Step into Downtown Hilo’s biggest annual street celebration, where the entire historic district transforms into a stylish sea of black‑and‑white. On the first Friday of every November (5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, with late‑night after‑parties), more than 50 local boutiques, galleries, cafés, and museums throw open their doors for an evening of live music, pop‑up art, and irresistible shopping specials.

What to Expect

Live stages on every block – island bands, jazz combos, and DJs keep Kalākaua & Keawe Streets dancing all night. In recent editions, the East Hawaiʻi Jazz & Blues All‑Stars and county band ensembles have headlined.

Night‑market vibes – food trucks, craft vendors, and street performers line the sidewalks, turning the event into a roaming feast and arts fair.

Dress‑to‑impress tradition – secret judges hand out prizes for the most creative monochrome outfits, so break out your tuxes, muʻumuʻu, or masquerade masks (the 2024 theme was “Black‑&‑White Masquerade”).

Treasure‑Hunt challenge – pick up the official map, collect stamps from 25+ participants, and enter to win downtown gift bundles worth thousands.

Late‑night after‑party – when the street stages wind down, the crowd drifts to the historic Hilo Palace Theater for the ticketed Jazz‑&‑Blues After‑Party or themed “Jazz & Java” sets (doors 6 pm, music till 10 pm).

Why It Matters

Black & White Night was created by the Downtown Improvement Association (DIA) to spotlight local entrepreneurs, boost night‑time foot traffic, and remind residents how vibrant Hilo can be when we shop, eat, and celebrate together. Over the years it has grown into a multi‑block party that attracts thousands of visitors, generates critical sales for small businesses, and raises funds for future DIA beautification projects.