Behold! Second annual Honoka‘a Renaissance Faire is this weekend

Calling all lords and ladies, gypsies and witches, jesters and knights, fairies and elves, pirates and princesses. Whether you’re royalty or not, there will be a fun time had by all this weekend in Honoka‘a.

Behold! The Honoka‘a Renaissance Faire, presented in all its medieval glory by the Honoka‘a Business Association, returns for a second year and everyone on the Big Island is invited to the festivities.

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 11, the entire community will be transformed into a Renaissance realm. The main action will be at the Honoka‘a Sports Complex, located at 45-541 Akia St., with various villages throughout town also offering activities and shopping opportunities.

The faire is free to attend.

Discover unique and magical gifts and find fine clothing, jewelry and accessories to accent your attire. Hand-blown glass, ceramics, woven wares and crystal creations also will be available if you’re looking for something new — or old — to adorn your home. Then there are soaps, salves and herbal blends to keep you smelling grand and feeling good.

Tarot readings and aura photography might offer insights and memorable experiences.

If you’re hungry, follow your nose to the Kaukau Caravan food truck alley to feast on a smorgasbord of flavors from around the Big Island and the world. Sweet treats to savory meals, with meat and vegetarian options, will fill bellies. Wash it down with mead, ale or non-alcoholic drinks.

You can test your mettle in the Valhalla Arena, overflowing with engaging physical activities throughout the day to challenge and educate faire-goers with medieval martial arts lessons, mock battles and various other games of skill. Join local dungeon masters to save the day on action-packed dragon-hunting quests in the Dungeons & Dragons tent.

For those weary of battle, relax and assemble flower crowns, visit a photo booth, toss a few tomatoes, catapult frogs or just LARP (live-action role play) the day away.

There also will be live performances throughout the day. Bring blankets and chairs to take a break in the grass and see all the sights. The performance lineup, which begins at 11 a.m. with the opening ceremony, includes Irish dancers, fencing, circus acts, musicians, epic stories and a devilish fire show to delight your senses.

An online silent auction also is planned to raise funds for future faires. The auction begins at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 and ends at 11 p.m. Nov. 25. It includes rare and coveted items, locally made products, glamorous stays and more. Text “Honokaa” to 56651 or click here to register.

Keiki can get in on all the fun, too, by listening to a storyteller under a tree, finding an animal to hold, painting their own sword and shield, playing fun games or going wild in a bouncy castle.

So don your best medieval, Renaissance or fantasy garb — the more creative and colorful the better — or come as the lords and ladies you already are and partake in all the fun. Maps and schedules will be available via QR code flyers around town to plan your day around all the events.

Donations and contributions for the event are being accepted. To make a financial contribution, Venmo to @honokaabusinessassociation.

For more information or any questions, email [email protected].