If you want to punctuate all your Big Island adventures with frozen treats to remember, scoot on over to Gypsea Gelato. A true Kailua-Kona favorite, this eatery goes big on the flavor by handcrafting gelato using organic local ingredients. They keep all their staple flavors on hand day after day and then add their rotating flavors to the mix to keep things fresh. On top of that, they make killer reduced sugar and dairy-free varieties you must try to believe.
Not in the mood for gelato? That’s okay, too. Get their sorbet or a milkshake instead. Or you can just stop in for a cup of 100% Kona coffee made using beans from Makapueo Farms. But if you go that route, definitely add a pastry baked up fresh each day by Kona Sweets Bakery. The sky is the limit in what items you pair together to create your perfect midday pick-me-up.
Before you decide, you’ll want to walk into the shop and simply take it all in. They line up their fresh-made gelato in their freezer case, showcasing all their fun and artistic embellishments along top. Depending on the flavor, you might see strawberries covered in chocolate drizzle, cookie crumbles, or candy bits galore. Each one has a cute handwritten sign poking out the top of the gelato, too, so you instantly know just what you want to get.
If you end up going with the gelato, you don’t just need to decide on a flavor. You also have to pick a container size. They have mini to extra-large cups plus a full pint if you want to take it back to the hotel for later. If you want to live on the wild side, you can go with a sugar or waffle cone instead. All these vessels work just as well for their sorbet, too, if you want to go that route.
Once you’ve settled on your selections, just let the team know what you want, and then watch in awe as they get it ready for your pure enjoyment. After that, you’ll likely want to hit the road. They do have a couple of tiny tables inside to sit at, but they’re often full. The bench outside is equally occupied from open to close. Thankfully, you can just walk around town for a bit while savoring your selections.
Improve your day with their:
Mauka Trail Gelato
The Mauka Trail Gelato highlights the classic chocolate and coffee pairing to tantalize your tastebuds from the very first lick. This staple flavor starts with a chocolate base and then gets hit with coffee goodness. After that, they drizzle chocolate all over and sprinkle macadamia nuts on top.
Pele’s Kiss Gelato
Do you absolutely adore chocolate with a spicy kick? If so, you need Pele’s Kiss Gelato in your life. This rotating flavor takes rich chocolate to the next level with a kick of cinnamon. Then, that’s followed by Hawaiian Hot Chili Pepper to fire it up even more.
Dragonfruit White Pineapple Sorbet
To go on a fantastic island flavor journey, treat yourself to the Dragonfruit White Pineapple Sorbet. Always naturally dairy-free, this sorbet starts with sweet and sour local pineapple. Then, even more sweetness comes into the picture thanks to the ultra-tasty dragonfruit addition.
Their pastries rotate out on a daily, depending on what the bakery has in stock. At any given time, you can find Tropical Macnut Pineapple Carrot Cake, Chocolate Eclairs, and even Cannoli. Whenever you see the Macadamia Nut Cream Puffs available, snatch them up lickety-split. You’ll definitely want to savor the perfect balance of creaminess and nuttiness in every bite. Plus, they work perfectly for an on-the-go snack during all your island adventures.
Insider Tips:
-Visit this little shop early in your trip just in case you fall in love. That way, you can come back again and again whenever the cravings start in earnest.
-They do not have their own parking area. Use the lot for the Coconut Grove marketplace, and then walk around to get your gelato and other treats.
-Can’t decide between a milkshake and coffee? Ask them to combine the two to create a shake to remember.