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Cooking Helper Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Helper

Waimea, HI ยท On-site

$54K/yr

The Kitchen Helper performs routine manual work in the kitchen for meal preparation and serving ... Learn quantity cooking; operate kitchen equipment and appliances; measure food servings and serve ...

Kitchen Helper

Kapaa, HI ยท On-site

$54K/yr

The Kitchen Helper performs routine manual work in the kitchen for meal preparation and serving ... Learn quantity cooking; operate kitchen equipment and appliances; measure food servings and serve ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$18 - $23.44/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper Location: UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO - 55195001 Workdays/shifts : Mornings and ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper Location: UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO - 55195001 Workdays/shifts : Mornings and ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : VARIED WORKDAYS - Specific Shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Mornings - varying days. More details ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper Location: WAI'ALAE ELEMENTARY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL - 87870001 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper Location: UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA - 10230007 Workdays/shifts : Varying ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper Location: UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA - 10230007 Workdays/shifts : Varying ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: VARIED WORKDAYS - Specific Shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Hilo, HI ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Mornings and afternoon/evenings ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper Location: WAI'ALAE ELEMENTARY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL - 87870001 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper Location: UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII MAUI COLLEGE - 43333001 Workdays/shifts : Mornings ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper Location: MID-PACIFIC INSTITUTE - 10365001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$20.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooking Helper information

What is a cooking helper?

Cooking Helpers are kitchen staff who assist chefs and cooks by performing basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often help with setting up workstations, measuring ingredients, and ensuring that all necessary items are available for meal preparation. Cooking Helpers play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations efficient and organized, supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What is the difference between Cooking Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooking HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job training commonNone typically required, on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesCommonly used in hospitality and food service industries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, cleaning, prep work

Both Cooking Helpers and Kitchen Assistants work in similar environments and perform supportive roles in food service. While their responsibilities often overlap, Cooking Helpers typically focus more on assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader support duties, including cleaning and equipment maintenance. Both roles are entry-level and require minimal formal credentials, making them accessible entry points into the culinary industry.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and basic inventory systems are commonly required. Dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills. These skills are important to ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting kitchen operations and maintaining high standards of hygiene.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking helpers in a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Helpers often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and attention to detail are crucial. Common challenges include managing time efficiently, maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple prep tasks, and communicating clearly with chefs and other team members. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, ask for clarification when needed, and prioritize tasks based on kitchen needs. Building strong teamwork skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or kitchen workflow will help you succeed and grow in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Hawaii? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Hawaii are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in Hawaii? For Cooking Helper jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

