It is in the western area of the archipelago, 58 km (36 mi) southeast of Rangiroa.

The closest land is Apataki Atoll, 24 km (15 mi) to the northeast.

The northern reef rim is narrow, while the southern is broad.

The first recorded European to arrive to Kaukura was Dutch Navigator Jakob Roggeveen on his expedition for the Dutch West India Company to seek Terra Australis in 1722.

But presently, tourism has replaced the traditional activities as a source of income.