HomeIsland staysNorth Malé AtollH78 Maldives
H78 Maldives
H78 Maldives is a four-star guesthouse on an inhabited local island in North Malé Atoll, rated 4.2 out of 5 from 602 reviews. The main trade-off is a quick, well-run base close to the airport with free Wi-Fi and a restaurant, against local-island rules: no alcohol and modest dress away from the designated bikini beach.
- Local island
- North Malé Atoll
- 4-star
- 4.2 / 5
- Speedboat
Decide
Who H78 Maldives suits
- Stay typeLocal island
- AtollNorth Malé Atoll
- IslandNot named in the record
- Star class4 stars
- Guest score4.2 / 5 (602 reviews)
- TransferSpeedboat or public ferry
- From Velanaabout 2.4 km
- Live sampleBookable on 4 of 5 sampled stays
- Relative price bandMid-range
Suits
- Travellers wanting a short transfer: about 2.4 km from Velana International Airport by speedboat or public ferry.
- Guests who value friendly service and a rooftop terrace with food and drinks, as guest reviews describe.
- Families, with family rooms listed and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Divers and anglers, with diving and fishing listed among facilities.
- Travellers on a value or mid-range budget who want a local-island base rather than a resort.
May not suit
- Guests expecting alcohol on site: alcohol is not served on inhabited islands.
- Travellers who want to wear swimwear anywhere: swimwear is for the designated bikini beach, and shoulders and knees are covered in the village.
- Those seeking a private beach or house reef at the property: the listing records beach nearby but no private beach, beachfront or house reef.
- People wanting a pool or overwater villa: neither is listed, and guest reviews do not mention them.
Live availability
Seen bookable on 4 of 5 sampled dates
- Mon, 30 Nov 2026, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 30 Nov 2026, 2 nights: returned
- Mon, 28 Dec 2026, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 25 Jan 2027, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 22 Feb 2027, 1 night: not returned
H78 Maldives came back from the booking search on 4 of the 5 sampled stays searched near it, for check-ins on 30 November 2026, 28 December 2026 and 25 January 2027; on the others it was not returned, which usually means no room was on sale for those nights. Against the other stays the sample returned, its lowest rates sit in the mid-range band; the site shows no figures, so the booking page gives the rate for your dates.
In the sweep the search returned this stay 15 times across the searches near it. Rates are not shown on this site; the booking card opens them for your dates.
Getting there
Getting to H78 Maldives
- Usual transferSpeedboat or public ferry
- From Velana airportabout 2.4 km, straight line
- Nearest domestic airportMaamigili, about 114 km
The usual transfer is by speedboat or public ferry. Velana International Airport is on Hulhulé, at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll, and the property is about 2.4 km from it in a straight line. In North Malé Atoll, speedboats can run day and night, so a late international arrival can still reach the island the same evening. Guesthouses on inhabited islands arrange speedboats, and the guesthouse is the best source for the current schedule and meeting point.
The nearest domestic airport is Maamigili, 114 km away, but it is not the usual approach for this atoll. Seaplanes fly in daylight only; this property is reached by speedboat or public ferry. Public ferries link some islands within the atoll on set days, but timetables change and are slower than a speedboat. If you arrive late or leave early, a night in Hulhumalé or Malé can be simpler than a boat crossing.
More on transfers: getting from Velana to your island.
The island
an inhabited local island
This is a guesthouse stay on an inhabited local island in North Malé Atoll, not a resort island. The property lists 25 guesthouses on the island, so village life continues around you: mosques, harbours, cafes and shops, with the island day setting the rhythm. Alcohol is not served on inhabited islands, so any drinking happens elsewhere. In the village, shoulders and knees are covered; swimwear is for the designated bikini beach. Guesthouses explain these rules on arrival.
The nearest inhabited island with guesthouses is Hulhumalé, about 1.7 km in a straight line, followed by Himmafushi at 12 km, Huraa at 15 km and Thulusdhoo at 22 km. Six resorts lie within 10 km. In North Malé Atoll, speedboats run day and night, so a late arrival can still reach the island the same evening. Malé and Hulhumalé sit at the southern edge of the atoll, and a bridge links Malé with the airport island.
