The Inhabited Islands

Baarah is historically significant as the island where Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu built his famed boat "Kalhuohfummi." Locally celebrated for its role in national liberation, it retains strong cultural traditions. Internationally, it draws interest for heritage tours and traditional boat-building demonstrations.

Dhiddhoo is the capital of Haa Alif Atoll and a major administrative center in the north. Locally it's known for its vibrant community life, schools, and public services. It's not a tourist hub but serves as a transit point for visitors heading to resorts in the region.

Filladhoo is a quiet inhabited island known for fishing and coconut cultivation. While not internationally known for tourism, its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to resort developments make it a candidate for future guesthouse growth.

Hoarafushi is home to Hoarafushi Airport, this island is gaining recognition for improving northern connectivity. Locally, it has a strong fishing community and is known for resilience against coastal erosion. International travelers use it as a gateway to remote northern atolls.

Ihavandhoo has a rich maritime heritage and is locally respected for producing skilled boatbuilders. While not a major tourist destination, it is admired for its traditional craftsmanship and continues to support the fishing economy.

Kelaa is known for its greenery and was once used as a British military base during WWII. Locally, it's appreciated for its agriculture and historical roots. Internationally, it's of interest to history buffs and cultural travelers.

Maarandhoo is an uninhabited island, previously considered for resort development. Locally, it has historical value due to past settlements. It's occasionally used for picnics or short visits from nearby islands.

Mulhadhoo is a tranquil island known for its mangrove ecosystems and traditional lifestyle. Locally, it maintains cultural customs and small-scale agriculture. Not well-known internationally, but it offers eco-tourism potential.

Muraidhoo is a small inhabited island valued locally for its community spirit and reliance on fishing. While it doesn't attract international tourists, it offers insight into daily life in the northern Maldives.

Thakandhoo is a culturally active island, locally noted for traditional festivals and crafts. Its remoteness means little international exposure, but the island is known in the region for its educational initiatives.

Thuraakunu is located at the northernmost edge of the Maldives and has ties with nearby Indian territories through historical trade. Locally, it is a symbol of cross-cultural heritage, though not part of mainstream tourism routes.

Uligamu is popular among international yacht travelers as a northern entry port into the Maldives. It offers customs and immigration services, making it well-known among sailing communities.

Utheemu is one of the Maldives' most historically important islands, being the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. Internationally recognized for Utheemu Palace, it draws cultural and historical tourism.

Vashafaru is known locally for its large lagoon and traditional fishing methods. While not a tourist hotspot, it offers pristine beaches and quiet surroundings.

Hanimaadhoo is home to an international airport and is a growing entry point for northern Maldives tourism. Locally, it's known for education and governance. Eco-tourism and scientific research are emerging interests internationally.

Finey is a small island known for its commitment to environmental conservation. Locally, it focuses on sustainable agriculture and traditional lifestyles. It's not yet internationally prominent but has community-led tourism potential.

Naivaadhoo maintains strong local customs and is known for its mosque architecture. It doesn't feature prominently in tourism but holds community importance in the atoll.

Nolhivaranfaru is larger than many nearby islands and is locally active in fisheries and boat-building. It has potential for tourism expansion due to its scenic beaches and undeveloped land.

Nellaidhoo is known locally for handicrafts and carpentry. It is not on international tourist routes but supports cultural sustainability within the community.

Nolhivaram is known for its freshwater wells, a rarity in the Maldives. Locally, it's seen as a vital agricultural island. Its natural resources draw some scientific interest.

Kurinbi is a quiet fishing island, locally respected for its heritage and simplicity. It is not developed for tourism, which adds to its authenticity and cultural value.

Kulhudhuffushi, often called the 'Heart of the North,' is the economic and transport hub of Haa Dhaalu. It has its own domestic airport and is internationally recognized for mangrove conservation and as a logistics center.

Kumundhoo is locally known for coral stone mosque ruins and fishing traditions. While not yet a tourist destination, its historical potential is being studied.

Neykurendhoo emphasizes self-sufficiency and local development. It's not prominent internationally but is vital within the atoll for its population and cultural contribution.

