Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu
Islands / Haa Dhaalu
Local inhabited island

Hanimaadhoo

Unspoilt northern beaches with its own airport

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Haa Dhaalu (HDh) 280 km from Malé Pop. 2,664 (2022)
Nearest airportVelana International (MLE)
From Malé airport≈1 hr by domestic flight
Population2,664
Bikini beachYes
ATMYes
HealthcareHealth centre
Mobile data4G

Hanimaadhoo has an airport and some of the longest, emptiest beaches in the country — a great base to explore the remote north.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) opened for domestic flights in 1986 and gained international status in 2012; its runway is 2,465 m long. The island had 2,664 residents in 2022.

Der Flughafen auf der Insel Hanimaadhoo, Malediven
Andreas Faessler · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hanimaadhoo Airport in 2025
The President's Office of the R… · CC BY 4.0
hanimaadhoo
M.SaameeMilandhoo · CC BY 3.0
Hanimaadhoo Island, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Malediven
Andreas Faessler · CC BY-SA 4.0
2025-11-09 Inauguration of redeveloped Hanimaadhoo International Airport
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-11-09 Inauguration of redeveloped Hanimaadhoo International Airport
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0

Known for

  • Long, empty natural beaches
  • Airport with flights from Malé
  • Gateway to historic Utheemu

What to expect

  • A quiet village pace — most places are within a few minutes' walk.
  • Cash (USD or MVR) is widely used; larger guest houses and shops accept cards.
  • Friday is the weekly day of rest: shops close around midday prayers and ferries run less.
  • Guest houses usually arrange excursions and transfers for you.

Stays

0 listed
All Guest houseCity / island hotelResortPrivate villa / home stay
No listings of this type listed on Hanimaadhoo yet. Own one? List it free.

Experiences

0 operatorsThings to do on Hanimaadhoo
Island hoppingLocal culture & village walkSnorkelingSunset & night fishing
No operators listed yet. Most guest houses arrange trips for their guests. Run excursions here? List your service.

Getting there

1 routeHow to get to Hanimaadhoo

Domestic flight from Malé (≈1 hr).

Domestic flight from Velana International Airport (MLE)

1 HR
Daily flights; times vary by season

Schedules are indicative and change with the season. Confirm with the operator or your host.

Food

0 listed
No restaurants listed yet. Most guest houses serve meals. Run a café here? List it free.

Island guide

Facilities · rules · access

Facilities

ATMYES
Clinic / health centreYES
PharmacyYES
Police stationYES
ShopsYES
4G mobile dataYES
Bikini beachYES

Local regulations

  • Dress modestly in the village: cover shoulders and knees (men and women).
  • Bikinis and swimwear only on the designated bikini beach, on excursions and on resort day trips.
  • Alcohol and pork are not permitted on local islands — don't bring them in your luggage.
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon; be respectful near mosques and during prayer times.
  • Flying drones requires a permit from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Don't touch or stand on coral, and never take shells, sand or coral off the island.

Accessibility

  • Roads are mostly flat, compacted sand; there are few paved paths or kerbs.
  • Wheelchair access is limited — ask your host about step-free rooms before booking.
  • Boarding speedboats and ferries involves steps from the jetty; crews will help.
  • No taxis on most small islands: buggies or bicycles may be available on request.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanimaadhoo · https://census.gov.mv/2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P5.pdf