Big Island Marlin Tournament

Dates: August 24 – 28, 2026

The event that started it all in 1987, the Big Island Marlin Tournament was the first high-stakes, big-game tournament in Hawaii to pay a cash purse. It was also the first to pay cash for tag and release. With a base entry that pays the top three largest marlin, and optionals for both points and size each day, there is plenty to compete for in this historic event.

Schedule

Monday August 24
4-7:30 PM:
Final registration, Happy Hour, and Captains’ Meeting at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club

Tuesday 8/25, Wednesday 8/26, & Thursday 8/27
6:30-7 AM: Visual check out North Side of Fuel Dock
7 AM: Shotgun Start
4 PM: Lines Out
6 PM: All boats inside Honokohau Marina
6:30 PM: Deadline for release video submissions (see below for exceptions)

Friday, August 28
(in conjunction w/the It’s A Wrap Registration)
4 PM: It’s A Wrap Registration open for the next tournament
5 PM: Live Music, Party, and Dinner at Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club
6:30 PM – Big Island Marlin Tournament Awards Presentation & Raffle Drawings
7:15 PM – It’s A Wrap Captain’s Meeting

Tournament Registration

To register, select your preferred method of payment then download and complete the necessary forms listed below. Mahalo.

To pay with a credit card:

Click the blue “Buy Now” button below:
$2,781.00

To pay with cash or check:

Download a paper entry form
Make checks payable to Bonnier LLC

ALL entries (both online and paper) require Team Entry Forms, as well as two Liability Waivers.

Tournament Rules

All HMTS Tournaments abide by the International Game Fish Association’s International Angling Rules. Additional HMTS General Rules and specific Big Island Marlin Tournament Rules also apply.