Hulhumale Island, Maldives: Complete Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

The island blends modern urban planning with natural beauty. As compared to other local islands, Hulhumale feels more developed with wide streets, parks, beaches and a vibrant local community.

• Close Proximity to Velana International Airport: The island sits in proximity to Velana International Airport, which makes it highly accessible.
• Budget-Friendly Accommodation and Dining: Accommodation options in Hulhumale are comparatively less expensive than resort islands. Also, the island’s residential area features dozens of restaurants that offer a wide variety of mouthwatering food options. 
• Authentic Maldivian Cultural Experience: Hulhumale offers an authentic window into everyday Maldivian life. Unlike the secluded luxury resorts, this island invites visitors to experience local culture through the local markets, where vendors sell fresh produce and handmade crafts.

Hulhumale Island in the Maldives is located just 6 kilometres away from the Velana International Airport. This gorgeous island is well-connected by roads and can be reached within 20 minutes. 

• By Bus (Red R4 / R5): Ticket cost will be MVR 20 (~₹117). Buses depart every 30 minutes from the domestic terminal area. In 2026, many buses now accept (Mastercard/Visa), but keeping some cash is safer.
• By Taxi: It would cost around MVR 80 to 100 (~₹468 to ₹585). Taxi apps like Avas Pay or Cabmv are now widely used and offer fixed pricing, helping you avoid the "airport surcharge" confusion.
• By ferry: Public ferries and speedboats operate frequently throughout the day between Male and Hulhumale. The journey typically takes around 15 - 20 minutes and will cost you around Rs. 65 (10 Rufiyaa) on one side. From the port, one needs to walk for 15 minutes to reach the island.

The best time to visit this island is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The season is characterised by warm weather and sunny days, thereby making it an ideal period for beach activities and water sports. 

December to March is the peak season, and the archipelago feels like a fairytale during this period. However, these months welcome the highest number of tourists and also bring increased rates for accommodations.

Hulhumale is a modern urban gem and should be a part of your Maldives tour Packages. The island offers a relaxed blend of local life and coastal leisure.

Hulhumale Beach is a long stretch of white sand and turquoise water. The beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern island life. The beach is lined with palm trees and is famous for spectacular sunrise views, making it ideal for photography and peaceful walks.

Marine Adventures such as snorkelling and scuba diving in Hulhumale offer an exciting glimpse into the Maldives vibrant underwater world. Other water activities include jet skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

The Hulhumale Central Park offers a refreshing escape into lush greenery and shaded walking paths. The park also has dedicated play areas for children, which makes it family-friendly.

The Masjid Al Sheikh Qasim bin Al-Thani, commonly known as the Hulhumale Grand Mosque, is an architectural marvel with a white facade and a gleaming golden dome. It remains visible across the southern North Male Atoll, and a visit to the mosque presents you with a glimpse into the cultural heart of the Maldives. As of 2026, the Masjid Al Sheikh Qasim has strict "Non-Muslim visiting hours" (usually 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) and cannot enter during all the five daily prayer times.

Hulhumale's strategic location makes it easy to explore the surrounding islands. Visitors can easily reach these surrounding local islands via speedboats. Male's fish market, National Museum and Old Friday Mosque are some of the must-visit attractions during your day-trips.

• The "Safari Boat" Trick: Since alcohol is prohibited on the island, ask your hotel about the "Floating Bar" shuttle. A free 5-minute boat ride takes you to a licensed safari boat in the lagoon where drinks are served.
• Bikini Beach Location: Remember that swimming in a bikini is only allowed at the designated "Bikini Beach" at the northern end of the island.
• Sim Cards: Pick up your Dhiraagu or Ooredoo tourist SIM at the airport; while hotels have Wi-Fi, you'll need data for the Avas Pay taxi app!

From comforting Indian meals to quick coffee stops and casual international bites, this area offers a good mix of restaurants and cafés catering to different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed coffee break, a hearty Indian meal, or a satisfying pizza night, these spots are popular for their consistency, flavour, and accessibility.

• Pizza Buona Hulhumale: Known for wood-fired pizzas and Italian-style dishes; a good option for casual dinners.
• Bombay Darbar: Serves classic Indian favourites, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• Family Room Coffee: A relaxed café for coffee, light meals, and casual hangouts.
• Ripple Cafe & Bistro: Popular for coffee, desserts, and quick bites in a laid-back setting.
• Naga's Indian Restaurant: Offers familiar Indian dishes with generous portions and consistent flavours.
• Cloud Signature: Known for international fusion dishes and a varied menu.

A vacation in Hulhumale Island is no less than a dream come true. This archipelago is an artificial island, built to deliver an authentic and affordable Maldivian experience that balances modern conveniences with tropical allure. With its innovative planning, strategic location, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to sustainability, Hulhumale has been a stopover destination for global travellers.