Nearest inhabited islands with guesthouses, measured from coordinates: Hulhumale about 1.7 km (7 guesthouses listed); Himmafushi about 12 km (22 guesthouses listed); Huraa about 15 km (19 guesthouses listed); Thulusdhoo about 22 km (54 guesthouses listed); Gulhi about 25 km (24 guesthouses listed). Resort islands within 10 km: 6.
House rules by island type: alcohol, local-island etiquette, resort or local island.
Beach and lagoon
Beach and lagoon at H78 Maldives
- Private beach listedno
- Beachfront listedno
- Beach access listedno
- Water sports listedyes
- Diving listedyes
- Reviews mentioning the beach2
- Reviews mentioning a house reef0
- Reviews mentioning overwater villas0
The listing records a beach nearby and lists water sports, diving and fishing, but no private beach, beachfront, beach access, snorkelling or surf. Guest reviews mention the beach twice: one describes a great location right on the beach with good views of seaplanes landing, another a beautiful beach in front of the hotel. There is no house-reef evidence in the record, and no lagoon or snorkelling mentions in reviews. The property has no pool.
Atoll levelIn North Malé Atoll, resort islands each hold one property, and many have house reefs and dive centres. Inhabited islands such as Thulusdhoo, Huraa, Himmafushi and Dhiffushi have villages, mosques, schools and harbours, and a different rhythm from resort islands. Across the atoll, swimwear is only for designated beaches, often called bikini beaches, and in the village shoulders and knees are covered. The atoll holds many resort islands and several inhabited islands with guesthouses.
Sea and reef
The sea and reef around H78 Maldives
- Hulhumalé beach and the Malé ferry · about 0.5 kmHulhumalé has a public beach where local dress norms apply, a short taxi ride from the airport, with regular ferry crossings to Malé.
- Banana Reef · about 3.4 kmOne of the best-known dive sites of North Malé Atoll, dived in both monsoons.
- The Maldive Victory wreck · about 3.4 kmA cargo ship that sank near the airport island in 1981; deep and current-prone, for experienced divers.
- Lankan Manta Point · about 7.0 kmA manta cleaning station in North Malé Atoll, reached by boat from nearby islands.
- The North Malé reef breaks (Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi) · about 17 kmThe surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August.
Banana Reef, one of the best-known dive sites of North Malé Atoll, lies about 3.4 km in a straight line and is dived in both monsoons. The Maldive Victory wreck, a cargo ship that sank near the airport island in 1981, is also about 3.4 km away; it is deep and current-prone, for experienced divers. Lankan Manta Point, a manta cleaning station reached by boat from nearby islands and visited by divers and snorkellers, is about 7.0 km away. Recreational diving in the Maldives is capped at 30 metres.
The North Malé reef breaks near Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi are about 17 km in a straight line. The surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August. Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi are inhabited islands with guesthouses, within reach of several named breaks. The property lists diving and fishing among its facilities. Across the atoll, common excursion types include house-reef snorkelling, a sandbank afternoon, a dolphin cruise at dusk, visiting a local island, kayak and paddleboard a lagoon, sunset handline fishing and learning to freedive.
Seasons
Seasons in North Malé Atoll
In North Malé Atoll, the year turns on two monsoons. Iruvai, the northeast monsoon, runs roughly December to April and is the drier, calmer half of the year. Hulhangu, the southwest monsoon, runs roughly May to November, with more wind, passing showers and choppier crossings. Air and sea stay warm all year. During the northeast monsoon mantas move to cleaning stations, often on the western sides of atolls; in the southwest monsoon plankton and currents can draw larger animals into channels on the eastern side.
For divers and snorkellers, the atoll's sites are dived in both monsoons. Banana Reef is one of the best-known dive sites of North Malé Atoll, and Lankan Manta Point is visited by divers and snorkellers. The surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August, which matters for the reef breaks near Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi. Seaplanes fly in daylight only, though this property is reached by speedboat or public ferry.
