Himandhoo

Himandhoo (Dhivehi: ހިމެންދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of the Alif Alif Atoll in the Maldives.

Himandhoo
Inhabited island
Himandhoo Location in Maldives
Coordinates: 03°55′15″N 72°44′35″E
Country	Maldives
Administrative atoll	Alif Alif Atoll
Distance to Malé	89.57 km (55.66 mi)
Dimensions
• Length	0.750 km (0.466 mi)
• Width	0.425 km (0.264 mi)
Population  (2014)[1]
• Total	724 (including foreigners)
Time zone	UTC+05:00 (MST)

Geography

The island is 89.57 km (56 mi; 48 nmi) west of the country's capital, Malé.^[2] A short seaplane journey from Velana International Airport would take approximately 25–45 minutes to reach this pristine piece of land in the Northern Alif Atoll. Speedboat transfer options are also available to reach the island.

Demography

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
2006	515	—
2014	667	+29.5%
2020	824	+23.5%
2006-2014: Census populations Source: [3]

Economy

Tourism

In recent years, Himandhoo has become a rising destination for budget-conscious travelers seeking an alternative to resort tourism. The island is home to several guesthouses offering warm hospitality and comfortable accommodations, including Kuri Himandhoo Inn, White Sand Himandhoo, Origami Inn, and Casa De Himandhoo. These guesthouses are locally run, allowing visitors to engage directly with Maldivian culture and lifestyle.

Himandhoo is particularly popular for its proximity to rich marine environments. Tourists enjoy snorkeling and diving excursions to nearby reefs, where they can encounter manta rays, turtles, and a variety of coral species. Other popular activities include sunset dolphin watching, sandbank picnics, night fishing, and cultural island tours.

The combination of natural beauty, traditional island charm, and modern guest services makes Himandhoo a unique and peaceful destination in the Maldives’ growing network of inhabited island tourism.

History

Himandhoo has played a significant role in the Maldives’ broader socio-political and religious evolution. In recent years, the island has seen major development efforts aimed at improving local infrastructure and connectivity. In 2020, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) completed a major harbor development project on the island. This included dredging, quay wall construction, breakwaters, and modern harbor lighting. The project enhanced access to the island and supported the local economy by facilitating smoother transportation and trade.