I went to Kua 'Aina on a whim. Was looking for a place to eat, passed by, and thought it looked interesting. First impressions: very tiny - which is not necessarily a bad thing. Cozy can be nice, but when there isn't a free table and you need to wait for one, there is no space to stand or sit and wait without completely hovering over someone's table or being in the way of staff and customers trying to get by. Next impressions: Outside of the food, the Hawaiian ties were subtle - in fact, so subtle, I would have never known. A few pics on the wall of "Hawaii" and a random pic of Tom Selleck from Mangum P.I. (filmed in Hawaii) was about it. I would have expected the music to be a soothing throwback to steel guitars or Hawaiian folk; instead, it was a typical pop station. Not very fitting of a Hawaiian-themed place. Menu: With one exception, I was pleasantly surprised. Nice selection of different food, and was extremely happy to see Mahi Mahi. One of my favorite fish, very hard to find in England, and they had, what ended being a very tasty sandwich. Very happy with the taste (I say taste because I have one issue which I'll address in a bit). My partner had a teriyaki chicken salad; also very tasty. The one thing that wasn't great, were the "Hawaiian" salsa and chips. I quote Hawaiian because it was some of the blandest salsa I've ever had in my life, and all they did was pour a few corn chips on a plate and dump some diced tomatoes mixed with a few things on top and charged me £4.00 for it. Very dissatisfied with that. Price for Portion: It wasn't too bad, considering it was London; however, given the portion size, it was (in my opinion) quite overpriced. My sandwich, although very nice, was just a sandwich with nothing but half a carrot on the side, and cost me almost £9.00. My partner's salad, again, although good, was just over £8.00 and it was quite small. Our "large" fries that we shared would barely constitue as a medium size (set me back £3.50) and, well, I've already covered the chips and (for lack of a better word) salsa. Service: Here's one area I am very touchy about, having successfully trained servers in several restaurants. The girl that served us, seemed a bit inexperienced, but made up for it with her tremendous attitude. She always smiled and couldn't have been nicer. The drinks and food were delivered in a timely manner and she was nearby when we wanted our bill. Overall, liked the food (chips sucked), stoaked they had Mahi Mahi, service was nice, but cramped and very overpriced. Would have been happier if the sandwich was around £5-6 and the salad was around £6-7, and would keep coming back if they were those prices - otherwise, it's unlikely I would eat here often or even on a semi-regular basis. Mahalo Kua 'Aina for some nice food, but Mahalo a'ohe, I won't be coming back unless you drop your prices. read more

I've been to the Kua Aina on the north shore in Oahu and I was blown away to walk by this London location! We of course had to check the authenticity, so I got the same meal I used to get in Hawaii - the mahi mahi with cheese on a bun, add pineapple and avocado. It was just like I remembered - yummy grilled pineapple, perfectly ripe avocado, and great fish. We ordered the sweet potato fries which lasted about 2 seconds. Our toddler loved the pancakes. Affordable, delicious, great location, and they smiled and chatted with us and made us feel welcome - not typical for all restaurants when they see a 2 yr old rolling up. We will def be back! read more

Eat here at your own risk. My friend and I were eating and noticed that there were MICE running around the already very small and cramped restaurant between the tables and the kitchen. When we told the manager all he said was "Oh sorry about that" and walked off. The food was fine, but I don't feel comfortable going back after that experience. read more

I went there recently with a group of friends. We were greeted by an awesome waiter, I can't remember his name but he was very friendly and welcoming. Service was a bit slow to start with but that was fine by me, it was a Friday night and I was catching up with some friends. The food was of good quality, I had the beef and haloumi burger with sweet potato fries and for a drink we shared a pitcher of Sangria. The atmosphere is certainly a winner at this establishment, the service is excellent as is the quality of the food the only draw back would be the portion sizes, slightly too small for my liking. This is a great 'first date' type of venue. I'll definitely be going back. read more

After returning from an amazing two weeks in Hawaii I was hankering for a reminder of my time in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I settled for this little place just off of Carnaby Street. In all honesty, I thought it might not measure up to the tastes I experienced whilst in Honolulu, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was as authentic as it gets in smoky London town. Just good, satisfying food, everything was fresh and delicious how I remember it was in Hawaii. Was such a good place to chill and catch up with a friend, only downside is how small and popular the place is, had to leave our table sooner than I'd like, but I'm definitely going to return back. read more

The last time I came here is was quite disappointed. I've been here a few times and I've always enjoyed my food and would have reacted them 4 and a half but this time my food tasted quite bland and a bit dry. On a plus note the waiters are super friendly and chatty which makes the atmosphere better but after my last experience with the food I doubt I'll be coming here again. read more