Month by month: the weather guide and the two monsoons.
Day trips
Day trips and island hopping from here
Hulhumalé beach and the Malé ferry are about 0.5 km in a straight line. Hulhumalé has a public beach where local dress norms apply, a short taxi ride from the airport, with regular ferry crossings to Malé. The nearest inhabited islands with guesthouses are Hulhumalé at 1.7 km, Himmafushi at 12 km, Huraa at 15 km and Thulusdhoo at 22 km. Six resorts lie within 10 km. Some guesthouses arrange day visits to a nearby resort island, depending on the resort's day-visit policy.
Across the atoll, common excursion types include house-reef snorkelling, a sandbank afternoon, a dolphin cruise at dusk, visiting a local island, kayak and paddleboard a lagoon, sunset handline fishing and learning to freedive. The property lists canoe, diving and fishing among facilities. Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi sit beside well-known surf breaks, and the surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August.
Trips like these on this site: house-reef snorkelling, a sandbank afternoon, a dolphin cruise at dusk, visiting a local island, kayak and paddleboard a lagoon, sunset handline fishing, learning to freedive, resort day visits.
Guest reviews
What guests say about the sea and beach
beach
Two reviews mention the beach: one calls the location right on the beach with good views of seaplanes landing, another describes a beautiful beach in front of the hotel.
“Great location right on the beach with good views of the sea planes landing.”Amie L.
“Beautiful beach in front of the hotel.”Caridad A.
getting there
Reviews highlight the free airport shuttle and round-trip airport or resort transportation. One notes the property is well located, 15 minutes from Malé Airport.
“Free airport shuttle was a bonus and the staff were so friendly in all areas.”Amie L.
“Well located, 15 minutes from Male Airport.”Caridad A.
What guests say about the stay
staff and service
Guest reviews describe staff as friendly, helpful and welcoming, with early check-in and a room upgrade mentioned. The free airport shuttle and included transportation are noted as bonuses.
“Free airport shuttle was a bonus and the staff were so friendly in all areas.”Amie L.
“From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed, especially with their refreshing cinnamon tea and early check-in.”Madhusha M.
food
Reviews praise the in-house restaurant for delicious food with variety, including Indian, Maldivian and Sri Lankan dishes. Breakfast is included with lots of choice and homemade cakes, and the rooftop serves food and drinks.
“The rooftop terrace was lovely views with food and drinks.”Amie L.
“The in-house restaurant serves truly delicious food with a great variety—Indian, Maldivian, Sri Lankan, and W”Madhusha M.
rooms
Rooms are described as compact but clean and comfortable, with all necessary amenities, free drinking water and tea/coffee facilities. One review notes a small lobby and lift, and an upgrade to a higher-floor room with a direct ocean view.
“It was quiet so you slept great and the room had free drinking water and tea/coffee facilities.”Amie L.
“On our first day, we were given a cozy corner room with a side sea view, and to our surprise, they upgraded us to a higher-floor…”Madhusha M.
peace and quiet
One review notes it was quiet so you slept great. No other review discusses noise or quiet.
“It was quiet so you slept great and the room had free drinking water and tea/coffee facilities.”Amie L.
Practical
Practical island life
Free Wi-Fi is listed for this property, and a restaurant, room service, breakfast, lunch and buffet are listed. Guest reviews describe breakfast included with lots of choice and lovely homemade cakes, and an in-house restaurant serving Indian, Maldivian, Sri Lankan and other food. On local islands, mobile data is often more reliable than guesthouse Wi-Fi; prepaid SIM cards are sold at Velana International Airport and in Malé and Hulhumalé. Mobile coverage is good on inhabited islands and patchy at sea.
Inhabited islands have cafes and shops; on a resort island the resort runs every restaurant and bar. The property lists a market, currency exchange, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, laundry service and a shuttle service. Alcohol is not served on inhabited islands, and importing alcohol and pork is not allowed. On local islands, Friday midday prayers close many businesses, and during Ramadan eating and drinking in public in daylight is avoided.
