Aaron and Stephanie Burkert grow giant pumpkins in their field off Polipoli Road in Keokea.

The largest of this year's crop is expected to tip the scales at 337 pounds, 341 pounds, and the largest one about 465 pounds, The Maui News reported today.

Whichever they drop off as this year's entry at the Maui County Fair on Thursday, they know it won't top their state-record 762-pound pumpkin from last year, but they say there are more huge pumpkins in their future.

"I'm bound and determined to grow one that's a thousand pounds," Aaron said. "I tried some new things this year. Next year I think I'll have a good shot at it."

The Burkerts say they will be giving away seeds at this year's fair and will be encouraging other farmers and gardeners to give it a try. They welcome competition.

The pumpkins are a variety called Atlantic Giant.

The seeds, which are from thousand-pound Mainland pumpkins, were planted in mid-April.