Hithadhoo isn’t a postcard resort. It’s the second largest inhabited island and the urban heart of Addu City. According to the 2022 census, 13,745 people live here, making it one of the largest communities outside Malé.
Why Hithadhoo? What’s genuinely different here?
A real city meets wild wetlands. Hithadhoo contains a protected wetland complex. The Eydhigali Kilhi & Koattey areas. Boardwalks, bird hides and canoe/boat access let you experience mangroves and freshwater “kilhi” lakes without leaving town. White terns (dhondheeni) a symbol of Addu nests here, alongside pond herons and egrets.
A long inter island road you can ride. The Addu Link Road ties Hithadhoo to the neighbouring islands via causeways. Something you won’t find across most atolls. The city’s own profile puts the Hithadhoo to Feydhoo stretch at 14 km, while local reporting counts the whole link at 16 km extending to Gan. Either way, you can bike or drive island to island in minutes
A UNESCO biosphere setting. All of Addu Atoll including Hithadhoo was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in October 2020, recognising the atoll’s blend of people and protected nature.
A WWII era shipwreck right offshore. The British Loyalty oil tanker rests at 33 m between Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. It’s a designated protected site (2018) and a signature advanced dive.
Things to do
Walk (and paddle) the Addu Nature Park side of Hithadhoo. Start at the Eydhigali Kilhi boardwalks and bird hides; scan for white terns, herons, and other waterbirds. Canoes/boats are available via the park’s eco tourism facilities. Stick to marked routes, these are protected areas.
Cycle the link road at golden hour. Roll out from north Hithadhoo (Koattey) and sweep south across the causeways toward Maradhoo and Feydhoo, with mangroves, reef flats and seagrass lagoons on either side. The road network here is unusual for Maldives islands.
Dive the British Loyalty. Expect a 140m hull lying on starboard, coral encrusted, with jack, turtles and occasional mantas. This is an advanced dive due to depth and overhead environments. Book a licensed operator
Birding in Koattey. Beyond the hides, the Koattey tip has a historic British lighthouse and remnants of a small fort from the Gan airbase era, interesting context while you scan the tree line.
How to get there & get around
Fly into Gan (GAN). Hithadhoo is linked to Gan by the same causeway system, so it’s a straightforward taxi or bike ride from the airport into the city. The continuous road is 14–16 km across islands
On island logistics. You’ll find the amenities of a regional capital (shops, clinics, cafés) rather than resort infrastructure, and the nature park facilities (boardwalks, hides, canoe launches) are within the Hithadhoo protected area boundaries
Sample 48-hour plan
Day 1: Morning boardwalk & bird hides at Eydhigali Kilhi → canoe session → lunch in town → sunset ride over the causeway.
Day 2: Early dive on British Loyalty → recovery brunch → Koattey lighthouse and nature walk.