Vaikaradhoo is known for its productive farming and community-driven initiatives. It plays a local role in food security and sustainability. It remains off the tourist radar.

Makunudhoo is geographically isolated and has unique reef formations. Locally it's recognized for its fishing expertise, and its remote appeal is beginning to attract adventure travelers.

Hirimaradhoo is a small island that maintains a quiet lifestyle centered around fishing. It is not on international tourism maps but is important for local identity and culture.

Bileffahi is known locally for its coconut-based products and crafts. It remains under the radar for international visitors but reflects authentic island living.

Feevah is one of the oldest settlements in the atoll and is locally celebrated for historical ruins and oral traditions. It is seldom visited by tourists but valued for cultural preservation.

Feydhoo is a fishing island known locally for reef conservation and traditional fishing. It's not developed for tourism.

Foakaidhoo is an inhabited island in Shaviyani Atoll, geographically part of the Miladhunmadulu Atoll, about 241 km north of Malé. Locally, it is cherished for its lush vegetation, community-driven fishing, shoreline sports (especially football), and its greenery. The island boasts a robust primary school that serves grades up to 12

Funadhoo serves as the capital of Shaviyani Atoll and is an administrative and transport hub in the north. Locally it's important for education, government services, and inter-island logistics. Though not a tourism center, it supports guesthouse growth and development planning.

This Goidhoo (distinct from Baa Atoll's Goidhoo) is a small inhabited island known locally for fishing and agriculture. It has a tight-knit community and is not internationally recognized but contributes to local food supply.

Kanditheemu is culturally significant as one of the first islands where Maldivian writing (Thaana script) was documented. Locally it's celebrated for this historical heritage, and researchers occasionally visit for cultural studies.

Komandoo is an inhabited island, not to be confused with Komandoo resort in Lhaviyani. It plays a local role in agriculture and island governance, with limited tourism but strong community identity.

Known for its local craftsmanship and vibrant community life, Lhaimagu is actively involved in agriculture and fishing. The island's calm lifestyle and coastal beauty hold untapped tourism potential.

Maaungoodhoo is one of the larger islands in the atoll, offering a strong fishing economy and good community infrastructure. It's locally recognized for self-sufficiency and resilience.

Maroshi is historically tied to Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu's campaign. Locally, it's known for coconut groves and traditional rope-making. It's not a tourism hub but retains great cultural value.

Milandhoo is a major population center in the atoll and a key site for development and local business. It has seen growing interest for domestic tourism and is known for its schools and facilities.

Narudhoo is a peaceful fishing island with a small population. Locally valued for its simple lifestyle, it's not yet connected to broader tourism but shows promise for eco-tourism initiatives.

Noomaraa is among the quieter islands, primarily engaged in fishing and subsistence farming. It's locally appreciated for its community harmony and contributes modestly to the local economy.

Foddhoo is a small island in Noonu Atoll known for traditional livelihoods and reef protection. While not a tourism island, it offers beautiful natural surroundings and marine biodiversity.

Henbandhoo is known locally for agriculture and handcrafts. It does not attract tourists but holds value as a self-reliant community with strong island heritage.

Holhudhoo is a well-established island with good education and healthcare facilities. Locally, it has a strong reputation for producing professionals and has cultural significance within the atoll.

Known for its natural greenery and wide lagoon, Kendhikulhudhoo has potential for nature-based tourism. It is a progressive local community active in education and environmental initiatives.

Kudafari is a quiet fishing and farming island. It's known locally for its coconut and breadfruit production. While not a tourist destination, it reflects a traditional island lifestyle.

Landhoo is famous for having one of the largest pre-Islamic Buddhist ruins in the Maldives. Locally and archaeologically significant, it occasionally receives visitors for cultural tourism.

Lhohi is a small, low-key island involved in agriculture and fisheries. Known for its calm pace of life, it's valued locally but has little international visibility.

Maafaru is internationally known for Maafaru International Airport, allowing direct private jet and chartered flights. The island is now central to Noonu Atoll's resort development boom.

Maalhendhoo is a peaceful village island known locally for its strong community values and small-scale fishing. It offers authentic Maldivian experiences but is not yet part of tourism flows.

