Tahiti is the highest and largest island in French Polynesia. The island is 27.96 mi across at its widest point and covers an area of 1,045 km2. The highest peak is Mount Orohena (2,241 m). Mount Ronui in the southeast rises to 1,332 m.
The island consists of two round portions centred on volcanic mountains and connected by a short isthmus named after the small town of Taravao. The northwestern portion is known as Tahiti Nui ("big Tahiti"), while the much smaller southeastern portion is known as Tahiti Iti ("small Tahiti") or Taiarapu.
Tahiti's landscape features lush rain forests and many streams, including the Papenoo River on the north side.
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