Is Hulhumalé Worth Staying? Budget Hotels, Beaches & Local Experiences

Why Stay in Hulhumalé Instead of a Maldives Resort?

Is Hulhumalé worth staying in is a question many travellers ask when planning a Maldives trip. Hulhumalé is only a few minutes away from the Velana International Airport. It is a viable and affordable place in the Maldives with its public beaches, local cafes, and the daily life of the island. This travel guide will help you understand what it is actually like to spend time here, including cheap hotels and beaches to swim in, sunset walks and useful travel tips. Whether you are visiting for the first time, on a short layover, or travelling on a budget, Hulhumalé tourism helps you experience the Maldives more simply.

Also Read: Maldives Travel Guide

Where Is Hulhumalé Located & Why Do Travellers Stay Here?

Hulhumalé is an artificial island city situated just northeast of Male, connected by a road to the Velana International Airport. Unlike resort islands in the Maldives, this island resort is urban, planned, and functional, designed primarily for locals but increasingly adapted for tourists.

Travellers choose Hulhumalé because:

• It’s closer to the airport than Malé itself
• You can check into a hotel within minutes of landing
• There’s no dependency on ferries, speedboats, or weather
• Hotels cost 70–90% less than resort islands
• It feels calmer and cleaner than central Malé

Best Time to Stay in Hulhumalé: Weather, Crowds & Prices by Month

The best time to visit the Maldives is from December to March, depending on whether you prioritise weather, budget, or fewer crowds. Since this is an urban island, it remains convenient year-round.

Season	Months	Weather	Crowd Level	Prices	Best For
Peak Season	December – March	Sunny, dry, calm seas	High	High	Best beach weather, first-time visitors
Shoulder Season	November & April	Mostly dry, mild humidity	Medium	Moderate	Best balance of weather & cost
Monsoon Season	May – October	Warm with rain showers	Low	Lowest	Budget travellers, short stays

Hulhumale Mosque

Best Things to Do in Hulhumalé

When you are in search of the top activities, the island has a combination of easy coastal activities, light adventure and the most superior free activities.  

1. Relax at the Hulhumalé Beach: 

An extended, open beach, small waves, running tracks, and sunset scenes. Among the best free things to do in this island are swimming, walking and relaxing.

2. Exploring Central Park: 

Hulhumalé Central Park is a rare green space in the Maldives, featuring lawns, shaded walking tracks, and playgrounds. Visiting this central park is one of the best things to do in Hulhumalé with family, especially in the evenings.

3. Watching Sunset Promenade Walks: 

Evening walks along the coastline, especially after prayer time, offer calm vibes, ocean breezes, and colourful sunsets. This is one of the best free evening activities in the Maldives’ Hulhumalé.

4. Snorkelling & Diving Trips: 

Hulhumalé doesn’t have a house reef, but it is still the launch point for some of the best adventure activities around the island. The tour operators organise half-day tours to the better snorkelling sites in the Maldives.

5. Exploring Local Life and Experiences

The view into the life of a Maldivian island is one of the most prominent reasons why travellers claim that the island resort is worth staying in. You can walk in the local marketplaces, taste snacks in the local small cafes, and visit the supermarkets with fruits of the tropics, as well as the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque, which is a very important community landmark. 

6. Exploring Hulhumalé Beaches: 

Hulhumalé is home to a beautiful public beach that is free to access for everyone. The sand glows white under the tropical sun, and the clear waters are perfect for swimming or strolling at sunset. Hulhumalé Beach and Biking Beach are some of the best beaches in Hulhumalé. 

Best Hotels in Hulhumalé by Budget (2026 Guide)

Luxury Hotels in Hulhumalé (₹13,000 – ₹18,000 per night)

These are the most luxurious hotels, which tend to have sea views, superior rooms and have more robust service levels. Ideal choice for comfortable travellers in the area of the airport.

• Hotel Ocean Grand 
• H78 Maldives

Mid-Range Hotels in Hulhumalé (₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per night)

These are the most popular hotels in Hulhumalé, offering good rooms, beachfront access, quieter nights, and consistent service. Mid-range hotels are ideal for families, couples and those who are looking for relaxed travel Pace

• Samann Host 
• Huvan Beach Hotel
• Paralian Hulhumalé 

Budget Hotels in Hulhumalé (₹4,500 – ₹7,000 per night)

These are among the best budget hotels if you prioritise cleanliness and proximity over views. Best for solo travellers and overnight stays. 

• Ripple Beach Inn 
• Planktons Beach 
• Hotel UI Inn 

Hotels Near Malé Airport

If you’re looking for cheap hotels near Malé airport, Hulhumalé is the most practical choice. Located just 5–10 minutes from Velana International Airport, it offers affordable guesthouses and budget hotels ideal for short stays, late-night arrivals, or early departures. 

• Ripple Beach Inn
• Planktons Beach 
• Hotel UI Inn

How to Reach Hulhumalé (By Air & Bus)

Here’s a simple breakdown by transport type.

From Velana Airport

• By Air: Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE), take a 5-10 minute taxi or bus to this resort island. 

Getting Around

• By Taxi: It is a convenient way to reach this island. Taxis are available 24/7 from the airport & Malé, which take around 5–10 minutes and cost anywhere between ₹300–₹500.
  
• By Bus (MTCC): It is the most inexpensive mode of travelling on this island. Frequent transport between the airport, Malé and Hulhumalé. It is the most suitable choice in terms of budget travellers and convenient transfers. 

Check Out: How to Reach the Maldives On Your Own

Travel Costs & Daily Budget Breakdown

Travel Style	Approx. Daily Cost (INR)	What’s Included
Budget	₹4,500–6,000	Budget hotel, local food
Mid-range	₹6,000–10,000	Better hotel, cafés, and tours
Resort Day	₹10,000–20,000	Day pass experience

Practical Tips

• You can spend 1-2 nights to enjoy the finest.
• Choose hotels with airport transfers for hassle-free arrivals.
• Dress modestly in public areas; swimwear only at bikini beaches.
• No alcohol is available on the island; plan accordingly.
• Go to the beaches in the morning or at sunset to get a relaxing atmosphere.
• Carry small cash for local cafés and bakeries.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen and comfortable walking sandals.
• Combine this island with a resort visit for the best of both worlds.

Hulhumalé vs Resort Islands: Which Is Better for Your Maldives Trip?

Resort islands dominate Maldives tourism, but they’re not designed for everyone. The experience is simpler, cheaper, and more connected to everyday Maldivian life.

Feature	Hulhumalé	Resort Islands
Island Type	Local, residential	Private resort islands
Hotel Cost	₹4,500–₹12,000/night	₹35,000+/night
Airport Distance	5–10 min by road	30–90 min by boat/seaplane
Beaches	Public, urban	Private lagoon beaches
Alcohol	Not allowed	Allowed
Snorkelling	Via boat tours	Direct house reefs
Vibe	Local & quiet	Luxury & secluded
Best For	Budget & short stays	Honeymoons & luxury trips

Final Verdict: Is it worth staying in the Maldives?

Hulhumalé is worth staying for travellers who value convenience, affordability, and authentic local experiences over luxury resorts. It is a cost-effective, easy way to get around and experience the Maldives with the clean public beaches, pocket-friendly hotels, and easy airport access. It is a great place to get authentic island experiences without spending too much money when there are short-stay visits, layovers or economically conscious trips. For a seamless trip, you can also book Maldives tour packages from Pickyourtrail and customise your island journey with expert support.

Frequently Asked Questions