KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, tagged as “the second oldest big game sport fishing event in the world,” returns this summer with two tournaments.

The 61st Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament takes place Aug. 5 through 13 and the Inaugural 4 Flag 30 Pound Billfish Tournament is set for Aug. 2 to 4. The 60th HIBT was held in 2019.

Teams and anglers from around the world are expected to return to Kailua-Kona to once again experience the tradition of marlin fishing for the chance to win the HIBT.

Going hand-in-hand with the tournament, the search for Miss Billfish 2023 is on. The role requires Miss Billfish to take pictures with teams and their catches, as well as appearing at evening functions throughout tournament week. Applicants much be available from Aug. 4 to Aug. 14. The deadline to apply is June 1.

Entry forms and schedules for the two tournaments, plus the Miss Billfish application form, are available on the HIBT website.

Founded by Peter Fithian in 1959, the HIBT has continued to draw fishing enthusiasts from around the world. It launched just two days after Hawaii became a state, and in 1960, opened to women to compete in a one-day preliminary event. In 1963, the practice of scientists joining the tournament started in order to gather data on marlin physiology and natural history. Fithian founded the Pacific Ocean Research Foundation in 1975 to learn more about Pacific blue marlin.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.