See also :
Map of the Tuamotu archipelago

Ra'iroa gets its name "huge sky" from its great length. It is the largest atoll of Tahiti and her Islands and one of the four largest in the world, with more than 240 motu (islets) separated by more than 100 hoa, small channels that make up its ring of coral and in the center of the inside lagoon is the Paio motu.

The incomparable brilliance and colors of the lagoon from jade-green to purple, completely overwhelm the visitor who discovers this long ribbon of islets way out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

On the northwest side of the atoll is Avatoru, the main village opposite the Fara motu whose lagoon is said according to the legend to have been breached by the two twins Moana-tea ("Peaceful Ocean") and Moana- uri ("Wild Ocean"). The main government buildings are to be found here, including the Mayor's Office, the Post Office, the Pearl Industry Research Center together with a mother of pearl and pearl culture Crafts Center, and two churches.

The other village of Tiputa, situated at the eastern end of the motu, near to the second main reef entry point, has houses ringed with bleached coral and fenced with flowering hedges.

A road surfaced with crushed coral or tar seal links the two villages and their neighborhoods.

Source :
GIE Tahiti Tourisme
http://www.tahiti-tourisme.pf