1

Graduate Assistant Tourism Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Complete the VIP ROYAL ROAD CUSTOMER'S TOUR REPORT in Japanese, if needed. 25% Assist with Hotel ... High School graduate or equivalent experience. * Possess minimum of six (6)-months customer service ...

Complete the VIP ROYAL ROAD CUSTOMER'S TOUR REPORT in Japanese, if needed. 25% Assist with Hotel ... High School graduate or equivalent experience. * Possess minimum of six (6)-months customer service ...

Graduate Assistant Tourism information

What is a graduate assistant tourism?

Graduate Assistant Tourism positions are roles offered by universities or tourism-related organizations to graduate students, allowing them to gain practical experience while completing their studies. These assistants typically support research, teaching, or administrative functions within tourism and hospitality departments. Duties may include assisting professors with course materials, conducting tourism research, organizing events, and helping with student advising. The position is designed to provide valuable industry exposure and professional development opportunities while also offering financial support, such as stipends or tuition waivers.

What are the typical responsibilities of a graduate assistant in tourism?

As a Graduate Assistant in a Tourism program, you can expect to balance a mix of administrative, academic, and research tasks. Common responsibilities include assisting professors with course materials, coordinating field trips or experiential learning activities, supporting tourism-related research projects, and helping organize departmental events. You may also provide guidance to undergraduate students and collaborate with faculty or industry partners on special projects. This role offers valuable exposure to both the academic and practical sides of tourism, which can help build your professional network and skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate assistant in tourism?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant in Tourism, you need a solid background in tourism management or hospitality, typically gained through undergraduate studies and enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with research methods, data analysis tools, and tourism management systems is often required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively make candidates stand out in academic and administrative tasks. These skills ensure effective support of faculty, facilitate quality research, and contribute to the smooth operation of tourism-related academic programs.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant Tourism vs Tourism Coordinator?

AspectGraduate Assistant TourismTourism Coordinator
Required CredentialsEnrolled in graduate program, relevant courseworkBachelor's degree in tourism, hospitality, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, research projects, university officesPublic or private tourism organizations, events, community outreach
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutionsTourism boards, travel agencies, hospitality companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

In summary, Graduate Assistant Tourism roles are typically academic positions involving research and assisting faculty, requiring enrollment in a graduate program. Tourism Coordinator roles focus on managing tourism activities, marketing, and community engagement, requiring a relevant bachelor's degree. Both roles are integral to the tourism industry but differ mainly in their work environment and responsibilities.

How hard is it to get a graduate assistantship?

Securing a graduate assistantship in tourism typically requires strong academic performance, relevant experience, and competitive application materials. Applicants often need to demonstrate skills in research, communication, and time management, and may be required to interview or meet specific program criteria.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant Tourism jobs in Hawaii?

For Graduate Assistant Tourism jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant Tourism jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant Tourism jobs in Hawaii are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Tourism job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Japanese-Speaking Guide

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Dayforce:  Hawaii-Guide-Guide  [Pay:  $24.00/hour]

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:   Escort individuals or groups, from Japan, on sightseeing tours or to places of interest, such as commercial establishments, public buildings, art galleries or museums, and other visitor attractions.  Provide information that is interesting and educational.  Provide assistance with communicating (translation) with third party establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, technical visits, and site inspections. 

Percentage

Time Spent      Essential Job Functions

   75%         Tour Guiding in Japanese (speaking, reading, writing)

  • Follow set travel itineraries and schedules, cater to special interests and needs of individuals or groups and assist and communicate with Tour Conductor in Japanese.
  • Understand tour details written in Japanese.
  • Complete the VIP ROYAL ROAD CUSTOMER’S TOUR REPORT in Japanese, if needed.

       

   25%         Assist with Hotel Check In/Out, Airport Check In & Dining Reservations

  • Assist customers with communicating with hotel Front Desk staff upon check in / out. 
  •   Guide customers to airline check-in counter for departure flight, and security gate.  Provide direction to boarding gate and explain gate departure time.
  • Assist with reading and understanding restaurant menus and explain how to pay meal bill.
  • Consultation and advice during customers stay in Hawaii.

Other Duties:

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and Experience

  • High School graduate or equivalent experience.
  • Possess minimum of six (6)-months customer service experience or equivalent experience desirable;
  • Possess excellent customer service skills in the hospitality industry.

 

Skills and Knowledge

1.   Possess knowledge of tour industry, tour movements, and arrangements; working knowledge of Hawaii’s tourism infrastructure, and understanding of different countries’ tour characteristics and needs.

2.   Able to effectively and professionally communicate with employees, business partners, and clients in English and Japanese, via written and verbal communication methods.

3.   Able to read tour itinerary in English and Japanese.

4.   Possess basic computer skills and working knowledge of hardware, software applications, such as Word Outlook.

 Working Conditions:

 On-Call status   not regularly scheduled to work; they do not have a set schedule.  Business needs dictate when work is assigned.

Guides who are On-Call status will be allowed to work for a company that competes directly or indirectly with the Company.  Employees must fully disclose plans and obtain written approval from their supervisor or manager.  Outside employment already held must be fully disclosed and authorized by the supervisor or manager.

Casual status - are regularly scheduled to work less than twenty (20) hours per week.  Casual employees are eligible for statutory benefits if requirements are met.

Working Environment

Subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, including air-condition, weather conditions, dust, vehicle exhaust and fumes. 

 

 Physical and Mental Demands:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  1. Able to handle stressful situations and solve problems in a calm, professional manner.
  2. Able to handle multiple tasks.
  3. Constant - requires standing, walking, vision, hearing, eye-hand-foot coordination
  4. Occasional – sitting and stair climbing
  5. Not Applicable – pushing, pulling/lifting/carrying less than 25 pounds, pulling/ lifting/carrying more than 25 pounds, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, stooping, climbing, forward reaching, twisting, side bending, overhead reach, grasping, handling, finger dexterity

Communication Demands

  1. Constant – requires talking to customers, receiving verbal and written instruction, reading, visiting/working at different worksites;
  2. Occasional – requires talking to co-workers and outside trades persons/vendors;
  3. Seldom – requires talking on the telephone;
  4. Not Applicable – written communication to customers/outside trades person/vendors, supervising others, responding to written or verbal requests of vendors, training/giving verbal instructions, writing/composing written language.

***