[7] The cove was known as Potartang,[8] also spelt Putatang, or Mulgali (the latter the Ngarrindjeri word for ochre),[9] is a site of significance and part of the Tjilbruke Dreaming Trail.

In 1855, when shipping was the primary means of cargo transport in the area, Nashwauk was wrecked on the beach near the Pedler Creek outlet.

[citation needed] Due to an increased interest in tourism in the area, in 1927 the land was subdivided by Lake Beach Estate Ltd who held a competition to name the new town.

Moana Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach in summer and has a beachfront cafe called Duke's, named after the Hawaiian surfer who visited Australia and helped popularize the sport.

In 2008 the foreshore area of "old survey" Moana has undergone redevelopment by the local council, with improvements to the road, walkway, and sea wall.

On warm nights this foreshore area can become a site where buskers perform for passers by, or people draw chalk mandalas.

A sloping ramp at the north end of the foreshore that originally provided access to the beach was damaged by erosion of the cliffs during storm activity in 2007.

Access infrastructure to the beach continues to be impacted by storm surges increasing in frequency due to climate change, requiring council maintenance and repair.

The Willunga Basin Trail now extends to Moana Beach along Pedler Creek, catering to walkers and hikers.