Privately owned and operated by Pacific’o and I’o restaurants in Lahaina, O’o Farm in Kula is aligned with the Hawaii AgriTourism Association.

For the first time ever, Grown on Maui Bus Tours are offered for both locals and visitors to experience Maui agriculture by visiting the farms.

Sponsored by the Hawaii AgriTourism Association, these tours are intended to raise the level of awareness and education for AgriTourism here on Maui.

While farmers and ranchers normally work within commodity (beef, fruit, vegetable, flower) groups, AgriTourism thrives as a regional cross-commodity network of entrepreneurs. Working within this association improves cross-communication among those in agriculture, tourism and culinary endeavors who have a common interest.

AgriTourism is another way to sustain farmers, allowing them to take their traditional agricultural practices and expand that effort into hospitality. Inviting family and friends to farms has occurred for generations.

Visitors may include seniors from the community center, kids from a local elementary school or leisure travelers from all over the world. Everyone seeks an “experience” that is authentic and memorable. People want to know where and how their food is grown.

For more information, go to www.hiagtourism.org or e-mail aklreservations@aklmaui.com to reserve your seat on the Grown on Maui Bus Tour on Friday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $65 per person (the regular price is $130).