Hawaii Beachfront Hotel Hosts 54th Annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament

KAILUA-KONA, HI--(Marketwired - Jul 1, 2013) - Everyone's heard an over-the-top "fish tale" in their time, but at the annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, observers will find the tales to hold plenty of truth. Now in its 54^th year, the iconic big-game fishing tournament returns to Hawaii's Big Island and will once again call the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel home.

From August 3^rd through the 10^th, teams will fish waters off the Kona coast to compete for world records, based on strict rules set by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Setting out on fine sport-fishing vessels and under the guidance of expert captains, each team will catch or tag/release powerful Pacific blue marlin. Given the water's residents, it's possible that a grander, or fish weighing in at more than 1,000 pounds, will be among those caught.

Teams from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Vanuatu and across the US are expected to compete, and each day spectators can head out to Kailua Pier, right next to this Kona beach hotel, to check the scoreboard. Teams weigh in at the end of each day after they return at 4:30pm, but the day starts 7:30am, which is a great time to stop by the pier.

This year's competition will once again be anchored at this hotel near Kealakekua Bay, making it a great choice for sport-fishing fans or families who want a front-row seat to the day's biggest catches. For more information on the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, visit www.hibtfishing.com/.

About the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
At the oceanfront Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, guests can experience the beauty of Hawaii's natural surroundings without sacrificing on the modern amenities they rely on. With white-sand beaches just outside its door, this Kona International Airport hotel welcomes visitors with a state-of-the-art lobby experience. Here, guests can relax, work, mingle or meet with flexible seating areas and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, GoBoard technology offers the latest news, weather and airport information guests need to stay in the know. Minutes from cruise terminals, this Kona hotel is a great place to stop pre- or post-cruise, and offers deals that can help get the most out of a short visit. Choose to take it easy at the hotel's outdoor pool and Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille, or head out to explore the area including Kailua Village, Hulihe'e Palace, Kailua Kona Pier, Honokohau Marina and Kaloko-Honokohau National Park. The fitness center is a great place to stretch after a long flight or cruise. Accommodations are comfortable, spacious and stylish, and feature a flat-screen cable TV, high-speed Internet access, luxurious bed linens, a large desk, refrigerator and coffeemaker with delicious Kona coffee. There's no better destination for a wedding or event than Hawaii, and here planners can choose from 20,000 square feet of event space. For a true taste of the island, don't miss the authentic Polynesian cuisine and live performances at the Island Breeze Luau.