Kaashidhoo Island – Lush Farmlands, Ancient Ruins, and Authentic Maldivian Life in Kaafu Atoll
Introduction to Kaashidhoo, Maldives
Kaashidhoo is a large and uniquely lush island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, known for its agricultural heritage, historic ruins, and untouched island charm. Unlike typical tourist islands, Kaashidhoo offers a rare opportunity to explore coconut farms, quiet beaches, and ancient Buddhist remnants, making it a hidden cultural and eco-tourism gem. With its strong local identity and welcoming community, Kaashidhoo is perfect for travelers who want to discover the deeper layers of Maldivian life.
Location and How to Get to Kaashidhoo
Kaashidhoo is located approximately 86 kilometers north of Malé, situated between North Malé Atoll and Lhaviyani Atoll. Travelers can reach the island via daily public ferry or speedboat, with the ferry taking about 5 hours and private speedboat transfers around 2.5 hours, depending on sea conditions. Though more remote than other islands in Kaafu Atoll, the journey to Kaashidhoo rewards visitors with a peaceful and authentic island experience.
Beaches and Nature in Kaashidhoo
Kaashidhoo features natural white sandy beaches and rich vegetation, setting it apart from the typical coral-sand landscape of the Maldives. The island is home to dense coconut groves, banana plantations, and vegetable fields, giving it an almost jungle-like atmosphere. Shallow lagoons and snorkeling spots surround the island, while the inland greenery offers shade and walking paths for nature lovers.
Accommodation in Kaashidhoo
Kaashidhoo has a small but growing number of guesthouses, catering to budget travelers, backpackers, and culture seekers. These local properties offer clean rooms, Wi-Fi, and warm hospitality, with the added benefit of home-cooked meals and guided tours of the island. Staying in Kaashidhoo offers a more eco-conscious, cultural alternative to resort life while supporting the local economy.
Food and Dining in Kaashidhoo
Dining in Kaashidhoo is centered around local Maldivian dishes made from freshly sourced island ingredients. Guests can enjoy flavorful curries, grilled reef fish, coconut-based meals, and seasonal fruits. Most meals are served at guesthouses, with some island cafés offering traditional short eats like masroshi and gulha. Dining here is about flavor, simplicity, and connection with the community.
Things to Do in Kaashidhoo
Kaashidhoo offers a slower, more immersive experience, ideal for eco-tourism, historical discovery, and cultural exploration. Guests can visit the ancient Kaashidhoo Loamaafaanu ruins, believed to be remnants of a Buddhist monastery. Other activities include island farming tours, snorkeling, reef walks, and cycling through shaded inland paths. It’s a great place to disconnect and reflect.
Day Trips and Tours from Kaashidhoo
Due to its remote location, Kaashidhoo is best enjoyed as a standalone island escape. However, sandbank picnics, fishing trips, and snorkeling excursions can be arranged through local hosts. For those seeking more activity, day trips to nearby inhabited islands or uninhabited islets can be organized for a deeper look into rural Maldivian life and untouched marine spots.
Environmental Focus and Conservation in Kaashidhoo
Kaashidhoo plays an important role in Maldivian agriculture and sustainability. The island is known for producing fruits and vegetables that supply markets in Malé and nearby islands. Conservation practices include eco-farming, tree preservation, and responsible waste management. Visitors can learn about sustainable living through island farming tours and eco-friendly stays.
Culture and Local Life in Kaashidhoo
Kaashidhoo offers a truly immersive cultural experience. With its large size and fertile land, the island supports a self-sustaining lifestyle. Locals are warm, deeply rooted in Islamic values, and proud of their heritage. Guests are welcomed with hospitality and respect, especially when showing interest in traditional life, farming, or religious customs.
Best Time to Visit Kaashidhoo
The best time to visit Kaashidhoo is from November to April, during the dry northeast monsoon season, when weather conditions are ideal for beach visits, farming tours, and snorkeling. The wet season (May to October) brings occasional rain but also highlights the island’s greenery and natural beauty. Kaashidhoo is a rewarding destination year-round for travelers seeking culture, nature, and calm.
General info
Population of Kaashidhoo
Kaashidhoo has an estimated population of around 2,000 residents, mostly Maldivians engaged in agriculture, fishing, and government services.
