigious Governorʻs trophy. This year the international lineup includes teams from Africa, Australia, Japan, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the USA.

The HIBT will kick off each morning at 8 a.m. Boats will line up across Kailua Bay and fish off until the closing time of 4 p.m. every afternoon. The HIBT boutique shop will be open daily at the Kailua Pier with classic logo shirts, Kona marlin designed tees and women’s apparel. Tournament headquarters will be located at the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.

Twenty-four teams will compete according to strict International Game Fish Association sportfishing rules. Any billfish weighing more than 300 pounds is allowed to be boated and weighed at the Kailua Pier by IGFA judges and scorekeepers. Teams will utilize HIBT’s tag and release point system as part of their point strategy throughout the week-long competition.

Founded in 1959, the HIBT is the second oldest big game sport fishing event in the world. For more information, visit www.hibtfishing.com.