Hithadhoo Island in Maldives

The second largest island in the Maldives is famous for its lake, where magical lotuses and water roses grow. Unlike other islands, you may need a car: Hithadhoo has plenty of room to explore, as it is connected by bridges to neighboring islands and Gan Airport.

Hithadhoo is located in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Addu. The most convenient way to get here is from Gan Airport. In fact, Hithadhoo is part of a chain of three islands, as it is connected by bridges and causeways to two neighboring islands, Maradhoo and Feydhoo. This is a rare case where you can move around the Maldives by car or even public transport, exploring several islands at once.

Due to its location, Hithadhoo has become a transport hub and economic center. It is not just an island but the administrative center of the southern part of the archipelago. You will find garment factories, fish processing plants, paved roads, reliable communication, and friendly residents who speak good English.

The island has a well-developed infrastructure. Life and recreation on Hithadhoo are strikingly different from the usual resort activities of the Maldives.

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Facts about Hithadhoo

• The island’s area is about 540 hectares. Its length is almost 7 kilometers, and its width in some places is up to 2 kilometers;
• Hithadhoo is the heart of Addu Atoll. This island has administrative, historical, archaeological, and touristic importance;
• It is the second most populous island of the archipelago, after the capital Malé;
• The local port has made Hithadhoo an important transport hub, connecting the Maldives to the world market, allowing import and export of goods;

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Island Infrastructure

With its well-developed infrastructure and proximity to the international airport on Gan Island, Hithadhoo plays an important role in the economy of Addu Atoll. The part of the island south of the town is covered with lush vegetation, including palm trees and bushes. The island hosts government offices, local councils, and offices of various organizations.

There are many shops, cafes, restaurants, and even supermarkets. You can enjoy Maldivian cuisine and international dishes in local restaurants. Fresh seafood is especially popular. Hithadhoo has many green areas, parks, and squares where you can walk and relax from the city bustle.

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Beach Holidays on Hithadhoo

The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, ideal for snorkeling and diving. The sandy shores feature soft, powdery sand. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the underwater world. The coral reefs are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins. Hithadhoo’s beaches have organized swimming areas, shaded spots for relaxing and picnicking, and lifeguards are on duty during peak hours to ensure guest safety. There are a few bikini beaches, but they are quite small with rocky bottoms.

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Things to Do on Hithadhoo

Unlike resort islands where the focus is on beach holidays, Hithadhoo allows you to immerse yourself in authentic Maldivian culture.

Historical Places

Locals are always ready to share their stories and traditions. On Hithadhoo, there are ruins of an old fort belonging to Kunyali Marakkar, a title given to Muslim admirals of the Indian Ocean fleet who served the overseas rulers of the state of Calicut. The admirals were famous for their fight against Portuguese colonizers. You will find many archaeological sites on this island. The greatest influence on Hithadhoo came from British bases established in 1956, when the Royal Air Force base was created on the atoll. Since then, the atoll’s residents speak good English.

Walking and Active Recreation

• Stroll through local markets to experience Maldivian life, buying fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and souvenirs;
• Try local dishes in authentic restaurants;
• Admire green landscapes and explore hidden coves;
• Take a stroll through the lush green Hithadhoo Nature Park;
• Go kayaking, with plenty of options to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty;
• Take a tour to the neighboring islands of Addu Atoll;
• Explore Gan Island and its surroundings;

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Lake on Hithadhoo

The natural lake is one of the main features of the island, a true miracle of nature, hiding immense beauty. Its waters have an incredibly clear blue color. This place attracts tourists from all over the world, eager to enjoy the natural wealth of the Maldives.

The lake on Hithadhoo is surrounded by dense tropical forest, creating a magical landscape. Here, you can find exotic water flowers: lotuses, water roses, and calatheas. The lake’s fauna is striking in its diversity, home to various species of fish. The beauty of the lake captivates even experienced divers. For ornithologists, this place is of particular interest, as many bird species rest here during migration.

Accommodation on Hithadhoo

On the island, you will find several guesthouses and small hotels offering more budget-friendly accommodation compared to resorts. These places provide an opportunity to get closer to Maldivian culture and hospitality. There are no luxury hotels on the island itself, but you will find them nearby.

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Equator Village

Equator Village offers cozy and comfortable accommodation with easy access to the beach. Located on Gan Island, close to the airport, from where you can reach Hithadhoo by road in 25 minutes. This is a popular hotel in the atoll and an excellent option if you want to combine your stay in this region with a resort holiday.

All rooms are surrounded by a picturesque garden, spacious, and equipped with air conditioning, a refrigerator, a shower, a seating area, and a veranda. Just 100 meters from the hotel, there is a long white sandy beach, and the coast is perfect for snorkeling.

The resort features a bar, restaurant, billiards room, and a large freshwater pool. A beautiful house reef is located 25 meters from the beach, where you can see stunning corals and a variety of fish. A fully equipped diving base is nearby. The hotel also offers a tennis court, squash, volleyball, darts, table tennis, catamaran, windsurfing, and snorkeling facilities. Bicycles are available for independent exploration of the island.

Equator Village

Canareef Resort Maldives

This resort is near Hithadhoo, accessible only by boat. The best option is to reach the airport and take a speedboat, which takes about 10 minutes. The island stretches 4.5 kilometers, making it one of the longest in the Maldives.

Canareef Resort Maldives features 271 villas across 58 hectares of land. Each villa is nestled in tropical vegetation, offering an authentic atmosphere. The hotel has several restaurants serving classic and Asian cuisine.

The resort offers a variety of water activities, including windsurfing, canoeing, banana boating, jet skiing, fun tubes, catamaran sailing, snorkeling, and private excursions.

A children’s club allows parents to take a break. The resort also features a beach volleyball court, a fitness center, a tennis court, a badminton court, and a bicycle rental point.

Canareef Resort Maldives

How to Get to Hithadhoo

The nearest airport is on Gan Island, from where Hithadhoo can be reached via the atoll’s connecting causeway in less than 30 minutes. Regular domestic flights connect Gan with Malé, providing convenient travel for tourists and locals.

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