Mānoa Valley View of Diamond Head

Mānoa Valley

While Hawaiian oral tradition suggests the first inhabitants of Mānoa Valley were gods, demi-gods and heroes, archaeologists tell us that human settlement probably took place sometime around 1400 C.E. Blessed with fertile soil and abundant rainfall, Mānoa soon became a rich agricultural area extensively cultivated by Hawaiian farmers. Chiefs built residences on the western slopes as retreats from the heat of lowland areas. Foreign contact brought many changes to the valley, as well as new immigrant residents from many ethnic groups. Eventually, residences replaced agricultural lands. Today, Mānoa is one of the most desirable residential areas in Honolulu, but its strong sense of place endures.