Kua Aina Sandwich

02/20/2008 Posted by hholley01

Yesterday, I visited Kua Aina north shore for lunch with my son, after a day of fun surfing on the north shore. I forgot that they do not accept creidt cards so I walked across the street to the local ATM and got cash. My son and me ordered two 1/2 lb burgers with fries with two large drinks. I was given two medium drinks instead and was told by the sales clerk that the large cups were not in stock. I asked if we could get a refill since we paid for two large drinks and her answer was "no refills." While we were waiting for our order to arrive a few minutes later other customers began showing up and they were given large cups with their orders. I went over the counter clerk to ask why was my son and me given medium cups when other customers were given large cups orders which she said were not in stock. I asked for the manager in charge and waited a minute or two and then I asked her why were we given two medium cups of soda with no refills when we paid for two large cups of sodas and other customers had large cups of soda with their orders. I also asked her why do they not accept credit cards so I could prove that what I paid for exact and accurate, if I was overcharged with no resource to back up my claim. The manager said that it was no problem and she offered me two large drinks instead...And said receipts for orders is only given upon request by the customer. I refused the drinks at this point and was very upset that I was treated unfairly by this establishment and so I requested a full refund for my order. The manager walk over to the cashier and looked over my order and gave me my refund. After leaving this establishment I wondered how Asian tourist who speak very little english may been taken advantage of by this practice with no receipt to back up their claim? The difference between and medium drink and a large drink is 20 cents, a small thing to make a big deal about but what about a 1/4 lb and a 1/2 pound burger between 5 people?

07/25/2007 Posted by olddiner

Great burgers at both locations. HOWEVER!! My family and I went to the Haleiwa location and felt we were unfairly treated. There was a family [local] with several tables placed together. When we placed two tables together for our party [5 in party, two elderly, one of them disabled] we were informed we were not allowed to place tables together. We pointed out the other party had done this but the employees remained firm. We demanded and received a refund and went to Big City Diner in Waipio Gentry. Service was much better/friendly there. I don't think this would have happened if we were a "local" family. I will still patronize the Ward location but will NEVER go back to the or recommend the Haleiwa location....

10/18/2005 Posted by jtsai

We had Teriyaki chicken and mahi mahi sandwitches. Both of them were excellent, especially for mahi mahi one that was very juicy. When I go back to the North Shore, I will try it again. The homemade fries was a little bit too dry for me. You will know what I mean if you had In-N-Out's fries before.

08/03/2005 Posted by joelrwilliams

The drive up the east coast of Oahu is absulutely gorgeous. Stop at some of the North Shore beaches to catch the daredevil surfers. (Tip: bring binoculars, they paddle WAY out!) Must hit Kua Aina before heading back to Honolulu. Get the Mahi-Mahi sandwich or a burger with avacado. Awesome. After eating here we also tried the location in Honolulu. Food was about the same, but the North Shore location has the better vibe.

Pros: Low Cost, Local Feel

07/28/2005 Posted by ace96789

Hey Kua Aina is the bomb. I have visited both the North Shore and the Ward Avenue locations. If you are looking for atmoshpere, clean seating and ambience, then the Ward Avenue location is where you want to go. However, if you want taste (to me), the North Shore location is vastly superior. Maybe its because thats the original location and the grill is seasoned over the years. Or myabe its because I went after going to the beach. All in all Kua Aina is a great place to eat a quality burger. Saying that though, there is a "bigger and better" burger in town. Keep your eyes peeled.

Pros: taste, quality, freshness

Cons: fries are bad

07/20/2005 Posted by wynham

It's a bit of a drive from the Honolulu area, but the food and the atmosphere is definitely worth the drive.

06/15/2005 Posted by coldinalaska

We asked around for the best burger place on the North Shore and everyone we asked said Kua Aina's..... We drove over from Wakiki Beach just for the burger! It was fantastic. Fast and fun......We would recommend to everyone......don't go to the North Shore without stopping here!

Pros: Cheap, Fast, Fun Atmosphere

Cons: Small Sitting Area

03/16/2005 Posted by Muldoon432

Best burgers in the world! Too bad they had to move out of the old place. Even with the move they need more tables!

09/08/2004 Posted by chublake

We tried the Ward Center location. They open at 10:30 and I suggest getting there then - this is a busy place. We had the 1/2 lb. burger topped just the way we like it and the hand cut homemade french fries. Food was great. The only suggestion I have for them is a little smaller bun. Lots of bread in them there buns.... Recommended stop on your trip to Honolulu.

06/27/2004 Posted by mazzy

This is THE place to eat the best hamburgers in the world! I have seen people from all over the world come here, and no one is disappointed. If you're willing to make the trip, Kua Aina's is the place to go for hamburgers!

Pros: Inexpensive, Good service, Great decor