This island is distinct from other Magoodhoos and is recognized locally for its agriculture and lagoon environment. It remains untouched by tourism but is seen as a quiet and productive community.

Manadhoo is the capital of Noonu Atoll and serves as an administrative and transport hub. It is also growing its domestic guesthouse industry, making it increasingly known internationally.

Miladhoo is a compact island with a tight-knit community. It's known for a mix of fishing and coconut production. While not a tourist island, it supports surrounding economic activity.

Velidhoo is one of the larger islands and plays a significant role in trade, education, and cultural events in Noonu Atoll. It's known locally for progressive development and youth initiatives.

Alifushi is one of the Maldives' most respected centers for traditional boat-building. Locally and historically significant, it remains a crucial contributor to the Maldivian maritime industry.

A small island in Raa Atoll, Angolhitheemu is focused on local farming and reef fishing. It's not part of the tourism circuit but supports traditional livelihoods.

Fainu is known for coconut-based crafts and fishing. It maintains a quiet, rural pace of life and remains under the radar for international visitors.

Hulhudhuffaaru serves as the capital of Raa Atoll and is an administrative and population hub. It's gaining interest as a base for regional travel and guesthouse development.

Inguraidhoo is known locally for traditional skills and education. It supports cultural festivals and is a steady contributor to the island chain's heritage.

Innamaadhoo is famous for carpentry and boat-building, much like Alifushi. International buyers and local seafarers recognize its craftsmanship, making it a culturally important island.

Dhuvaafaru is a modern resettlement island built after the 2004 tsunami. It's now a model community for disaster recovery and urban-style island planning, with growing domestic recognition.

Kinolhas is a quiet, traditionally rooted island in Raa Atoll known for its fishing and coconut production. Locally, it supports regional trade and retains strong community culture. It is not on tourist itineraries but is important within the local economy.

Maakurathu is known locally for handicrafts and traditional thatch work. It plays a strong cultural role in Raa Atoll and has begun developing guesthouses, making it slowly known among domestic tourists.

Maduvvaree is a compact, community-driven island focusing on small-scale fisheries. It is appreciated locally for its resilience and social cohesion, although it remains outside the tourism spotlight.

This Meedhoo is recognized for its high population and educational institutions. Locally, it's a vital contributor to public services and youth activities, though not a tourist destination.

Once believed to be the royal seat of ancient Maldivian kings, Rasgetheemu holds historical and cultural importance. It's known locally for strong traditions and heritage, and occasionally visited for its ancient ruins.

Rasmaadhoo is a peaceful, fishing-based island with a low population. It is valued for its quiet beaches and traditional way of life and has begun to explore guesthouse tourism.

Ungoofaaru serves as the regional capital of Raa Atoll. It is a central hub for administration, education, and transport, and is increasingly known domestically for guesthouse stays and health services.

Vaadhoo in Raa Atoll is a lesser-known namesake of the more famous Vaadhoo (in Gaafu Dhaalu). This island is a modest fishing community and has limited external recognition.

Home to Baa Atoll's domestic airport, Dharavandhoo is a gateway to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Hanifaru Bay. It's internationally known for manta ray diving and locally respected for hosting eco-tourism initiatives.

Dhonfanu is a traditional island with strong roots in fishing and hospitality. It supports guesthouses and is becoming more popular for tourists exploring Hanifaru Bay and nearby reefs.

Eydhafushi is the capital of Baa Atoll, known locally for its development programs and administrative services. It is involved in vocational training and is close to many resorts but not heavily touristed itself.

Fehendhoo is a quiet, sparsely populated island known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It is ideal for low-impact, nature-based tourism and offers unique “sandbank” excursions.

Fulhadhoo has gained international attention for its pristine beach and boutique guesthouses. It is known locally for tranquility and internationally for being one of the Maldives' hidden paradises.

Goidhoo is rich in cultural and ecological significance, with lush vegetation and historical Buddhist ruins. Locally, it's known for farming and diving, and internationally it's emerging as an eco-tourism destination.

Hithaadhoo maintains a strong fishing economy and community engagement in environmental projects. It's appreciated for its laid-back culture and untouched natural surroundings.

