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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Catering Assistant - Cafeteria

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

... Caterer, and Cafeteria Managers to ensure that catering services are provided to Punahou ... Associate's Degree preferred. * ServSafe Certification, or equivalent, is a requirement. * If ...

Cook

Lahaina, HI · On-site

$35.14/hr

Free daily meal and associate cafeteria * Complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea * Monthly and quarterly celebrations and awards * Company branded hats for outdoor associates * Discounted work ...

Cook

Lahaina, HI · On-site

$35.14/hr

Free daily meal and associate cafeteria * Complimentary soft drinks,coffeeand tea * Monthly and quarterly celebrations and awards * Company branded hats for outdoor associates * Discounted work shoes ...

Cook

Lahaina, HI · On-site

$35.14/hr

Benefit Eligibility will vary by position Site Specific Perks Free daily meal and associate cafeteria    Complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea  Monthly and quarterly celebrations and ...

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Cafeteria Associate information

See Hawaii salary details

$14

$17

$21

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Hawaii is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria associate?

Cafeteria Associates are staff members who work in cafeterias, often in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings, to help prepare, serve, and sometimes cook food. They are responsible for ensuring that food is served safely and efficiently, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, handling cash registers or payment systems, and providing customer service to patrons. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of food service in large institutions, and they often work as part of a team under the supervision of a cafeteria manager or supervisor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and proper sanitation procedures is typically required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management abilities help individuals excel in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafeteria Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak meal times, maintaining cleanliness under tight schedules, and addressing diverse dietary needs. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help in prioritizing tasks and ensuring smooth service. Additionally, being adaptable and following established food safety protocols are essential for delivering quality meals and a positive dining experience.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCafeteria AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, cafeterias in institutionsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, school districtsRestaurants, catering companies, institutional food services
Job DutiesServing students, cashiering, food prep, cleaningPreparing and serving food, cleaning, customer service

Both roles involve food service in institutional settings, often requiring similar certifications and skills. However, Cafeteria Associates primarily work in school environments serving students, while Food Service Workers may work in a broader range of food service settings like restaurants and catering. The core responsibilities overlap, but the work environment and specific duties differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Hawaii?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Hawaii are:

What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities in Hawaii with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,266 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Catering Assistant - Cafeteria

Punahou School

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Punahou School is currently seeking a Full Time Temporary Catering Assistant who will work closely with the Lead Caterer, and Cafeteria Managers to ensure that catering services are provided to Punahou departments in a cost-effective, efficient manner in support of school programs and requirements. They are responsible for performing the day-to-day activities of an on-campus function that serves 1,000+ people per week. They are also responsible for helping to prepare various cooked food items, assisting with the ordering and scheduling process, and overseeing the equipment repair and inventory. They will also coordinate with the Inventory Manager to order ingredients as needed.
Position Details:
  • Work Year: 12 Months
  • School Year: 2026-2027
  • Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Schedule may vary based on operational needs

Minimum Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED).
  • Associate's Degree preferred.
  • ServSafe Certification, or equivalent, is a requirement.
    • If incumbent does not have this certification coming into the position, he/she will be required to obtain the certification within six (6) months from entering into the job.
  • Two (2) years of experience in food preparation, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Working knowledge of relational databases, the suse of email and other communication applications, productivity tooks and software including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel required.