Great setting. Beautiful music running in the background. I had the pineapple burger, which was very good. Don't skip the sweet potatoes chips. Absolutely great. Prices are ok but the dishes are kinda small (150 grams burger for 8-9 GBP). Overall tasty, not too pricey, and very fun. Would come back for more! read more

Its is a small restaurant near Carnaby st. With big servings of burgers ith an exquisite garnishings of veggies, staffs are very accomodating. read more

Best burger in London! I've been to the original Kua Aina in Hawaii and this one is just as good. The staff is also tremendously friendly. Love it. read more

I tried to get my Yelp check-in free fries here, but it was a bit of a faff as the manager on duty said that he didn't know about it and had to phone someone else. Was ok in the end tho... Decor is super cool, though we just got take-out. Not loads of veggie options yet, but we got one each of the only choices. Flavour was great but was overloaded with halloumi (not a problem per se, but others might be sad to leave/throw it out)... The potato fries were a bit dry for my taste (I live squidgy chips!) but the sweet potato fries are AMAZING! I can totally see all the love that others have for this place x read more

Ok to be fair, I didn't have any of their signature dishes... It was a Saturday early afternoon, I hadn't had breakfast yet, and I was bummed that I missed their breakfast menu by 12 min... until I noticed they had pancakes on their dessert menu! TADA! I got my breakfast after all. They had several choices of American (erm, Hawaiian) pancakes, but I went with the 3 chocolate chips pancakes (milk, dark, chocolate). It was deeeeelicious. Came with real maple syrup too! And I got a raspberry mango smoothie on the side. Lastly, for the area, GOOD prices! ...I promise I'll be back for the actual main dishes at some point. read more

I have been to this place a few times and have to admit, one of the cool places in London. What's more!? A Hawaiian ambience and tasty big portions, nicely filled beef burgers (from Devon..yum)!! A little pasting of the typical red and green chilly sauces abundantly available in the eatery (if you can't find it, ask, they are nice and sweet bunch of people who wish you with a pleasant smile while you walk into and out of the eatery but not in a forced or creepy way but rather to make sure you have a good time). There is plenty available on the menu including sandwiches and Fish too. Personally i have only had burgers - cheese/hallumi/portobello mushroom/bacon & cheese/avocado all on separate occasion (okay, I know I am a foodie but dont think i can manage all that in one go! But I love challenges and I might try..ha!). The sides, pretty standard - colesaw, olives and fries. Personally, what tops for me is not the normal but their Sweet Potato Fries. They are simply great! Although a two level seating indoors is available, they are not massive on big groups and generally take up to a max of 6 with a bit of waiting (I hope not all wish to relief in the restrooms at once coz they only have one cubical each for M & F :P ) The basement does get warmer in summer but is offset by outdoor seating although not massive since its a slip in from Carnaby street. Final Word: Hungry/want big portions/ good fillings/a relaxed poster draped ambience/Hawaiian pinch/ Oxford circus area - any one of these and go for it. And finally say "Mahalo!" (When you leave..Thanks in Hawaiian). "Cheerio" (When I leave.. Goodbye in English..ha!) read more

Great burger but I did not enjoy the sweet potato fries so I would stick with good old regular ones. Also the seating is a bit cramped on the ground floor with elbows nearly touching at the back between tables. Loved the whole theme and colourful layout of the place. Kind of the opposite to grungy we so cool meat liquor. read more

i came here in a group. i had only read reviews online and had never seen it in person so i thought we might need to book, which we did via open table. it's more of a take away joint so i don't think you really need to do that, and turn around is super quick so you shouldn't have to wait long for a table even if it is busy. the staff in here all seemed nice, friendly and enthusiastic! i think the prices are fair for a restaurant, but perhaps a little steep as a predominantly take away joint. i ordered the mahi sandwich with chillies. it was really good, the ingredients were all fresh and flavourful (although i wish the chillies actually had heat to them!). other orders round the table - rosemary chicken and halloumi sandwich, peppered pastrami and grilled peppers sandwich and an ortega chilli burger. everyone was happy with their sandwiches! we also ordered between us some fries and sweet potato fries. the sweet potatoes were SO GOOD! yummy :) they were super salty so if that's not your thing, bear that in mind. our fries were such a disappointment as they were completely cold. i'm not a complainer so we ate them. if they had been hot i think they would have tasted great! i don't think there's any excuse for giving people fries as cold as that, which is why my review is 3 stars rather than a 4! read more

Took a group of about 6 college students. They were super accommodating, got our orders perfect and the food was pretty good. Well priced and good food! Totally recommend it! read more

Great burgers, great fries and good service. The place is a little bit tiny but there's always room for a table (or the wait is quick).

