The area of present-day Hirono was part of ancient Mutsu Province, and was dominated by the Nambu clan from the Muromachi period.

In the early Meiji period, the villages of Taneichi, Nakano and Ōno within Kita-Kunohe District were created on April 1, 1889 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system.

Hirono, collectively with the city of Kuji and town of Noda, contributes two members to the Iwate Prefectural Assembly.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of the Iwate 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Some of the sea urchins are harvested by means of Nanbu diving (南部もぐり), which is taught in a special program at Taneichi Senior High School.