Kamadhoo is a small island offering guesthouse tourism with access to Hanifaru Bay. Locally it's praised for hospitality, and it is becoming increasingly popular with international budget travelers.

Kendhoo is historically significant as a teaching site for the Islamic scholar Sheikh Mohamed Jamaaluddin. It has ancient coral stone mosques and is important both spiritually and culturally.

Kihaadhoo is known for its proximity to the Kihaadhuffaru Island Resort and marine diversity. Locally, it promotes sustainability and reef conservation, and it's part of Baa's eco-tourism growth.

Kudarikilu is a serene island with strong traditions in thatching and mat weaving. While not a tourism hotspot, it offers a glimpse into traditional Maldivian craftsmanship.

Maalhos is actively involved in sustainability efforts and was one of the first islands to ban single-use plastics. It is growing in popularity among eco-conscious travelers.

Thulhaadhoo is famed for its traditional lacquerware artistry. It's both locally and internationally recognized for preserving Maldivian craftsmanship and sells to resorts and souvenir markets.

Hinnavaru is one of the most populous islands in Lhaviyani Atoll. Known for education and commercial activity, it is a supply hub but not typically included in tourist routes.

Kurendhoo is an island with a rich fishing tradition and is gaining popularity with Maldivian domestic travelers. It remains authentic and relatively untouched by large-scale tourism.

Naifaru is the capital of Lhaviyani Atoll and is well-known for marine conservation efforts, especially turtle rehabilitation. It's a center for education, healthcare, and reef awareness programs.

A small island focused on subsistence fishing and local life, Olhuvelifushi is not a tourism location but contributes to the region's seafood trade.

Located close to Malé, Dhiffushi has become a booming local tourism island with guesthouses and water sports. It's known internationally for affordability and stunning white beaches.

Gaafaru is popular for its surrounding shipwreck dive sites and snorkeling spots. Locally, it is known for boatbuilding and has a unique crescent-shaped reef system.

Gulhi is a top destination for local island tourism. Just a short boat ride from Malé, it's known for its vibrant beaches and traditional craftsmanship in boat-making and carpentry.

Guraidhoo is a historically important island and an emerging hub for budget tourism. It's known for its guesthouses and therapeutic care centers for people with disabilities, blending tourism with social services.

Himmafushi is known internationally for its surf breaks and diving spots, especially Jailbreaks surf point. Locally, it is a fishing and handicraft hub. It also houses a rehabilitation center and maintains strong community initiatives.

Hulhumale' is a reclaimed city island adjacent to Malé and the airport. Internationally recognized for its urban planning and modern lifestyle, it's a growing hub for hotels and guesthouses. Locally, it's a key residential and development zone.

Huraa is renowned for its mangrove forests and coral conservation efforts. Internationally it appeals to eco-conscious tourists, while locally it is known for traditional drumming and crafts.

Kaashidhoo is both agriculturally and historically significant. It's known locally for banana farming and Buddhist archaeological remains. Tourists occasionally visit via ferry for local life experiences.

The capital city of the Maldives, Malé is the country's political, cultural, and economic heart. Internationally, it's the entry point to the Maldives. Locally, it's a dense urban island with major infrastructure, schools, and markets.

Maafushi pioneered the guesthouse tourism model in the Maldives. It's internationally famous for budget travel, watersports, and vibrant nightlife. Locally, it's seen as a model for tourism entrepreneurship.

Thulusdhoo is a surfing hotspot, famous globally for the “Cokes” surf break. It's also known for hosting Coca-Cola bottling and has a thriving guesthouse scene. Locally, it's culturally vibrant with music and craftsmanship.

Vilimale' is a quieter extension of Male', accessible by ferry. Known locally for its laid-back community and turtle conservation projects, it appeals to domestic visitors and eco-volunteers.

Bodufolhudhoo is a rising guesthouse destination in North Ari Atoll. Known for its proximity to top dive sites, it combines traditional charm with growing tourism infrastructure.

Feridhoo is a peaceful and naturally rich island. It is known locally for community engagement and is slowly gaining attention from travelers looking for quiet escapes and reef exploration.