Maafushi (spelled Maafushi in English, ماފުށި in Dhivehi) is a small inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, located about 26 kilometres south of Malé, the capital of the Maldives. With a resident population of around 3,000 people, it is one of the most visited local islands in the country.

Unlike the over-water bungalow resorts the Maldives is famous for, Maafushi operates as a guesthouse and hotel destination — meaning travellers can experience the real Maldives at a far more accessible price point. The island has dedicated tourist facilities including a bikini beach, dozens of guesthouses and hotels, dive centres, water sports operators, and excellent local restaurants.

The island became a major destination after the Maldivian government opened local islands to tourism in 2009. Since then, Maafushi has developed rapidly and now receives tens of thousands of visitors each year from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.