Kua Aina Sandwich Shop

01/05/09

Kua Aina is a No-a

by drpelican at Citysearch

After a long day on the beach near Haleiwa I was hungry and looking forward to a great burger. I ordered the 1/2 pound cheeseburger and when asked how I wanted it cooked I requested Medium. So now, I have placed my own order; paid with cash (because they don't take credit/debit cards); and bussed my own table (still dirty from the previous diners). I'm hoping things will improve, but they don't. My 1/2 pound burger is much smaller than the guy at the next table's burger. I go back to the counter and ask if they gave me a 1/3 pounder instead of the 1/2 pounder. They say no. I begrudgingly go back to my table. I am getting ready to "dress" my burger and I notice it is dry and "torched." This was no way a medium cooked burger. It was beyond well-done. As a matter of fact it didn't even look to be freshly cooked--perhaps precooked and re-heated. I go back to the counter again and show them the "torched" burger. They cook me another one. The second burger I get is even smaller than the first and has very little lettuce and tomato (the first one had plenty). The bun on this new burger is dried out. The hamburger this time was slightly less than torched, but still not what I would consider Medium. Honestly I've had better cheeseburgers at a Burger King for far less money. This is one of the few times I've ever sent food back, but at $9 a burger, I expect to be impressed. I've read about another hamburger place on Oahu called Diamond Head Market Grill. You can bet the next time I'm craving a burger, I'll be checking it out. I wish I had gone to Pizza Bob's across the street from Kua Aina. It couldn't possibly have been any worse.

• Cons: credit/debit cards not accepted. Self serve. Clean your own table.

12/21/08

Anything BUT a tourist trap. Excellent EVERYTHING

by cowsareforeating at Citysearch

When you vacation in Hawaii, it's really hard to find good food that doesn't cost 20$ an entree. Kua Aina has sandwiches and burgers in large portions around 7-10$ that will fill you up and their homemade tartar sauce for the Mahi Mahi and Ahi sandwiches will leave you speechless. This place is visited by locals and tourists alike for good reason -- the service is prompt and the food is fresh and delicious. I highly recommend this place for lunch or if you don't care about ambience for your dinner.

Note: There is a location in Honolulu

1200 Ala Moana Blvd # 665

Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 591-9133

• Pros: Food, Service, Value
• Cons: Ambience

11/29/08

Best Burgers in LIFE !

by paprankster at Citysearch

Beyond Best on the Island! I have had the good fortune to eat countless burgers over five decades. Clearly these are consistent in succulant flavor, ample juiciness, and generous portion at either of their two locations. Service is friendly and quick witted. When I appeared recently without cash, the welcoming cashier graciously told me "where to go" to find a nearby cash dispenser.

Fries are tasty and portions are ample. After a visit to Kua Aina, I am usually speechless for hours because my mouth is beyond "broke".

Might break da mouth, but not the wallet. Prices are surprisingly reasonable.

• Pros: Every time, broke da mouth.
• Cons: Difficulty speaking after eating with broken mouth.