Hawaii County 2022 Small Business Person of the Year

Timothy James Heaton & Sandra Colleen Heaton of Gypsea Gelato are Hawaii County's 2022 Small Business Persons of the Year.



Gypsea Gelato is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Sandra and Tim Heaton. They produce gelato and sorbet locally in Kealakekua.  The quality ingredients they use for their gelato and sorbets are procured from as nearby as possible and organic when available. 

Gypsea Gelato has steadily grown since it opened in 2014, starting with a 1200-square foot shop and expanding to Kailua-Kona and to the Waikaloa Beach Resort. Gypsea Gelato has won Best of West Hawaii ice cream/gelato for the last five years.

Sales at Gypsea Gelato have increased every year, except in 2020, due to the pandemic. In addition to their 3 locations, they have a mobile kiosk already built.  This 16-foot food truck will be used to sell pre-packaged gelato and sorbet. These expansions have created many jobs in the area, as well as supporting many great charitable causes in the community.