THE HISTORY AND PAGEANTRY OF THE HIBT

There are many great features that have made the Hawaii an International Billfish Tournament unique for so many years. The two most incredible facts: The event has been going strong for 60 years, and its original founder—Peter Fithian—remains at the helm. Here’s a look at the rich fabric of this popular international tournament.

FROM THE BEGINNING

In 1955, Fithian arrived in Kona, Hawaii, fresh from his previous job managing the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. He had applied for the position of manager at the famous, historic Kona Inn; with his experience in hotel management, he landed the job.

One of the first interesting sights Fithian noticed once he settled into the new job was that most afternoons out in front of the hotel, a group of men would drag a very large marlin across the lawn and weigh it from a coconut tree.

The other noticeable highlight of this idyllic seaside location was the flat-calm sea, always lapping peacefully on the nearby rocks.

Looking at the smooth sea conditions every day and talking to the local fishermen and