A Paw-some Night Under the Stars: Tropical Paws 2025!

Last night was nothing short of magical! The 27th Annual Tropical Paws Fundraiser for the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society was a night to remember—an evening filled with delicious bites, wagging tails, and a whole lot of aloha. This year was extra special as we celebrated 60 incredible years of the Humane Society’s dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. And what better place to celebrate than the stunning Four Seasons Hualālai?

This year’s theme was a groovy throwback to the 60s, and let me tell you—everyone leaned in! Bell bottoms, flower crowns, tie-dye, and far-out vibes filled the air. The decor was definitely a blast from the past. One of the biggest highlights was the VW microbus photo booth—because, really, nothing says “peace, love, and rescue” quite like striking a pose in a vintage van with friends.

I had the absolute pleasure of attending as a guest of Beth Thoma Robinson, a fellow Hawai‘i Life colleague, who graciously invited me as a thank-you for helping her out when she needed to be in two places at once for a client. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and I was beyond grateful to be part of such an incredible evening. We weren’t the only Hawai‘i Life agent there—the amazing  Tanya Sunshine was also there, bringing her signature warmth and energy to the event. As I made my way through the evening, I ran into so many real estate agents I’ve worked with over the years. It was a fun and unexpected reunion, and it got me thinking—maybe there’s a special connection between realtors, homes, and our fur family members. After all, finding the perfect home isn’t just about square footage and ocean views—it’s also about creating a space where our pets feel just as safe, loved, and at home as we do.

The silent auction was a big hit as always featuring everything from breathtaking artwork to once-in-a-lifetime excursions, all benefiting the animals in need. There was even a beautiful painting done by yet another Hawai’i Life colleague’s son in law- Jan Nores. And let’s just say… I definitely came away with some amazing things! The best part, knowing that every bid went toward helping animals find their forever homes and get the medical attention that they need,  totally worth it.

Can we talk a little about the food and drinks? Absolutely phenomenal and I would expect nothing less at the Four Seasons. With some of the best local chefs showcasing their culinary skills, every bite was a delicious nod to Hawai‘i’s flavors.

The highlight of the night was the heartwarming presentation honoring the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society’s 60 years of service. Stories of rescued animals, dedicated volunteers, and happy-ever-afters had everyone tearing up—myself included. It was a beautiful reminder of why we were all there: to support these furry friends who deserve all the love in the world.

By the end of the night, my heart (and belly) were full, and I left feeling so grateful to be part of such an incredible community. The Tropical Paws Fundraiser was not just a glamorous event; it was a celebration of compassion, love, and the tireless efforts of the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society.

A huge mahalo to Beth Thomas Robinson for the invitation, to Tanya Sunshine for the laughs, to Guy Hagi and his beautiful wife Kim wife for their incredible energy as emcees and to all the amazing real estate friends who reminded me that a love for homes and a love for pets often go paw-in-hand.

Here’s to 60 years of saving lives—and many more to come! Cheers to our furry ‘ohana!

Did you attend Tropical Paws? Have a favorite moment? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about it!

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