Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament canceled for third straight year

For the third year in a row, Kona will not be hosting the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.

Event organizers cited uncertainty around travel logistics and rapidly rising costs as the primary issues causing the cancellation.

The 61st annual edition of the tournament, originally scheduled for 2020, has now been postponed three times.

“Our concerns remain focused on the health and well-being of all involved in our fishing tournament,” said Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament Founder Peter Fithian in a statement. “A sincere mahalo to all of our tournament supporters for trying to make 2022 work. We will set our sights on 2023 with high hopes.”

The HIBT held its inaugural tournament in 1959. In 2019 – the last year the tournament took place – 41 teams from around the world competed in West Hawaii’s waters. The father-son team of Martin and Mitchell Firestein of Laguna Niguel Billfish Club in California took home their fourth victory.