The pā was a major centre of trade and nobility for Ngāi Tahu in the Classical Māori period.

The western, northern and eastern sides were surrounded by swamp, with the main entrance via higher ground at the south.

The ahu (shrine to the local deity) of the pā was at the northern end, with houses spread across the central area.

The site itself is considered wāhi taonga (sacred) by the local iwi, and this is formally recognised in the district plan.

[17] The first attack made against Ngāi Tahu by Te Rauparaha and his Ngāti Toa allies was at Omihi, south of Kaikōura, around c. 1827–28.

[18] After destroying Omihi, Te Rauparaha and his allies proceeded to Kaiapoi, ostensibly to trade muskets for pounamu.

At dawn Hakitara snuck away from the Ngāti Toa warriors to warn the pā of the planned attack.

[20] Spurred by his earlier success, Te Rauparaha then mounted a major expedition against Kaiapoi Ngāi Tahu in the summer of 1831–32.

[22] At the time, Ngāi Tūāhuriri were engaged in collecting food from all across Canterbury, and the attack from the northern tribe was unexpected.

[22][23] During autumn, the defenders waited for an opportunity when the wind was blowing from north-west, and lit the brushwood that had been piled up by their enemy.

Their intention was to remove the threat of fire to the pā, while also driving back the attackers with the wind-blown smoke.

[24] This plan initially seemed to be successful, but the wind suddenly changed direction to the south, blowing the smoke and flames back against the pā.

[22] Ngāti Toa then attacked the Banks Peninsula tribes, taking the principal fort at Ōnawe, in Akaroa Harbour.

The deed specified that the iwi had sold all land as far north as 'Kaiapohia', but Kemp himself never visited the location and marked it as close to the Hurunui River.

When Tūrākautahi was challenged on his chosen location—which provided only eels and waterfowl but not any other food—he determined that food could be brought in from surrounding settlements.

—Kukurarangi, Te Ati Awa, Kapiti Island 1831[21][30] The final word—Kaiapohia—is a pun, which in this context can be translated as "piling up of bodies for eating".

When asked in 1879, Natanahira Waruwarutu, who had lived at the pā, said, "It is the ignorance of the northern Māoris which has induced them to call it Kaiapohia.

"[35][36] Stack had learned the Māori language in the North Island, and he described the southern name of Kaiapoi as "unmusical".

[36][37] Historian Harry Evison suggests Stack was strongly influenced by Tāmihana Te Rauparaha, with whom he spent a lot of time, including a ship voyage from London.