Story and Photos by Karen Chamber
On September 20th & 21st 2025, the first Volcano Renaissance Faire took place at the beautiful Pa’ani Ranch in Mountain View. This inaugural Faire brought to life European history spanning the 14th-17th centuries when a rebirth of Greek and Roman cultures, art, and new scientific discoveries occurred. The faire highlighted three major villages: the Kingdom of the Dilly Dally, Makahiki Village, and Pageant of Pyromani. Many local vendors beautifully displayed their wares in alignment with the Renaissance time period. Also included was an online costume contest, European magic, and the creation of an 1800s Hawaiian village. The faire featured local talent, artists, and creators with inclusive games and fun, creative activities. Recycle Hawaii supported the faire; attendees were encouraged to bring refillable water bottles, and their own chairs to show commitment to sustainability. Other supporters were Kailua Pictures, Lo’Ihi Studios, Pa’Ani Ranch, and Pang Boom.
Within the Kingdom of the Dilly Dally, The Fool’s Stage spot-lighted circus acts, comedy, and magic performances that delighted adults and children alike. The crowd reacted with ooohs and ahhs during the acrobatic and gymnastics feats. A huge group watched with rapt attention while these performers captivated the audience. Children. invited to volunteer onstage during the amazing magic acts, joyous joined the performance. As I observed, people of all ages cheered and applauded these courageous gymnasts/actors. I watched a cute young couple in their Renaissance costumes feasting on huge deep-fried turkey drumsticks while watching the show. I was impressed by the incredible acrobats/gymnasts, magicians, and jugglers. Truly incredible athletes. A great example for young people that with hard work and determination, demanding physical acts can be accomplished.
The 1800s Makahiki village was a very authentic creation with Hawaiian warriors throwing spears near their grass huts, hula dancers, villagers, and chiefs/chiefesses, showing the actual Makahiki ceremonies and sporting competitions.
The landscape was pristine–grassy fields and an epic view of the ranch property was breath-taking. Several times throughout the day, I stood gazing at the exquisite natural beauty beyond the Makahiki village. The Cultural Advisor, Kumu Kauila Kawelo, provided wise counsel on the living, sacred traditions of the islands and its people, offering an opportunity to experience pre-colonial life. Truly an important cultural creation to reveal what was happening in Hawaii during the Renaissance.
Vendors
Despite the rainy morning and muddy walkways, the fair-goers radiated joy, sporting their fantastic Renaissance costumes. Such a lovely fun event for families with young children and folks of all ages. The Faire was bustling with clever actors with their British accents shouting their cheers and instructions to the faire-goers. Quite an amusing adventure to experience. Excitement bursting everywhere, I enjoyed viewing and shopping at the many booths with artistic creations–jewelry, crystals, stuffed animals, toys, hair accessories, paintings, local honey, divination readings, photography and portrait sketches. Children guided on horses in their Arthurian costumes reveled in the magic of time travel. As I browsed through the ventor’s booths, I was impressed by the low cost of handmade crafts, photography, and other wares. What a joy to oogle and ahh at the incredible talent and creativity.
The main stage captivated young and old alike with back-to-back performances of the carnival acts; definitely a central gathering place. Covered picnic tables were set up for people to enjoy a variety of lunch possibilities. Even though I rarely eat meat, I resist standing in the long line at The Lava Tavern and Cafe for a deep-fried turkey drumstick, accompanied by macaroni salad. The drumstick tasted like ham with a wonderful smoky flavor. Other options were hot dogs, beef brisket, and hamburgers as well as cotton candy, fudge, brownies, and lemonade.
All-in-all, the Faire was a huge success with over 2500 attending the first ever Volcano Renaissance Faire with both days sold out. What a fantastic opportunity for families and community-building, to join in the great fun of dressing up and celebrating/revisiting an important time period in human history. I was so grateful to witness such artistic folks and talented performers. What an incredible accomplishment and teamwork. The next Volcano Renaissance Faire will likely take place in late September 2026. Check out their website: volcanorenfaire.com so you don’t miss out on the fun. You may also sign up to volunteer for event setup, breakdown, game and wizard stewards, and floating fairy folk! I know next year I’ll be ready with a creative costume to join in the playful experience.
Karyn Chambers
Karyn Chambers taught community college classes--English Composition, Study Skills, Critical Thinking, Philosophy, World Religions, and Biblical Studies for twenty-five years in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. She wrote articles for a local newspaper column Interfaith Voices for seven years. In 1996, she earned a Master’s in Composition and Rhetoric from OSU, and in 2015, a Master’s of Divinity from Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon. She’s an ordained minister and Kundalini Yoga teacher. In addition, she’s a certified hypnotherapist and enjoys working with a variety of clients. Her greatest passion is traveling and experiencing spiritual traditions around the globe. She’s taken several yoga and meditation courses in India. Although she’s technically retired, she teaches seniors Creative Writing: Write Your Life Story in Kea’au and currently at the Kamana Center in Hilo. Her greatest delight is sharing her research and knowledge of world religions and spirituality to promote understanding, peace, and love. She loves living in Puna for its wonderful healing properties.