The area is 129.19 square kilometres (49.88 sq mi).

The largest village is Nukufero on the north coast.

In 1942, following the beginning of the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Imperial Japanese Navy swept over the Solomon Islands, leading to the natives abandoning the island.

After the United States captured Guadalcanal, they were able to use the airfield to bomb out the Japanese garrisons on nearby islands.

After the war, the natives returned to the island and resumed the coconut plantation.