5 stars for the amazing Mahi Mahi sandwich and sweet potato fries. The service was also good. If you are looking for some Hawaiian inspired sandwiches, this is the place to go. Fair prices too. read more

i would give it 5 stars but the attitude of the help was way above snotty. just because you have a kewl tat does not make you a superstar - just a server k? it would help if they smiled a bit but the attitude can really floor you, especially if you use to frequent the one on north shore as i did. just prepare for yourself for a sourpuss of a a server. food: These are just a few of my favs: Banana & Blueberries pancakes with maple leaf syrup - just like my auntie use to make. Pineapple 1/3 lbs burger - ask for extra napkins for you will need it (or in my case - beg). pass on the sweet potato fries and coleslaw and forget the fancy juices for they are not worth the price. but hey, it's on carnaby which is the only thing going for them right now. read more

Came here today with a friend. Had a classic burger and fries. It was only a 'small' on the menu but it was huge. Excellent burger. Good chargrilled taste and ever so slightly pink in the middle. perfect! will be going back read more

Utterly fantastic burgers (a little simple, so don't be afraid to ask for extra toppings if you want something innovative). I had the best service I've had in years - our waitress was an absolute gem. She gave us fantastic advice, was honest, warm, funny, and incredibly helpful. Even though she did think that my friend and I were on a date, it was pretty funny. And the hard milk shakes were to die for. Highly recommend the rum and coconut shake. read more

The chicken and grilled pineapple sandwich with extra avocado was a fabulous brunch treat. The pancake with sugar lemon was also warm and fluffy. The service could be improved slightly and a better selection of drinks is necessary. read more

Best sandwich I had in London! I ordered a turkey roast with bacon and avocado and a side of bbq sauce! Also got a brilliantly made piña colada! Highly recommend this place! Cool staff and fun atmosphere! read more

Really good breakfast but slow service as there were a lot of people.

I stumbled upon this place by chance when heading to meet a friend at his office near Carnaby St and I suggested we go for something to eat there as I really fancied a burger. UNBELIEVABLE!! Although I had no real frills with my dinner, the burger was perfect, the meat was juicy and had so much flavour. My friend went a little more "out there" and had one of the grilled sandwiches. I think it was called Ahi Steak (I know it was Yellow Fin if this helps anyone), but regardless, it was also sensational. An added bonus was that I was able to wash all this down with a cold beer (Asahi on tap!!!) which simply topped everything off. We didn't have dessert, but I did see the fruit salad coming out for someone else and just wished we had more time. I don't spend as much time in London as I have before but believe me, I will be back to this place to start working my way through the menu. One of the lovely staff who served us also mentioned that they had not been open for very long so well done to all involved. read more

Kua'Aina is a Hawaiian-inspired burger joint just off the iconic Carnaby Street, serving hungry Londoners tasty burgers at reasonable prices. On a nice spring or summer day, the outdoor tables are the place to be, whereas for the colder months, an indoor area is available, although it's incredibly small. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm and quality, and the burgers are pretty good. Not outstanding by any means, but they're better than your average GBK (although these days, what isn't?) Worth a look when you're in the area. read more

A little gem in this area. Not a tourist trap. Had a teriyaki chicken sandwhich with sweet potato fries. Very tasty and good value for money. Nice atmosphere downstairs. Small and cosy. I will return soon for the burger I think. The staff were very friendly and attentive. The first person we asked for the bill soon forgot, but it was not a big deal. It was a little chilly downstairs on cold December evening. read more

I went here last night. Was delicious, staff were very friendly, nice restaurant, changed my normal fries to sweet potato ones having read the reviews and so glad I did! I thought they might be too sweet but they have salt on them too, so really not, burger was v tasty too and didn't even need any sauce. Thanks guys! read more

Best burger in London. No comparison.

Good burgers which can be cooked medium or to taste. Has sweet potato fries which are delicious. A little bit expensive but reasonable for central London. read more

Food was great, portions were huge. I had the salt n pepper squid as a starter and it could have been a main! Staff were friendly and prices reasonable too. The only downside was the place was pretty cramped. read more

I don't know how I missed this place before. I had the grilled chicken teriyaki sandwich and fries. The sandwich was amazing and the fries were alright. Overall a great meal! read more

Went in for a burger Saturday afternoon and ended up getting pancake + bacon and sweet potato fries! the food was fresh and good , reasonably priced quick service, and friendly staff ! will go back again ... maybe for a burger! read more

The pancakes here were awesome and very reasonably priced. My girlfriend said her burger was great and the sweet potato fries were yummy. Also the staff are really nice, so a really good place to go! Try it for yourself! read more

the first in the uk and many more to come read more

Kua 'Aina - Hawaiian Near Me - London, XGL

Excellent experience and really enjoyed the food as well as drinks. I agree with Tim A. as well, the sweet potato chips really are very good! read more