Swell Server (On-Call)
Company : Highgate
Location : Honolulu, HI, 96815
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in U.S. gateway markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a rapidly expanding presence in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate’s portfolio of global properties represents an aggregate asset value exceeding $20B and generates over $5B in cumulative revenues. The company provides expert guidance through all stages of the hospitality property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate also has the creativity and bandwidth to develop bespoke hotel brands and utilizes industry-leading proprietary revenue management tools that identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive out performance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the industry’s most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, New York, Dallas, and Seattle.
Location
The all-new, vibrant ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Every space has been envisioned by award-winning design firm, Rockwell Group. Fresh, welcoming and relaxing, it’s an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Waikiki.
Experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. Coming soon, the destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it’s where Hawaii vacations turn moments into memories.
Our resort is proudly named in honor of Queen Lili‘uokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Beloved by her people, she was a music composer, an author and an ardent supporter of her culture. Her spirit is infused into the resort, which shares the same privileged location as her beachside home Ke‘alohilani, meaning the royal brightness. Welcome to a fresh perspective on resorts in Waikiki. ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.
Overview
The Swell Server (On-Call) is responsible for providing the highest quality of service to guests in an attentive, courteous, and efficient manner. He/she is also responsible for receiving and delivering guests orders and collecting payment.
Responsibilities
- Be familiar with the organization of the Restaurant(s), lounges, and Room Service and know the function of each job position.
- Have a thorough knowledge of menus and current specials in applicable outlets.
- Service guests with all food and beverage requirements in an attentive, courteous, and efficient manner.
- Pre-bus all tables removing soiled dishes after each course.
- Be familiar with the operation of the P.O.S system.
- Perform cashiering functions by closing checks and preparing end of shift paperwork.
- Perform opening and closing procedures and side-work duties according to station rotation assignment and established checklist.
- Ensure that tables and side stands are kept stocked, tidy and clean.
- Keep all beverages at least ¾ full (coffee, tea, soda, water, and lemonade).
- Breakdown trays of soiled dishes and linen in the dishroom according to established standards.
- Consistently upsell food, beverage and promotional items to guests.
- Receive and deliver food and beverage orders and collect payment.
- Ensure overall guest satisfaction.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Medium work-Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand during entire shift.
- Must be able to maneuver throughout the dining area while carrying full trays of food & beverages.
- Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
- Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
- Maintain a friendly and warm demeanor at all times.
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Frequently asked questions
Honolulu's vibrant tourism industry creates a steady demand for skilled servers, especially on-call roles like swell servers. However, competition remains moderate due to the influx of seasonal workers and locals, so showcasing flexibility and familiarity with local dining customs can significantly improve your chances.
Yes, serving in Waikiki demands adaptability to high guest turnover, often influenced by tourist seasons. On-call servers must be ready for variable shifts and multitasking in a luxury environment, differing from mainland roles where service pace and customer demographics might be more stable.
Daily tasks include promptly attending to guest orders with courtesy, managing multiple tables efficiently, operating POS systems, and ensuring beverage levels remain replenished. On-call servers also assist in side-work duties and uphold cleanliness standards to maintain a premium guest experience.
Swell servers excel in rapid adaptability due to unpredictable schedules, strong multitasking, and thorough menu knowledge. They must maintain composure during busy hours, efficiently handle payment processing, and deliver attentive service that aligns with luxury resort expectations.
Highgate's status as a premier hospitality manager raises the bar for service quality. Swell servers here must embody professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and proactive guest engagement to reflect the company’s commitment to upscale, seamless hospitality experiences.
Beyond dynamic shift flexibility, Highgate provides exposure to a global hospitality network, advanced revenue management tools, and upscale guest interactions, enabling on-call servers to build versatile skills and potentially advance within a leading international hotel management firm.
On-call swell server positions in Honolulu typically offer hourly wages between $15 to $20, influenced by experience and shift timing. Given Hawaii’s hospitality market, tips often supplement base pay, making the role financially appealing for flexible, service-oriented individuals.
While not mandatory, certifications such as Food Handler’s Permits or Alcohol Awareness credentials can improve job prospects. Employers in Honolulu often favor candidates familiar with local health and safety regulations, as these credentials reflect professionalism and compliance.
The role requires standing for entire shifts, carrying trays with food and beverages, and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Servers must maintain stamina and agility to navigate busy dining areas while delivering attentive guest service consistently.
Tourism peaks lead to increased demand for on-call servers, resulting in more frequent and varied shifts during high seasons. Conversely, off-peak periods may reduce hours, requiring servers to remain flexible and ready for sudden schedule changes aligned with guest volume.