$54K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

LOCATION: KAUAI VETERANS MEMORIAL HOSP | Dietary
POSITION STATUS: 1.00 | Permanent
SALARY RANGE: BU01 | BC02
SALARY RATE: $54,408.00 (Annual Salary) based on the FTE
JOB DUTIES: This position is located in the Nutritional Services, or Dietary, department of Kaua'i Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH), part of the Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) Kaua'i Region, and a public benefit corporation of the State of Hawai'i. The HHSC Kaua'i Region includes KVMH and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital (SMMH), both designated as critical access hospitals (CAH), along with the Kaua'i Region Clinics and affiliated entities.
The Nutritional Services department plays a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors by providing high quality, nutritious meals tailored to meet diverse Nutritional Services needs and preferences. This department ensures food safety and adheres to all regulatory standards while fostering a culture of excellence in meal preparation, delivery, and nutritional education. In collaboration with healthcare professionals, Nutritional Services develops customized meal plans to support patient recovery and overall health, while also offering Nutritional Services counseling and education to encourage healthy lifestyle choices. By prioritizing quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, the department contributes to the holistic are experience within the facility.
The Kitchen Helper performs routine manual work in the kitchen for meal preparation and serving, cleans kitchen and dining areas, washes and sanitizes kitchen utensils and equipment, and undertakes other assigned duties. This position requires working on weekends, holidays, and evenings.
The position reports to the Hospital Executive Chef, position number 109745, or their designee.
THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE: Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Please note that unless specifically indicated; the required education and experiences may not be gained concurrently. In addition, qualifying work experiences are based on a 40-hour work week.
Experience and Training: None required. Experience in general kitchen work where food is prepared or any equivalent combination of experience and training is preferred.
Licensure: A current, valid State of Hawai'i motor vehicle operator's license type #3 is preferred.
Knowledge of: Preparation of raw and processed food to be cooked; methods, materials, and equipment used in cleaning kitchen equipment, appliances and utensils; kitchen safety and sanitation requirements; personal hygiene.
Ability to: Learn quantity cooking; operate kitchen equipment and appliances; measure food servings and serve food; give and receive oral and written instructions; work cooperatively with others; tolerate kitchen heat and noise; perform heavy lifting, moving, and carrying typical of the class. Work independently and complete all job assignments daily.
ALL CIVIL SERVICE JOB VACANCIES WILL BE POSTED FOR A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) CALENDAR DAYS
The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable state and federal laws relating to employment practices
QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE: Possession of the required amount of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. Overall paid or unpaid experience must have been of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of this position. Provide a detailed description of your duties and responsibilities. If you worked on a part-time basis, indicate the average number of hours worked per week. Please note that experience will be based on a 40-hour workweek. Note: We will not postpone the recruitment process because of your failure to provide accurate and complete information concerning your qualifications.
MERIT OR CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM: You must meet the minimum qualification requirements, including education, experience, other public employment requirements for State Civil Service employment, and HHSC Standards of Fitness. Only those applicants that are scheduled for an interview with the hiring manager will be contacted.
CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be a citizen, national or permanent resident alien of the United States or a non-citizen eligible under the federal law for unrestricted employment and at the time of appointment intend to reside in the State of Hawaii during the course of employment with the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214 and/or other substantiating documents specifying the periods of your service.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet the health and physical requirements deemed necessary to effectively and safely perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is committed to making reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Applicants seeking reasonable accommodations should be ready to discuss the accommodation sought so that a determination can be made that such accommodation is reasonable and would not cause the employer undue hardship.
MEDICAL/PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT: Offers of employment will be contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment physical examination, which includes drug screen and other regulatory medical requirements such as, but not limited to, two-step tuberculosis (TB) screen. The cost for physical examinations, except the cost for drug screening, shall be borne by the applicant and not the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.
CRIMINAL/BACKGROUND, CREDENTIALING CHECKS: Applicable checks will be conducted periodically, and any associated costs may be borne by the applicant. Applicable checks may include, but are not limited to, state and federal criminal history records, child abuse and neglect registry check, adult protective services registry and sex offender registry records, etc. If a job offer is made or employment is begun prior to completion of all applicable checks, any offer of employment or continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory return of all required checks.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION/EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Administrative Review, subsequent appeals: If you do not agree with a decision made by the Employment Office as to your non-qualification or non-selection for a position, you may complete a Request for Administrative Review form (available on the HHSC website) or you may submit a written request within twenty (20) days from the date of your sent notice to the Regional Chief Executive Officer/Designee. Your letter requesting the Administrative Review must include: 1) The job title(s) and recruitment number(s), 2) the specific reason(s) you are requesting the review noting if there is statute or rule violation, and 3) any additional information you want to submit to substantiate your request. If you do not submit your request within the twenty (20) days deadline, no Administrative Review will be conducted. Since the Administrative Review is a prerequisite to subsequent steps, failure to utilize this process will make you ineligible for subsequent appeals. The administrative review, formal complaint and/or appeals hearing will not necessarily postpone the recruitment process and/or rescind a selection. If you do not agree with the Administrative Review, you may file a Formal Compliant and then, if you are still not satisfied, you can appeal to the HHSC Merit Appeals Board.
CONTACT INFORMATION: KAUAI VETERANS MEMORIAL HOSP is located at 4643 Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea, HI 96796. For employment opportunities, please contact KVMH: (808) 338-6133 | SMMH: (808) 823-4145, email: kauaijobs@hhsc.org or visit our website at https://www.hhsc.org/.
Persons with Disabilities may contact the Recruitment Office to discuss special needs in applying at KVMH: (808) 338-6133 | SMMH: (808) 823-4145, kauaijobs@hhsc.org.