Kua Aina Burger Restaurants in Hawaii

When someone asks me where the best burger place in Hawaii is I always say "Kua Aina". If you get a chance to visit Hawaii ,on the island of Oahu, you must taste this awesome burger! There are two locations of Kua Aina, North Shore in Haleiwa, 66-160 Kamehameha Highway, which has the original restaurant on this island, and at Ward Village Shops,1116 Auahi Street in Honolulu. Its not hard to find, just ask anyone who lives in Hawaii and they will point you in the right direction. Once you get close enough to the restaurant your nose will show you the way!

For many years we have driven by this little restaurant. We didn't consider stoping by until last year. It was a burger place, you can find many burger places in Hawaii we thought. Well what a pleasant surprise! We walked into the tiny restaurant and saw the burgers people were eating. They were huge! We got in line to wait our turn. You take your choices from the menu that hangs above the counter. The charbroiled burgers come in two sizes 1/3 lb. or 1/2 lb. and you get to choose your toppings. My favorite is the 1/3 burger with American cheese, bacon, avocado, lettuce , tomato and mayo. Other toppings available are pineapple, grilled peppers, Ortega Chiles, your choice of cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, Cheddar or Provolone. You can choose the type of bread for your burger too. If you want a bun, order the kaiser roll. If you prefer bread you can choose from multi-grain wheat (my choice) or hearth rye. My burger cost only $8.35. If you consider that it might be enough to share or have for a snack later it was a great deal. If you choose to dine in the restaurant , they have indoor and outdoor seating. Paper towels are on the tables because a napkin just won't be able to catch all the juice that will run down your chin when you take the first bite. Also, ask for a side order of pickles. It goes great with this burger and it's a great price too ~only 25 cents! If you want to take out an order be aware that they charge an additional 10 cents per order. I guess they have to pay for the paper bag!

The menu focuses on the burger but they do have other types of sandwiches available. Mahi Mahi , Grilled Ahi (tuna), Teri Chicken, Pastrami (hot or cold), Roasted Turkey, Roast Beef, Avocado, Tuna, Tuna with Avocado and Grilled Cheese. They also have a small version of the burger for kids. A kiddie burger will cost $3.90. Salads are on the far right of the menu. Most people (me included) never made it past the left side of the menu where the burgers are listed! Salads made of Grilled Chicken, Fish or Tuna Salad, Turkey or simply a tossed green salad. Salad prices range from $3.40 to $6.90.

This is one of the best places to stop after a long day at the beach . The location in Haleiwa (North Shore) has been in business for 20 years. They have even expanded to Japan and Los Angeles. Every time we have gone to get burgers at Kua Aina there is always a long line. You will find local Hawaiians there along side of the tourists. They say you can always tell how good a restaurant is if the locals dine there.

Hungry now? I'll meet you there!