The island of Mataso is located 11 km (6.8 mi) south of Makira.

It is formed by two hills separated by white sandy beaches known as Matah Susum (Small Mataso) and Matah 'Ahlam (Big Mataso), so the island was as "Two Hills" by early explorers.

The estimated terrain elevation above the sea level is some 45 metres (148 ft).

Mataso is widely known for its broad marine resources with rich coral reefs around the coast and a wide variety of game shipping options out on the open sea.

Many of the islanders now live in Port Vila by the area of Ohlen Mataso.