[3] It is situated on the north shore of Lake Mainit in the north-eastern part of Mindanao.

Mainit is home to a hot spring, the Mapaso Wellness Resort frequented by locals and visitors from nearby towns and provinces.

It was believed that the constant harassment of pirates forced the original settlers to move to the present town site.

However, after six months, Mainit was returned to the Province of Surigao del Norte and its status was reverted to being a barangay of Placer.

Mainit was finally reclassified into a separate municipality in Jan. 1, 1931 by virtue of Executive Order 290 dated December 27, 1930,[6] signed by Governor-General Dwight F. Davis.