Pet lovers are invited to join Gecko Girlz Shave Ice at Coconut Grove Marketplace (75-5815 Ali‘i Dr., Kona) on Sunday, April 24 from 12 to 4pm for their second annual Happy Tails Pet Adoption Fair & Marketplace. The event will feature a variety of activities including pet adoption fair, pet product marketplace, hourly door prizes, free microchips (limited quantity), and a puppy pie eating contest. 

The event was created as a way to help local animal organizations service the community. Aloha ‘Ilio Rescue will be on-site with dogs available for same-day adoption. To aid Hawai‘i Animal Kuleana Alliance (HAKA) in their efforts to provide assistance to needy pet families, guests are encouraged to bring a donation of dog or cat food to the event. Those who donate or adopt during the event will be entered into a special prize drawing featuring prizes from local businesses and Coconut Grove retailers.

In addition, a local vet is volunteering their time to administer microchips, graciously donated by Gecko Girlz Shave Ice. Microchips will be available on a first come, first served basis – a sign up sheet will be available starting at 12pm, and microchip administration will begin at 1pm. In addition, HAKA will be scanning microchips to allow pet parents to verify their contact information and make changes on-site if needed. It’s important to note that as of January 1, 2022, the state of Hawai‘i requires that all pets be microchipped.

Event details:

• Pet adoptions: Aloha ‘Ilio Rescue and Hawai‘i Animal Kuleana Alliance will be on-site with dogs available for adoption. Anyone adopting a pet during the event will be entered into a special prize drawing.
• Marketplace: Organizations will have pet-themed items available for sale to support their hard work in the community.
• Microchipping: Microchips will be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 1pm. A sign up sheet will be available starting at 12pm. In addition, HAKA will be scanning microchips to allow pet parents to verify their contact information and make changes on-site if needed.
• Puppy pie eating contest: At 1pm, Hawai‘i Island’s hungriest pooches will face off in a pie (whipped cream) eating contest with prizes for the winner and their human! Sign ups will be available at the event from 12-12:45pm.
• Pet food drive: Hawai‘i Animal Kuleana Alliance will be collecting cat and dog food to distribute to community members in need. Anyone donating during the event will be entered into a special prize drawing.
• PRIZES: There will be a variety of ways that participants can win: hourly prize drawings (must be present to win); those making monetary and/or pet food donations will be entered into another prize drawing; those adopting at the event will be entered into a special prize drawing; and those who spend $25 or more at any Coconut Grove retailer (and show their receipt) will be entered into a drawing to win $300 in CG gift cards – stop by the HAKA table for more information.
• Contest announcement: Gecko Girlz Shave Ice will also be announcing the winner of their National Pet Day photo contest – visit the Gecko Girlz Instagram page to find out how to enter!
• Free puppuccinos: These tempting treats for pooches are created with Gecko Girlz’ house-made whipped cream, and of course lots of love. No dog can resist!

Of course, there will be plenty of great treats for humans, too! The Gecko Girlz Shave Ice monthly special for April is the Mac Nut Crunch Salted Caramel Sundae and during the event guests can buy one and get 25% off of the second (either size).

Gecko Girlz Shave Ice is open daily from 12 to 9 p.m. and is located at 75-5809 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Guests can learn more and RSVP on the event’s Facebook page and follow Gecko Girlz Shave Ice on Instagram and Facebook.

Gecko Girlz Shave Ice is home to some of the best shave ice in Hawai‘i thanks to owners’ Jennifer and Larry Rushing’s commitment to fresh, locally-sourced products. Their use of island-grown, hand-selected ingredients allows indulgence to be both healthy and fun while supporting other local businesses. Combine those stellar ingredients with a secret method for preparing extra fluffy ice, and you’ve got a treat that will meet any customers’ sweet cravings. Menu items include shave ice and ice cream with a variety of toppings, as well as fresh-brewed ice teas and flavored lemonades. Find Gecko Girlz Shave Ice at the Coconut Grove Shopping Center, 57-5809 Alii Drive, and online at geckogirlz.com.