[1][2] Maunga Lasi is the highest peak at 644 m. It forms the northern rim of the (mostly) underwater volcano of Makura, which also covers the nearby islands of Makura and Mataso.

The island supports a population of about 750,[3] growing at 3.1% per year.

The principal economic activity is subsistence agriculture.

Unlike the surrounding islands populated by Melanesians, Emae and Makura are Polynesian outliers.

The nearby Cook's Reef is a popular dive site.