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Cafeteria Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

*** Must Interview IN PERSON - No Relocation Assistance *** Schedule: Monday - Friday (6:00am -2:30pm) *Schedule may vary based on operational needs Work Year: 10.5 Months (off during school holidays and ...

Assistant Cook

Honolulu, HI

$28.92 - $36.15/hr

Pay Range: $28.92-$36.15/hourly compensationAssists in the preparation, cooking and serving of hot and cold food for the restaurants, room service, banquet or cafeteria according to The Kahala Hotel ...

Assistant Cook

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$28.92 - $36.15/hr

Pay Range: $28.92-$36.15/hourly compensation Assists in the preparation, cooking and serving of hot and cold food for the restaurants, room service, banquet or cafeteria according to The Kahala Hotel ...

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Cafeteria information

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How much do cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria in Hawaii is $14.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria worker?

Cafeteria workers are employees who prepare, serve, and sometimes cook food in schools, hospitals, businesses, or other institutions that provide meals. Their responsibilities typically include setting up food stations, maintaining cleanliness, following food safety regulations, and assisting customers with their meal selections. They may also handle cash registers, restock supplies, and clean dining areas to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for patrons. Cafeteria workers play an important role in making sure that nutritious meals are served efficiently and safely.

What are cafeteria jobs?

A cafeteria worker helps provide a dining service for employees or visitors. They may work for a school, hospital, or other organization. There are multiple duties and responsibilities associated with cafeteria work, such as creating a menu, working in the kitchen, serving food, or providing food preparation services. For a cafeteria to be efficient, the people working there have to operate as a team. Other duties of a cafeteria worker include following hygienic practices, cleaning and maintaining equipment, ensuring that condiments and similar items are full and ready for use, and collecting payment.

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

To thrive as a Cafeteria Worker, you typically need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are often required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management skills help you excel in a fast-paced environment. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient, safe food service and a positive dining experience for customers.

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

Cafeteria staff often face challenges such as managing high-volume meal service during peak times, maintaining food safety standards, and coordinating efficiently with team members. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work quickly under pressure are essential for success. Many cafeterias provide ongoing training and foster a collaborative team environment to help staff manage these challenges and ensure a positive experience for both employees and patrons.

What is the difference between Cafeteria vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCafeteriaFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentSchool or institutional cafeteriasRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Industry UsageEducational institutions, corporate cafeteriasFood service industry, hospitality
Job RolePrepare and serve food in a cafeteria settingAssist in food prep, serve customers, maintain cleanliness

While both Cafeteria workers and Food Service Workers operate in food service environments, Cafeteria staff typically work in institutional settings like schools or corporate cafeterias, focusing on serving large groups. Food Service Workers have a broader role across various food establishments, including restaurants and catering services, often involving more diverse responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on their skills and career goals.

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

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Hawaii are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria jobs in Hawaii?

For Cafeteria jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria jobs in Hawaii are:

What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Cafeteria jobs?

Cities in Hawaii with the most Cafeteria job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,078 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Cafeteria Helper - Kalama Intermediate

Hawaii State Department of Education

Makawao, HI • On-site

$4.5K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Hawaii State Department Of Education rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

793rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $4,534.00 Monthly
Location : Kalama Intermediate: 120 Makani Rd, Makawao, HI 96768
Job Type: Various, 12-month
Job Number: 2026-00515P
District / Complex Area: Classified / Maui / BKKM
School / Office: Classified / Kalama Intermediate
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Max Number of Applicants: 50
Description
This posting will be used to fill various Cafeteria Helper positions at the specified location.
Salary Range:
Cafeteria Helper, BC-02: $4,534.00 per month
Examples of Duties
  1. Coordinates and works closely with other food service employees to ensure menu items are prepared in a timely manner to meet meal service times and/or satellite delivery schedule.
  2. Reviews daily production records and secures necessary ingredients/food items and equipment for preparation purposes.
  3. Cleans and prepares fresh fruits and vegetables; prepares simple meal items such as toast, rice, and cereals; assembles items such as salads, sandwiches, and baked goods; and may assist with the preparation of meal items for students with dietary needs.
  4. Portions and packs menu items for satellite feeding.
  5. Sets-up serving counters for meal service, serves students and staff, and replenishes food and other supplementary items as needed.
  6. Washes pots, pans, plates, and other kitchen equipment and utensils; washes dish towels, aprons, caps, etc.
  7. Cleans and maintains work areas, serving counters, dining areas, and washrooms in a neat, clean, sanitary, and orderly manner; thoroughly cleans and sanitizes utensils and equipment after use; and sweeps, scrubs, and mops kitchen and dining room floors.
  8. Properly labels, stores, and/or disposes leftover foods.
  9. Receives provisions ordered, documents product temperature if applicable, and reports discrepancies to School Food Services Manager; dates and stores goods in proper manner and place; records supplies and ingredients used; and assists in completing monthly inventory and maintaining routine records as directed.
  10. Oversees the work of student helper(s) assigned to the school kitchen.
  11. Attends and participates in staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training; achieves the annual minimum required training hours as outlined by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience Requirements: Applicants must possess the ability to read, write, and understand oral and written English, follow oral and written instructions, and perform simple arithmetic. Such abilities may be demonstrated by graduation from high school or work experience which required the cited abilities.
Supplemental Information
Salary: The advertised salary is based on full-time employment and includes shortage and school year differentials, if applicable.
Requirements: Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified. Unless specifically indicated, the required education and experience may not be gained concurrently. Calculation of experience is based on full-time, 40-hour workweeks. Part-time experience is pro-rated. Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours/week is equivalent to six months of experience, not one year. Also, hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be credited. Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours/week is equivalent to one year of experience, not one and a half years.
Temporary Assignment: Claims of Temporary Assignment (TA) experience to meet the minimum qualification requirements must be verified and attached to the application using one of the options below:
  1. A copy of the applicant's TA History Report or equivalent system-generated report;
  2. A signed letter from the applicant's supervisor that includes the applicant's name, his/her TA job title, the TA start and end dates (from mm/yy to mm/yy), his/her specific TA duties performed, and either the TA hours worked per week or total TA hours worked; or,
  3. Copies of the applicant's signed SF-10 Forms.

Documents: Attach all relevant supporting documents to your application. Documents that were attached to applications submitted before November 16, 2023 do not automatically attach or transfer to applications submitted on and after December 16, 2023. All submitted documents become the property of the Hawaii State Department of Education.
Information about Temporary Positions: Temporary positions may be extended year to year, dependent upon funding and departmental needs. Making yourself available for temporary positions increases your employment possibilities and may lead to permanent opportunities. A person hired for a temporary position may also become a temporary employee upon satisfactory completion of the initial probation period of at least six months. Once a temporary employee, you would be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits as afforded to an employee in a permanent position, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force.
Equal Opportunity
The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Payday
New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month.
12-month civil service and SSP employees enjoy a range of competitive benefits:
  • Holidays: You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.
  • Vacation: Employees of Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 13 earn 21 days per year.
  • Sick Leave: Employees of Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 13 earn 21 days per year. Accumulated (unused) credits may be used toward computing retirement benefits.
  • Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.
  • Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
  • Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
  • Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits.
  • Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
  • Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
  • Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
  • Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
  • Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.
  • Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employee's job is excluded from collective bargaining.
The above is intended as a general summary of the benefits offered and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.
01
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:Applicants must possess the ability to read, write and understand oral and written English, follow oral and written instructions, and perform simple arithmetic. Such abilities may be demonstrated by graduation from high school or work experience which required the cited abilities.Check all that apply:
  • I have a high school diploma or GED and/or work experience that required the ability to read, write and understand oral and written English, follow oral and written instructions, and perform simple arithmetic.
  • I have the ability to read, write and understand oral and written English, follow oral and written instructions, and perform simple arithmetic.
  • None of the above.

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