Aloun Pumpkin Fest Full Of Fun

The great West Oahu pumpkin patch is open to visitors this weekend and next at Aloun Farms, with plenty of fun and farm tours in the tropical autumn mix.

The farm’s 13th annual Pumpkin Festival opened Oct. 12 and 13 and will continue from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday and Oct. 26 and 27 at 91-1440 Farrington Hwy. in Kapolei.

Pony rides, tractor-pulled hayrides (free this year), farm-style food, live entertainment, picture booths, games and pumpkin picking are in store for families for a $2 admission fee, with keiki age 2 and younger admitted free. The farm’s self-pick feature includes Ewa sweet corn, sunflowers, kabocha, string beans and more than a dozen varieties of pumpkins of all sizes. Price is based on size.

Hawaii Foodbank will man a collection tent at the festival, welcoming all donations of nonperishable food. Donors receive a free mini-pumpkin or colorful gourd.

The farm also offers weekday educational tours this month, which are limited and must be booked in advance for $6.50 each (15 person minimum per tour). Call Mike at 677-9516.

In conjunction with the Pumpkin Festival, special off-site Plant to Product tours of nearby farms and processing centers are planned for Oct. 26 and sponsored by the nonprofit Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council.

Tickets are available for three tours: HARC Research Farm; Manulele Distillers and Kunia Country Farms; and Oils of Aloha and Pa’ina Irradiator. The three-hour tours depart by bus from Aloun Farms at about 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fee is $28 each (including Aloun Farm admission). Each tour comes with a “goody bag” of products and souvenirs. Reservations must be made by Oct. 25 to 622-9026 or visit https://plants2products-eac2.eventbrite.com.