HR Specialist

Hawaiian Host Group

Honolulu, United States

October 31, 2025

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HR Specialist

Honolulu, HI
Talent Management /
On-site
Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.

Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.   

We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.

That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!

POSITION SUMMARY:  The HR Specialist is responsible for various tasks within the HR department and focuses on specific tasks or roles such as onboarding, benefits, leave administration, compensation, compliance, training, workplace safety, and customer service for employees.  The duties also include answering general employee questions, data entry into payroll and HR systems, and administering health benefit plans.  The HR Specialist communicates with all levels of personnel and alerts Sr. Director of Talent Management to any issues that require immediate attention.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Interacts with all applicants and employees in a pleasant and professional manner.
    • Answers and assists employees with HR related questions, such as benefits, leaves, payroll, retirement plans, Company policies and procedures, etc. in a timely manner. 
    • Conducts new hire orientations, including compiling health and welfare packets, COBRA information, etc.
    • Coordinates and administers employee health benefit plans on a timely basis to allow proper enrollment into company vendors and benefit systems.
    • Coordinates compensation and benefits activities.
    • Assists with reconciling and processes TM-related invoices. 
    • Assists and facilitates benefit open enrollment meetings, prepares materials and communication, etc.
    • Handles leave administration duties for TDI, WC, FMLA, HFLL, etc., benefit deductions, vacation and sick leave taken, leave/time off requests, etc.
    • Administers with accuracy and timeliness the timekeeping and payroll data systems for new hires, terminations and employee updates/changes, etc.
    • Assists with production of HRIS reports, including sick and vacation liability reports.
    • Assists with maintaining and/or improving policies, procedures and programs; including SOPs and training participants.
    • Provides administrative support in the preparation of correspondence, reports, schedules, confidential materials and various employee issues.
    • Maintains proper security for employee files, implements and maintains accurate/timely filing system.  Follows privacy procedures at all times.
    • Serves as custodian of all employee records, both soft and hard copy files.
    • Maintains security access and data base for badge access system.
    • Assists with Company-wide meetings and HR events.
    • Ensures payroll and HR information is kept confidential.
    • Seeks and attains knowledge of HR laws and regulations.
    • Performs back-up for others in the HR Department.  

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

    • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Human Resources or related field; or equivalent experience in Human Resources.
    • 1 – 3 years of related human resources experience.
    • Customer service-oriented with excellent communication (both verbal and written) and good listening skills.
    • Ability to establish and build key relationships to collaborate and work effectively at all levels.
    • Solid understanding of the workings of HR and great sense of business acumen.
    • Proficient math skills and proficiency with computer applications such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
    • Produces accurate work, with attention to details; a sense of urgency; and ability to handle multiple priorities.
    • Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work to consistently meet due dates.
    • Ability to maintain confidential information in a professional manner.
    • General knowledge of both state and federal employment laws.
    • Solid team player; good at multitasking and strong problem-solving skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

    • Sitting for extended periods, often during meetings or computer work.
    • Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
    • Ability to work longer hours, including nights and weekends as needed.
    • Standing and walking during work, meetings, events, presentations, or while on market visits.
    • Regular use of hands/fingers to operate computers, telephones, and standard office equipment.
    • Close visual acuity for analyzing data, viewing a computer screen, and preparing presentations/ reports.
    • Hearing and speaking clearly in person, over the phone, and when giving presentations.
    • Occasional lifting or carrying of materials (such as product, promotional items, or equipment) up to 25 pounds.
    • Reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching when handling files or work materials.
    • May be required to travel via airplane, automobile, or other modes of transportation to execute job duties. 

      • NOTE: This job description is not intended to cover or contain a complete listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

      Hawaiian Host is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
$60,000 - $75,000 a year
Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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