Full Time and Part Time Postions availableOur 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 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 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
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.