No luxury piers or jet ski rides here. Hulhudhoo is refreshingly unvarnished, grounded in local life, and on the brink of becoming a new tourism hub.
What Makes Hulhudhoo Worth Your Time
1. Rooted in Daily Life, Not Glamour
Hulhudhoo sits quietly on Addu Atoll’s northeast side, naturally joined to Meedhoo [by land] and home to around 3,300 people. Making it the third most populous island in the atoll. The landscape? Lush palms, domestic gardens, tight knit roads, and humble homes with yard grown bananas and even yams. These aren’t styled scenes, they are life.
2. Its Harbor Just Got a Major Upgrade
In September 2023, President Solih inaugurated Hulhudhoo’s newly revamped harbor. This wasn’t small potatoes: MTCC dredged channels, built a 742 m quay wall, added a breakwater, a groyne, pavement, lights, and even a little beach area. It’s now safer and smoother for boats. Which means better access for locals and visitors alike.
3. Tourism Is Slowly Finding Its Way Here
Addu City Council is opening up Hulhudhoo’s southern beachfront near Canareef Resort for tourism development. A 4.65 hectare zone has been zoned for guesthouses and two city hotels (ranging from 10-room guesthouses to a 60-room hotel), leased for up to 50 years. This is a serious signal that Hulhudhoo’s quiet phase is giving way to something more vibrant.
4. Bridge Ahead. Better Connectivity
President Muizzu’s 2024 rollout confirmed the development of the Hulhudhoo Meedhoo Bridge. That’ll tie Hulhudhoo even tighter to Addu’s network and zurbs, improve access to healthcare upgrades, and make Gan International and the rest of Addu City that much more reachable.
5. Leaning Into the Tourism Stream
Places like Addu Paradise Inn offer serene, well appointed stays with pool access, beachfront vibes, and bike rentals. All within walkable island living. Many guests talk of it as a hidden gem for those who want comfort without losing authenticity.
What You Can Actually Do in Hulhudhoo
- Stroll the shoreline by the new harbor – quiet, scenic, and now safer for small boats. The newer beach area invites paddles and photos.
- Explore village life – Walk through narrow lanes dusted with tropical greenery and catch glimpses of gardens, homes, and daily rituals.
- Stay low key yet comfortable – pick an inn like Addu Paradise, rent a bike, and settle into island rhythms.
- Be an early adopter – watch this island evolve as guesthouses and hotels unfold along its coast.
- Enjoy corner of the island charm – not a resort, not a retreat, but still wholly the Maldives, lived in and unexplored.
Budget Snapshot (Estimates)
| What | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Guesthouse stay | Moderate – comparable to other local Addu options |
| Bikes / local rides | Often included or affordably arranged |
| Exploring by foot | Free – walking is the vibe here |
| Food / small eats | Local café rates – cheap and satisfying |
Note: Specific pricing for new tourism spots is not yet public. Stay tuned to local sources as developments unfold.
Final Word
Hulhudhoo is avoiding the polished tourist lane. It’s rooted, connected, and quietly preparing for its moment. Harbours, infrastructure, tiny guesthouses, and its calm pace make it a low profile, future facing Maldivian base. For travellers who want the Maldives felt, not just seen, this place hums with promise.