The nearest island is Rimatara situated 205 kilometres (127 miles) to the ESE.

According to Polynesian legend, the uninhabited island was discovered by Chief Ama'itera'i of Rurutu in ancient times.

[7]: 558  It was made a place of exile by King Teuruarii IV and his mother and regent Taarouru.

The territorial dispute would not be settled until 1937, when two of the four atolls were awarded to each party.

[10] The atoll Îles Maria is administratively part of Rimatara commune (municipality) in the Tubuai (Austral Islands) division of French Polynesia.