Black Onyx: A Unique Entertainment Experience in Downtown Hilo
IAt their soft-opening with DJ-Croy spinning beautifully curated dance music throughout the night. People started trickling in and the night got dancy. It’s definitely the perfect place if you’re looking for that late-night hang with the gang. But wait! There’s more surprises from Jazzy, the owner of this new hot spot.
Who's Running Onyx?
This world traveler felt the island’s vibrant energy, along with its sense of community, and it inspired Jazzy to call Hilo her home for the past two years. She’s passionate about community engagement and loves meeting new people, learning their diverse perspectives, and gaining insights on life.
The inception of Black Onyx began a year and a half ago through Jazzy’s love for nightlife karaoke and hookah. What was once an intimate gathering at her home, complete with hookah and crafted cocktails, has transformed into a larger-scale operation where new friends can enjoy that same ambiance. She wanted to create an environment that was comfortable and welcoming for all. The business was named after a stone which is known for its ability to reverse negative energy, with visions of patrons leaving the Onyx feeling rejuvenated and encouraged. The lounge is designed with an all-black aesthetic-furniture, ceiling and flooring; it represents a sleek, sophisticated, where one feels like they found the hub for late-night hangs.
Their Niche:
While the Onyx is a hookah lounge, they offer an array of experiences, including themed nights and private parties. They provide free hookah sessions and complimentary cake for birthdays, offering special VIP sections for friends and family in a vibrant atmosphere. The entertainment at the Onyx is diverse, with live performances, DJs, karaoke, open mic, comedy shows, and professional dance shows, to name a few. They highlight various music genres, from EDM to Latin, jazz, and many more. There’s always an exciting line-up at the Onyx.
Themed nights play a vital role in the company’s overall vision. For example, their hookah paint-and-sip night and their jersey night were huge hits. On jersey night, folks walked into the lounge repping their favorite team gear, which got them in for free. Themed nights give patrons a reason and purpose to attend with intention.
Toys For Tots Initiative
Jazzy is committed to giving back to Hilo through their Toys for Tots initiative. They accepted new toys for the holidays in exchange for lounge entry and even hosted a free concert on December 20th, with toys distributed based on gender-appropriate color coding. Parents registered online 48 hours prior to ensure no child leaves without a toy. Serving children aged 3-13, The Onyx made the holiday season a particularly blessed Christmas for families in need.
When asked about their community engagement, Jazzy said, “Our current revenue is dedicated to enhancing our establishment with ADA-compliant projects, including a spacious bathroom renovation and a planned wheelchair lift. Our goal is to improve accessibility for all patrons, ensuring a positive downtown experience. I am deeply committed to community involvement, showing daily aloha to everyone passing by, saving recyclables for those who collect them, and paying for honest work on ongoing small projects.”
Final Words:
“I can’t wait to see how much we can achieve in the community! We’re all about bringing people together for shared, memorable moments while inspiring people to dream and live their best lives. Let’s keep the good vibes going and find creative ways to support our local community through giving, gifting, and creating new career opportunities. Together, we’ll make a difference!”
The Onyx has a website and an Instagram, follow them for future exciting events in town!
They are located on Bayfront, along Kilauea Avenue: 202 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo HI 96720
