réunion () is an island of france. it is also a region of france and an overseas department of france, meaning france owns the island nation. it is in the indian ocean east of madagascar, about 200 km (125 miles) southwest of mauritius. its capital is saint-denis. the highest point in la reunion is la piton des neiges. the island is also famous for its black beaches, even though people think that there are white beaches. the island is 63 kilometres (39 mi) long; 45 kilometres (28 mi) wide; and covers 2,512 square kilometres (970 sq mi). it is similar to the island hawaii as both are above hotspots in the earth's crust.