The island maintains a strong community identity with a balanced mix of families, youth, and elderly residents. The population is self-sufficient due to farming and benefits from government investment in infrastructure.
Distance from Malé
Kaashidhoo is located approximately 86 kilometers north of Malé, between North Malé Atoll and Lhaviyani Atoll.
The island is reached by public ferry (5+ hours) or speedboat (around 2.5 hours), making it one of the more remote inhabited islands in Kaafu Atoll. Its distance offers peace and a break from crowded tourist spots.
Island Size
Kaashidhoo is one of the largest inhabited islands in the Maldives, both in length and width, with substantial farmland and open space.
The size of the island allows for agriculture, school zones, community centers, and private homes to co-exist without congestion—something rare among local islands.
Agricultural Importance
Kaashidhoo is one of the few farming hubs in the Maldives, growing fruits, vegetables, and coconuts.
The island’s rich soil supports produce such as bananas, papayas, cucumbers, and chilies, many of which are transported to Malé and other islands for sale. Farming is a major livelihood here.
Kaashidhoo Loamaafaanu Ruins
Kaashidhoo is home to ancient Buddhist-era ruins, locally known as the “Loamaafaanu site.”
These coral-stone ruins date back over 800 years and offer insight into the Maldives’ pre-Islamic history. Though partly overgrown, the site is historically valuable and culturally significant.
Local Economy
The economy of Kaashidhoo is driven by farming, fishing, carpentry, and public services.
Unlike resort-focused islands, Kaashidhoo’s economy is more diversified. The island also supports guesthouse tourism, though on a smaller scale, allowing for authentic, locally-run experiences.
Island Education and Health Facilities
Kaashidhoo has well-established schools and a health center serving the local population.
Educational institutions include primary and secondary schooling, while the health center provides basic medical services. More serious cases are referred to Malé by speedboat.
Internet and Connectivity
Kaashidhoo has good 4G coverage and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, making it accessible for travelers and remote workers.
Local providers like Dhiraagu and Ooredoo ensure connectivity across the island. Digital nomads and content creators can stay connected while enjoying a slower pace of life.
Religious and Community Life
Kaashidhoo is a Muslim island with an active religious and communal life, centered around the mosque and community events.
Visitors will hear the call to prayer and witness traditional island living. Modest clothing and respectful behavior are expected when outside tourist or guesthouse zones.
Environmental Landscape
The island has natural forested zones, coconut groves, and freshwater vegetation, rare for many Maldives islands.
Kaashidhoo’s greenery creates opportunities for eco-tourism, nature walks, and farm experiences. It's also known for its bird population and island biodiversity, making it an emerging destination for nature lovers.
FAQs about
Kaashidhoo
Yes. Kaashidhoo is a local island open to guesthouse tourism. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, cultural immersion, and eco-tourism in the Maldives.
Kaashidhoo can be reached by public ferry or speedboat. Public ferries run several times a week and take around 5 hours, while private speedboat transfers take approximately 2.5 hours depending on weather and sea conditions.
Yes. Kaashidhoo has natural white sand beaches and calm lagoons for swimming. While it does not have a designated bikini beach, guesthouses can arrange private beach spots or sandbank trips for sunbathing and swimming.
No. As a local island, alcohol is prohibited in Kaashidhoo. However, day trips to resort islands or floating bars can be arranged if guests wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages legally and respectfully.
Kaashidhoo is known for its fertile farmland, coconut groves, and historical Buddhist ruins. It stands out for its lush vegetation and cultural significance, offering a different kind of Maldives experience beyond luxury tourism.
Yes. Kaashidhoo is home to the Loamaafaanu Buddhist ruins, dating back over 800 years. The ruins are a rare archaeological site in the Maldives, offering a glimpse into the country’s ancient past.
Yes. Guesthouses offer snorkeling trips, sandbank visits, fishing excursions, and island farming tours. These tours are typically small and personalized, ideal for slow and mindful travelers.
Absolutely. The island is safe, spacious, and has a warm local community. Families can enjoy beach walks, cultural activities, and nature tours in a calm and respectful environment.
Kaashidhoo has a small selection of guesthouses, offering clean rooms, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and meals. These family-run stays are perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic local hospitality.
The best time to visit is from November to April, during the dry season when the weather is ideal for farming tours, beach walks, and water activities. The wet season (May to October) is quieter and lush, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates.