Why is that hill called “Rocky Hill”? We’re standing before Puʻu o Mānoa, better known as Rocky Hill. It’s a prominent landmark right here at the entrance to Mānoa Valley, especially noticeable as you come in from Punahou Street. Rocky Hill isn’t just any hill. It’s a volcanic remnant, a piece of Oahu’s fiery past. Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions birthed this island. First came the Waiʻanae volcano, then, millions of years later, the Koʻolau volcano. Mānoa Valley itself was carved out from the Koʻolau range by the relentless forces of wind, weather, and erosion. Rocky Hill itself is a product of early eruptions near the mouth of the valley, a place called Kahakea. Later volcanic activity created other well-known peaks like Round Top, Sugarloaf, and Tantalus. But Rocky Hill stands as a reminder of the valley’s earliest fiery beginnings. Imagine Mānoa Valley long ago, a place where Hawaiian chiefs resided on the western slopes, enjoying the gentle morning light. The commoners, the makaʻāinana, lived on the valley floor, tending to their crops of taro, breadfruit, and the famed giant sweet potatoes of the ʻUalakaʻa area. Rocky Hill played a role in this social division. A line drawn from Rocky Hill to Puʻu Pia is said to have separated the chiefly lands from the commoners’. From this vantage point, they could survey their domain, a fertile land shaped by volcanic fire and flowing water. Rocky Hill remains a silent witness to the valley’s transformation, from its volcanic origins to the bustling community it is today.
Building 90
Built in 1913 Building 90 stands proudly. It’s a testament to the past. This three-story concrete structure initially served a