Hinnavaru Island Travel Guide: Culture, Coral Reefs & Calm Shores in the Maldives

Nestled in the tranquil waters of Lhaviyani Atoll, Hinnavaru Island offers a refreshing alternative to the polished resort scene. This lively local island brims with character, tradition, and easy access to pristine reefs and turquoise lagoons.
 

Hinnavaru is ideal for travelers who seek culture, budget-friendly stays, and the chance to explore the true spirit of the Maldives. As your guide, let me take you through what makes this island a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean.

📍 Where is Hinnavaru Island?

Atoll: Lhaviyani Atoll (Faadhippolhu)

Distance from Malé: ~140 km north

Population: ~5,000 (one of the most populated local islands)

Though relatively small in size, Hinnavaru stands out as a vibrant community hub with schools, clinics, shops, and local eateries—all offering an immersive taste of island life.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Hinnavaru Island

💡 Tip: If you’re into diving or snorkeling, visit between January and April for optimal visibility.

✈️ How to Get to Hinnavaru

There are two main ways to reach Hinnavaru from Malé:

1. Domestic Flight + Speedboat

Flight: 30–40 minutes to Madivaru Airport (LMV)

Speedboat: ~20–30 minutes to Hinnavaru

2. Public Speedboat

Runs 3–4 times per week from Malé

Takes around 2.5 to 3 hours

Affordable and scenic

🏝️ Top Things to Do on Hinnavaru Island

1. Snorkeling the Coral Reefs

The coral gardens around Hinnavaru are teeming with life:

Colorful parrotfish, clownfish, and turtles

Healthy coral patches, thanks to marine conservation efforts

Excursions available to nearby House Reefs and Fushifaru Thila

Many guesthouses provide free snorkeling gear, or you can book a guided trip.

2. Scuba Diving in Lhaviyani Atoll

Diving is one of Hinnavaru’s major highlights. With several world-class dive sites nearby, both beginner and advanced divers are in for a treat.

Top Dive Sites:

Kuredu Express – Known for strong currents and big pelagic fish

The Shipyard – Two sunken wrecks rich in marine life

Fushifaru Kandu – A drift dive with coral walls and sharks

🏅 Several local operators on the island are PADI-certified.

3. Explore Island Life

Hinnavaru is perfect for experiencing the real Maldives:

Visit local markets selling fruits, fish, and crafts

Stroll through residential areas and meet friendly locals

Learn about Maldivian craftsmanship and boat-building traditions

🎉 During festivals (like Eid), the island comes alive with music, traditional games, and food.

4. Enjoy the Bikini Beach

Unlike most parts of the island where modest dress is expected, Hinnavaru has a designated bikini beach for tourists:

White sand, palm-fringed shore

Calm waters for safe swimming

Sunbeds and shaded areas available

🌞 Great spot for relaxing after snorkeling or island tours.

5. Dolphin & Sunset Cruises

Evening cruises are a favorite in Hinnavaru:

See pods of spinner dolphins dance along the bow

Enjoy stunning sunsets with tropical snacks

Some boats offer BBQ dinners on nearby sandbanks

🌅 Best enjoyed between 5:00 – 6:30 PM.

6. Island Hopping

Use Hinnavaru as a base to explore nearby islands:

Naifaru – Visit the Atoll Marine Center (sea turtle rescue)

Felivaru – Known for fisheries and industrial development

Resort day trips – Many high-end resorts nearby offer access for a fee

This gives you the best of both worlds: luxury experiences with budget lodging.

🛌 Where to Stay on Hinnavaru

Unlike resort islands, Hinnavaru’s accommodations are locally owned and far more affordable.

Recommended Guesthouses:

Innahura Guesthouse – Family-run, cozy, walking distance to bikini beach

Hinnavaru Stay – Offers tours, snorkeling, and bike rentals

Cocogiri Guesthouse – Clean rooms and great for digital nomads

Palm Retreat – Comfortable and great for couples or small families

🛎️ Most offer Wi-Fi, AC, meals, and airport transfers.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Hinnavaru

Food in Hinnavaru is authentic, simple, and tasty. Expect seafood-heavy dishes, spices, and coconut-infused cuisine.

Local favorites:

Mas Huni (tuna & coconut with flatbread) for breakfast

Garudhiya (clear fish broth with rice and lime)

Fried reef fish with chili sambal

Short eats like gulha, keemia, and bajiya from roadside cafes

Best spots to dine:

Thila Restaurant – Oceanfront setting with Maldivian and Western dishes

Island Bites Café – Good for smoothies, burgers, and tea

Local homes – Some guesthouses offer cooking classes or homemade meals

🛍️ What to Buy in Hinnavaru

Handmade jewelry from shells and coconut

Traditional lacquerware

Woven mats and dhoni boat miniatures

Local dried fish and snacks

Support the community by buying directly from local artisans.

📸 Best Photo Spots

Bikini Beach at sunset

Traditional dhoni boats docked in the harbor

Coral reef shots while snorkeling

Local village streets and colorful homes

Drone shots of the elongated island shape

📅 3-Day Itinerary for Hinnavaru

Day 1:

Arrival & local village tour

Sunset at bikini beach

Seafood dinner under the stars

Day 2:

Morning dive/snorkel

Afternoon cooking class

Evening dolphin cruise

Day 3:

Island-hopping to Naifaru or sandbank picnic

Local shopping

Relax and depart

🧭 Travel Tips for Hinnavaru

Respect local culture: No bikinis outside the designated area

Bring cash (USD or MVR) for local purchases

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory

Mosquito repellent is handy for evenings

Power plugs are standard UK type

🌍 Why Visit Hinnavaru?

Hinnavaru offers something many resort islands can’t: connection. Here, you can live the local rhythm, explore rich marine life, and enjoy world-class diving without breaking the bank.

Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, coral reefs, or just a quiet place to unwind, Hinnavaru is a Maldivian experience you’ll never forget.