As the island looked like a canoe, it was given the name Te Waka e Haua.

[1] The area may have been populated from the 14th century.

[2] Senecio repangae grows on the island.

[3] In 1935 tree stumps were exposed, which it was suggested showed evidence that the island had been part of the mainland until they were covered by sand.

[5] In 1936 the Ministry of Works blasted some rocks to allow driving along the beach by the island at most states of tide.