HIBT is a five-day tournament built on prestige, trophies and strict International Game Fish Association rules for big game fish world records and does not include cash prizes. Since its inception in 1959, the tournament has attracted elite fishing enthusiasts from around the world, spotlighted Kona as a fishing destination and more recently, encouraged fish conservation by implementing its tag and release award program.

HIBT is headquartered at the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort, located adjacent to the Kailua Pier in Historic Kailua Village.