Take a tour through Hawaii's bountiful fisheries industry

“Ahi’s still king” says Kyle Sumner, Wholesale Fish Manager at Hilo Suisan’s receiving dock at the mouth of the Wailoa River in Hilo, Hawaii. Hilo (population 45,000), is the County Seat of Hawaii County, which is also Hawaii Island, known throughout the state as “the Big Island” to avoid confusion with Hawaii State.

Comprising over 4,000 sq/miles (10,400 sq/km) and larger than all the other islands of the Hawaiian archipelago combined and is the largest island of the United States. Hilo is located on the east side, the windward side of Hawaii Island.

Hilo Suisan, founded in 1907 by Japanese Issei Torazu Hayashi, Hitaro Egawa and Kamezo Matsuno, is the largest of seven fish companies on the Big Island, purchasing about 50% of the total island catch.

Kyle Sumner, who was crew chief of the receiving dock back in 2008, the last time IntraFish visited the harbor, told us that 2013 was a busy year at Suisan.

Fisheries

Take a tour through Hawaii's bountiful fisheries industry