Restaurants Where Event Managers Make the Most Money at in Honolulu, HI: Key Takeaways
- The average wage for Event Managers in Honolulu is about $35 per hour.
- Event Managers’ tips are generally low or non-existent compared to front-of-house positions, but high-end venues offer competitive base salaries.
- Chef Mavro, Alan Wong's Honolulu, Roy's Hawaii Kai, La Mer, and MW Restaurant are among the top-paying establishments for Event Managers in Honolulu.
Event Managers in Honolulu can expect competitive hourly wages, especially in upscale restaurants known for hosting significant events and private functions.
This article breaks down which restaurants pay well for the Event Manager role and what factors influence these earnings in Honolulu.
For those looking to improve their hiring process, check out our guide on restaurant staff hiring to attract the best candidates efficiently.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Managers in Honolulu
Honolulu’s restaurant scene includes several upscale establishments where Event Managers can earn competitive wages based on their experience and role complexity.
Below are top restaurants known for paying Event Managers well.
If you're an employer interested in improving your event manager recruitment, consider our how to hire event planner guide for useful tips.
Chef Mavro
Chef Mavro is a celebrated fine dining spot famous for its innovative Hawaiian-French cuisine and intimate event spaces, making it a prime venue for Event Managers.
Alan Wong's Honolulu
Alan Wong's is a landmark in Hawaiian fine dining, recognized for its farm-to-table philosophy and elegant event hosting, promising rewarding opportunities for Event Managers.
Roy's Hawaii Kai
Roy's Hawaii Kai combines local seafood with global flavors, offering vibrant events and private parties that rely on skilled Event Managers to deliver memorable experiences.
La Mer
La Mer, located in the Halekulani Hotel, is famous for its ocean views and refined menu, hosting upscale private events that require knowledgeable Event Managers.
MW Restaurant
MW Restaurant, co-founded by award-winning chefs, blends traditional Hawaiian and contemporary tastes in a bustling environment, providing a dynamic setting for Event Managers.
Those seeking to advance their event management career can benefit from understanding common interview questions for restaurant owners, helping them stand out in interviews.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Manager Earnings
Event Managers’ earnings vary significantly based on the restaurant’s style, clientele, and location within Honolulu.
Upscale, fine dining restaurants typically offer higher base wages to compensate for the extensive planning and execution required for events.
Factors impacting Event Manager pay include:
- Restaurant Type: Luxury and boutique restaurants usually pay more than casual or chain restaurants.
- Location: Venues in high-tourism or affluent neighborhoods tend to offer better compensation.
- Experience and Certifications: Certified event planners or those with hospitality management credentials can command higher salaries.
Tips for Event Managers are often minimal or non-existent since their compensation is usually included in the salary.
In casual venues, tips may occasionally supplement income, but in high-end restaurants, the base salary is the primary earnings source.
Learning about various hospitality career paths can provide insight into salary structures; see our hospitality career guide for motivation and ideas.
How To Find a High Paying Event Manager Job in Honolulu
Craft a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Create a detailed resume highlighting experience in event coordination, customer service, and hospitality management to catch employers’ attention.
Check our tips on how to write a cover letter to perfect your application documents.
Network in the Local Hospitality Industry
Attending hospitality events and joining relevant professional associations in Honolulu can open doors to potential high-paying job opportunities.
Gain Relevant Certifications
Obtaining certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or hospitality management training increases attractiveness to top employers.
Leverage Online Job Platforms
Use job boards specializing in hospitality and event management to stay updated with the latest job openings in Honolulu.
Employers looking for skilled event managers can benefit from insights in our restaurant staffing spotlight, providing strategies to enhance recruitment.
What’s the Outlook for Event Manager Jobs in Honolulu in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Event Managers in Honolulu is expected to grow steadily as the city continues to attract tourism and business events.
Upcoming hotel openings, expansions of resort facilities, and local events contribute to higher demand for experienced Event Managers.
Economic trends indicate:
- Growth in Hawaiian travel and tourism sectors.
- More frequent social and corporate events requiring professional coordination.
- Increasing emphasis on event safety and personalized experiences.
This promises positive job stability and opportunities for career advancement.
Is an Event Manager’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Honolulu?
With an average hourly wage of approximately $35, an Event Manager working full-time could anticipate annual earnings near $72,800 before taxes.
However, the cost of living in Honolulu is notably high:
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,800 to $2,500 per month
- Utilities: $150 to $250 per month
- Groceries and dining out: $400 to $600 per month
An Event Manager’s salary can be sufficient to manage expenses with careful budgeting and potentially supplementary income.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Honolulu Event Manager Jobs
We selected these restaurants based on their reputation for competitive wages, professional work environments, and prominence in Honolulu’s hospitality industry.
- Salary Competitiveness: Restaurants with well-established payrolls for Event Managers.
- Location: Prime areas with a high volume of events and consistent clientele.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for skill development and advancement.
These factors ensure the recommended venues provide attractive earning potential and career satisfaction.
To learn more about the role and expectations, visit our comprehensive Event Manager interview questions page to prepare for hiring or applying.