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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

May be called upon to assist with catering preparation or cooking * May be called upon to assist with serving duties for restaurant or catering functions Company Overview Highway Inn is an award ...

Cook

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Honolulu, HI

$20 - $23/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Honolulu, HI

$20 - $23/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Honolulu, HI

$20 - $23/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Operate and maintain cooking equipment such as fryers, grills, and ovens. * Assist in inventory management by monitoring and restocking food supplies as needed. * Maintain a thorough knowledge of ...

Operate and maintain cooking equipment such as fryers, grills, and ovens. * Assist in inventory management by monitoring and restocking food supplies as needed. * Maintain a thorough knowledge of ...

Line Cook

Honolulu, HI

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning and maintaining equipment ... A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes.

Line Cook

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning and maintaining equipment ... A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes.

Cook's Helper

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$26.94 - $33.68/hr

May serve food, assist in setting up and breaking down a buffet and in maintaining the kitchen in a clean, orderly manner. Position Requirements Responsibilities: * One(1) to two(2) years cooking ...

Line Cook

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning and maintaining equipment ... A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes.

$27.87/hr

As a Cook at AAH, you will assist in providing our Owners/guests with experiences and events to make memorable vacation memories, where we are empowered to be our best selves. Where great benefits ...

Cook

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$27.87/hr

As a Cook at AAH, you will assist in providing our Owners/guests with experiences and events to make memorable vacation memories, where we are empowered to be our best selves. Where great benefits ...

Operate and maintain cooking equipment such as fryers, grills, and ovens. * Assist in inventory management by monitoring and restocking food supplies as needed. * Maintain a thorough knowledge of ...

Complete required responsibilities in a timely manner * Assist with other kitchen duties as needed Qualifications * Previous cooking experience - all levels of experience will be considered

Showing results 41-60

Cooking Assistant information

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Hawaii? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Prep Cook

Highway Inn

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off

Full Time and Part Time Postions available
Our kitchen depends on our prep crew and cooks to efficiently execute our signature ‘ono dishes ranging from traditional Hawaiian items to modern local favorites. Many of our guests are multi-generational and have been regulars for decades, and we are proud of our role in introducing visitors to Hawaiian cuisine, so expectations are high for consistency and presentation. Flexibility is key for this position, as you may be called upon to prep, cook, serve, or otherwise assist in the kitchen and catering functions. If you enjoy all aspects of preparing and serving food and thrive on the challenge of adapting to various restaurant roles, you’re the right person for our team!
Duties include:
  • Cooking and preparing a variety of foods on the grill and using other commercial kitchen equipment, particularly a speed oven
  • Putting away and returning thoroughly washed and sanitized kitchen items to their proper location within the restaurant.
  • Proper and prompt clearing, cleaning, and restocking of food preparation areas as needed
  • Paying close attention to proper portioning, safe-handling (including cooking and storage temperatures), and presentation standards and inspecting all items to ensure they comply with Highway Inn kitchen protocols
  • General stocking, cleaning and daily maintenance of kitchen and back of house areas
  • Assisting co-workers to ensure prompt, high-quality guest service
  • May be called upon to assist with catering preparation or cooking 
  • May be called upon to assist with serving duties for restaurant or catering functions

Company Overview
Highway Inn is an award-winning 75-year-old, third-generation-owned Hawaiian and local food restaurant. We are proud of the food we serve and the exceptional service we extend to every guest. ‘Ohana and aloha are our core values—many of our employees have been with us for more than 20 years and generations of families have been dining with us since we first opened in 1947.
Qualifications
  • 1 to 2 years cooking experience; preferred experience with Hawaiian food and “Hawai‘i local” dishes
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Strong attendance record
  • Positive attitude
  • Team player who is able to multitask efficiently
  • Able to stand and/or walk continuously for long periods of time, often up to 10 hours a day, in non-temperature-controlled, high-humidity, high-heat environment, working with hot and/or sharp equipment, including steam-emitting equipment
  • Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds with or without assistance
  • Required to follow both oral and written instruction
  • Expected to communicate clearly and efficiently with co-workers and managers

Benefits/Perks
  • Closed on all major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s
  • Based on hours worked, full time employees are eligible for:
    • Employee discounts
    • Comprehensive health insurance
    • Paid time off
    • Temporary disability insurance
    • 401K/Profit sharing