Tribute to Peter S. Fithian (1928–2025)
Visionary, Conservationist, Entrepreneur, and Embodiment of the Aloha Spirit
Peter S. Fithian, a pivotal figure in shaping Hawaii's tourism and sportfishing, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, at age 96, with his wife and partner, Roberta, by his side.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Peter's connection to Hawaii began during a 1948 Navy training cruise, leading him to earn a Hotel Administration degree from Cornell in 1951 and later serve in the U.S. Navy. He moved to Hawaii in 1955 to manage the historic Kona Inn, after managing the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club.
In 1959, coinciding with Hawaii's statehood, Peter launched two transformative ventures: Greeters of Hawaii, which formalized the iconic "Aloha" lei greeting inspired by his time with Henry Kaiser, and the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT). These initiatives significantly enhanced Hawaii's global image.
HIBT, modeled after elite sporting events, gained international prestige under Peter's leadership. Notably, decades before it became common practice, Peter integrated conservation by partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for data collection and billfish tagging. This commitment led to the International Billfish Symposium (1972) and the founding of the Pacific Ocean Research Foundation (PORF) in 1975, bridging sport, science, and sustainability.
In 2009, he co-launched the Great Marlin Race with Dr. Barbara Block, which evolved into the global IGFA Great Marlin Race, a major billfish citizen science project.
Peter's influence extended to retail. His advice to fellow Cornell alumnus Bob Miller led to the establishment of Duty-Free Shoppers (DFS). In recognition, DFS endowed a scholarship in his name at the University of Hawaii's travel industry management school.
A driving force in tourism, Peter served on numerous Hawaii Visitors Bureau committees, including as chairman (1969-71), significantly contributing to Hawaii's global recognition. He also served on boards like the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council and the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), earning accolades including induction into the IGFA Hall of Fame (2017) and the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame (2018).
Peter was a unique blend of entrepreneur, conservationist, and cultural ambassador. His legacy lives on in the Aloha spirit, marine research, and responsible angling practices.
Remembered as a loving husband, father to Peter Jr. and Marsha, grandfather to Elizabeth and Jordan Siliato, and mentor, Peter's spirit of generosity and aloha endures.
Aloha, Peter. Your vision shaped how we greet the world, fish responsibly, and live purposefully. Mahalo for your lasting impact.