MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament invites the public to attend its Opening Ceremony 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9 at Kailua Pier.

This official recognition of teams from around the world marks the start of the 56th annual Tournament. Nine participating countries will be acknowledged as each national anthem is played and flag raised.

Families and community members are invited to attend as the Kailua Pier comes to life with music and celebration.

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament festivities at the Opening Ceremony unfold with a Sunday afternoon of fun for the whole family. Leading up to the Opening Ceremony, Kaahumanu Place, fronting the Kailua Pier, will close to vehicles Saturday and become a family-friendly event with food booths and food truck, craft vendors and free musical entertainment.

At 5 p.m., everyone is encouraged to take a seat on the bleachers provided as Tournament anglers parade onto Kailua Pier. The Hawaii County Band will welcome each country as teams from Australia, China, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Vanuatu and the United States including Hawaii parade onto the pier and are officially welcomed to the 56th Annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.

Dignitaries will be on hand and acknowledged for their commitment to this iconic tournament and speeches will be presented during this momentous occasion.

Kona Daifukuji Taiko drummers will bring the ceremony to a close with a memorable performance.

The event is free and open to the public.

TOURNAMENT BEGINS MONDAY, AUG. 10

WHAT:
56th Annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament Starts Fishing!

WHERE:
Kailua Kona, Tournament Headquarters

This prestigious big game fishing tournament built on prestige and strict International Game Fish Association (IGFA) rules for world records starts fishing Monday, Aug. 10 through Friday Aug. 14.

Thirty-one teams representing nine countries are headed to Kona to fish in the 56th running of the HIBT. The field anglers looking very International with teams from Australia, China, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Vanuatu and the United States including Hawaii all fishing for a chance of capturing the HIBT’s prestigious Governor’s trophy.

Starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday, boats line up across Kailua Bay, returning to the Kailua Pier at 4:30 p.m. Spectators will see plenty of scoreboard action as teams weigh in at the end of the day, putting valuable points on the scoreboard.

HIBT event headquarters, retail and tournament control will once again be anchored at Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, located adjacent to Kailua Pier.

— Find out more:
www.hibtfishing.com