Due to its location as an entry point, the name Kelaa is believed to have originated from the South Asian languages Hindi and Urdu, where kholar or kholaa (खोला) means an open space or entrance.

Kelaa is renowned for its expansive turquoise lagoon, covering 2,423 hectares - approximately 12 times larger than the island itself - alongside its white sandy beaches.

[4] Similar to many inhabited islands, a significant number of Kelaa's registered population has migrated to the capital city, Malé, in pursuit of better social services, higher education, and employment opportunities.

Between 2000 and 2022, the resident population has shown minimal growth due to factors including migration trends, birth rates, economic conditions, and government policies.

In addition to agriculture, the island's workforce engages significantly in construction, fishing, civil service, and has recently embraced tourism as a growing economic contributor.

[8] This initiative aims to enhance the island's tourism infrastructure, highlighting Haa Alif Kelaa Thundi beach's rare beauty.

Beyond residential zones, the island's remaining green spaces predominantly function as agricultural land, featuring a variety of crops including coconut palms and open fields suitable for cultivating watermelon, pumpkin, and other staples.

[9] This strategic outpost served as a vital refueling station for Allied shipping and warplanes, crucial for supporting military operations in the region.

The local community repurposed many of these facilities, and remnants of the base, including aircraft wreckage and structural remains, still bear witness to this historical period.

The RAF base in Kelaa remains a notable part of the island's heritage, reflecting its brief yet impactful role during a critical juncture in global history.

Despite this, unity was demonstrated as Kelaa immediately hosted families who lost their homes in Filladhoo, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of the Maldivian communities in the face of natural disasters.

Source: Ministry of Islamic Affairs,[18] accurate as of August 2024 The Lily House, a historic building over 80 years old, which holds great cultural significance for the people of Kelaa.

Constructed using uva (u’a) or lime, it was originally dedicated to Maulood (Maaloodhu Ge), serving as a venue for the ritual recitation of Islamic devotional texts (Ar.

[20] While the precise date when the Lily House first came into use is not specifically recorded, construction is said to have begun in the late 1940s and was completed in the early 1950s during the tenure of Kasim as the Chief (katheeb) of Kelaa.

The Kelaa Old Friday Mosque, built during Al-Sultan Mohamed Ibn Haji Ali Thukkalaa (Dhevvadhoo Rasgefaanu)'s reign (1692–1701) in Hijri Year 1111, remains an active place of worship today.

Situated in a compound with two wells and a cemetery adorned with ancient tombstones, the mosque, primarily constructed from coral stone, boasts a prayer hall surrounded by veranda-like antechambers on three sides and an elevated entrance stair.

Featuring timber sliding doors and a tiered roof, the interior is adorned with lacquered calligraphy panels and intricate coral carvings.

The cemetery also features numerous grave stones with engravings dating back to ancient times, adorned with Arabic scriptures that can still be seen today.

During World War II, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) utilized numerous sites in the southern part of Kelaa, locally referred to as Thun’di (Dhivehi: ތުނޑި).

One such enduring relic is the British Armoury (Dhivehi: ބަޑިގެ, romanized: Badige), notable for its surviving remnants, including intact exterior walls.

Accompanied by traditional music from a hand drum known as Thaara (Dhivehi: ތާރަ), made from goat or ray skin, Maliku dhandi stands as a testament to Kelaa's dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

The precise origins of stilt fishing remain uncertain, though some social media posts suggest that earlier Kelaa merchants might have adopted the technique from Malabar fisherman to in Kerala, India or some parts Sri Lanka, where similar practices are observed.

This transformation has turned the island into a prime destination, offering a safe environment with a sandy bottom and a clear lagoon perfect for these activities.

Four trees of this species were identified in HA Kelaa by the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group and the MSG Red List Coordinator, Dr. Jean Yong.

The An'malthaas, known in English as the pudding pie tree, Indian Laburnum, or Golden Shower plant (Cassia fistula), is a rare sight in the Maldives.

Situated within the compound of Masjid-al Qufran, directly in front of the Secretariat of the Kelaa Council Office, this Golden Shower Tree is a striking presence.

Upon his return to the Maldives in 1927, during Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin (III)'s reign, Sheikh Ibrahim became a founding teacher of Madhrasathul Saniyya, now known as Aminiya School.

One of his notable works, "Sullamal Areeb" (Arabic: سلمال أريب), published on 5 November 1936, is a foundational text for the Dhivehi language, detailing the use of nouns, pronouns, and written formats.

Additionally, he supported economic development by establishing a tailor shop and importing goats, and providing necessary tools and improved the agriculture sector.

A passionate advocate for Dhivehi language and culture, Alibe expressed his devotion through poetry, drama scripts, and historical writings, including his notable poem "މިހެން ނޫންތޯ ކަން ހުރީ!".