Compare
Against the 3 nearest similar stays
| Stay | Class | Guest score | Transfer | Distance | Live sample | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H78 Maldives (this stay) | 4-star local island | 4.2 (602 reviews) | Speedboat, 2.4 km | — | 4/5 | Check dates |
| Avoca Inn | 4-star local island | 4.2 (113 reviews) | Speedboat, 2.5 km | 0.0 km away | 4/5 | Check dates |
| Amber Beach | 3-star local island | 4.5 (194 reviews) | Speedboat, 2.5 km | 0.1 km away | 5/5 | Check dates |
| Rara Hm | 3-star local island | none yet | Speedboat, 2.3 km | 0.1 km away | 2/5 | Check dates |
Facilities listed
- 24-hour front desk
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Balcony
- Bars
- Bathrobe
- Beach nearby
- Bidet
- Breakfast
- Breakfast in room
- Buffet
- Canoe
- Coffee
- Concierge
- Currency exchange
- Diving
- Dry cleaning service
- Express check in
- Family rooms
- First aid
- Fishing
- Free Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Hairdryer
- Housekeeping
- Internet access
- Iron and board
- Laundry Service
- Lifts
- Luggage storage
- Lunch
- Market
- Non smoking rooms
- Refrigerator
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Safe
- Shuttle service
- Slippers
- Smoking area
- Special diets
- TV
- Telephone
- Terrace
- Toiletries
- Wake-up service
Questions about H78 Maldives
How do you get to H78 Maldives from Velana International Airport?
The usual transfer is by speedboat or public ferry. The property is about 2.4 km from Velana International Airport in a straight line. Guesthouses on inhabited islands arrange speedboats, and the guesthouse is the best source for the current schedule and meeting point. Public ferries are slower and run on set days.
What are the rules on alcohol, dress and swimwear here?
Alcohol is not served on inhabited islands, and importing alcohol and pork is not allowed. Swimwear is for the designated bikini beach; in the village, shoulders and knees are covered. These are ordinary rules of island life, and guesthouses explain them on arrival.
Is there a beach and a house reef at the property?
The listing records a beach nearby but no private beach, beachfront or beach access, and no house reef. Guest reviews mention a beach in front of the hotel and views of seaplanes landing. Snorkelling is not listed, and no review mentions a house reef. In North Malé Atoll, many resort islands have house reefs.
What does the listing show about meals at H78 Maldives?
The facility list for H78 Maldives names a restaurant, a bar, breakfast, room service and special diets. Which meal plans are on sale, from room only to half board where offered, depends on your dates and shows on the booking page.
What is the best season for this atoll?
Iruvai, the northeast monsoon, runs roughly December to April and is the drier, calmer half of the year. Hulhangu, the southwest monsoon, runs roughly May to November, with more wind, passing showers and choppier crossings. Air and sea stay warm all year. The surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August.
Is H78 Maldives better for families or couples?
Family rooms are listed, and guest reviews describe friendly staff and a restaurant with varied food, which suits families. Couples may find the compact rooms and small lobby and lift less private, though the rooftop terrace offers ocean views. The property is not adults only; that is not stated in the listing.
What nearby sea or island experience is within reach?
Banana Reef, one of the best-known dive sites of North Malé Atoll, is about 3.4 km in a straight line and is dived in both monsoons. Lankan Manta Point, a manta cleaning station visited by divers and snorkellers, is about 7.0 km away. Hulhumalé beach and the Malé ferry are about 0.5 km away.
Was H78 Maldives bookable in the live sample?
H78 Maldives came back on 4 of the 5 sampled stays searched near it (check-ins on 30 November 2026, 28 December 2026 and 25 January 2027). On the other dates it was not returned, usually because nothing was on sale. Your own dates are checked live on the booking page.
How this page was made: bookability comes from a live sweep of the IMPT booking search on 5 sample stays; facilities, photos and reviews from the IMPT hotel database; distances from coordinates; sea, season and island context from this site's own pages. The written sections were drafted by an AI model from this record only and checked against it.
All stays in North Malé Atoll · All island stays · North Malé Atoll guide · This stay in the hotels section