[6] The area surrounding the mouth of the stream was traditionally known as Paengatohora, a name referencing the numerous whale strandings which have occurred here.

Ngāti Te Kahupara's settlement focused in the Muriwai area, and a kāinga (village) called Oneonenui was constructed near the Ōkiritoto Falls.

[8] The stream was likely used by Tāmaki Māori to harvest flax and collect freshwater fish and shellfish species such as eels, īnanga, kōkopu and kākahi.

[4] In 1912 a guesthouse was established at Muriwai Beach, and guests would often enjoy recreational activities around the Ōkiritoto Stream.

[4] Numerous whale strandings have occurred near the stream mouth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.