The sub district was named within the district of Atua and established in the 16th century when, Fonoti - the victorious claimant to the Junior TuiAtua title - Tui Atua Faasavali rewarded the people of this part of Atua for their bravery in that war. The district name literally means "The longboat of Fonoti", denoting the bravery of the naval crews from this area during this war. Later Tui Atua Faasavali lived in different parts of the back and tail of Atua.
The paramount title of the district is Talamaivao.