The early history of Wokha is deeply intertwined with the oral traditions and migrations of the Lotha Naga tribe, who settled in the region after migrating through eastern corridors. According to Lotha folklore, the area surrounding Wokha, particularly Mount Tiyi, is steeped in spiritual significance and was traditionally believed to be the abode of departed souls.
During the late 19th century, Wokha came under the purview of British colonial expansion. In 1878, the British established an administrative headquarters in Wokha for the Naga Hills District. However, this was short-lived, as the headquarters was shifted to Kohima in 1879 for strategic reasons. Wokha was subsequently downgraded to a sub-division in 1889, later shifting to Mokokchung, before once again becoming a sub-division in 1957.
Following Indian independence, Wokha was part of the Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA), which eventually became the state of Nagaland in 1963. The modern town of Wokha began to truly take shape when the Wokha district was formally carved out of the Mokokchung district in 1973. Since then, the town has developed from a cluster of traditional villages into a bustling urban center, witnessing significant social and educational advancement while retaining its indigenous Lotha identity.