The Harataunga and Omoho Streams flow from the Coromandel Range past the settlement and into the bay to the east.

They gave it to Ngāti Porou, who had used it as a shelter during trading trips to Auckland, in thanks for assistance against the Ngā Puhi in the Musket Wars of the early 19th century.

[8][9][10] In July 1815, the schooner Brothers and the Trial were attacked by local Māori with the loss of several crew from both vessels.

[11] Te Paea o Hauraki Marae is located at Kennedy Bay.

[12][13] Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Harataunga is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8) school[14] with a roll of 22 as of November 2024.