 It is likely that the area was originally named in relation to an historic Maori stone quarry that is nearby as described in New Zealand Archaeological Association Schedule & Maps of Recorded Archaeological Sites, Map 7, Page 271

Ohai township was founded in 1917 following the discovery of large amounts of high quality coal in the area.However, the early days of mining were restricted by poor roads.Coal production boomed in the area in 1925, when the Ohai Railway Board opened a new line linking Wairio to the Ohai Railway District.