Our high-pressure kitchen depends on our line cooks to efficiently execute our signature ‘ono dishes ranging from traditional Hawaiian items to modern local favorites. Many of our guests have been multi-generational regulars for decades, and we are proud of our role in introducing visitors to Hawaiian cuisine, so expectations are high for consistency and presentation. The ability to prepare a variety of foods at high volume is crucial for this position. Hawai‘i loves to eat, and if you love to make and share food, we are looking for you to join our kitchen crew! Duties include:
- Cooking and preparing a variety of foods on the grill and using other commercial kitchen equipment
- Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces or serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices
- 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
- Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock
- General stocking, cleaning and daily maintenance of kitchen and back-of-house areas
- Assisting co-workers to ensure prompt, high-quality guest service
Company OverviewHighway 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 of 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 a 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, employees are eligible for:
- Employee discounts
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Paid time off
- Temporary disability insurance
- 401K/Profit sharing
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Since 1947. Family-owned and operated. Highway Inn has been serving authentic Hawaiian family recipes to the people of Oahu since the end of the plantation era. Our Waipahu location is just a few blocks from the original Highway Inn location, founded almost 75 years ago. Our Kaka’ako location is in Urban Honolulu and is popular with locals for business lunches and tourists staying in nearby Waikiki. Serving Hawaiian Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, beer, wine and cocktails, open seven days a week. In September 2025, we launched Tutu's Place at the Bishop Museum, and 1950's themed plantation house / retro diner setting, serving coffee and shaved ice along with our traditional Hawaiian fare and some items unique to the cafe.
Featured on the US and Canadian Food Network Channels. We are women-owned and use ocean-friendly packaging.