Vaadhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
Overview
Vaadhoo is an inhabited island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (South Huvadhoo Atoll) administrative division and geographically part of Huvadhoo Atoll in the south of the Maldives. It is an island-level administrative constituency in Upper South Province, governed by the Vaadhoo Island Council.
Maalhandhoo Mosque on the island may have been the site of an earlier temple. A bath made with square dressed slabs bear witness to the evolution this site has experienced over time. The mosque is believed to have been built by Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, the man who brought Islam to the country. The interior of the mosque is decorated with marvellous wood carvings and painted arabesque.
Samples of Dhives Akuru, the second oldest script, can be seen on the tombstones in the adjoining cemetery. There are two hawittas on the island. This island is famous for agriculture.