The island is 414.86 km (258 mi; 224 nmi) south of the country's capital, Malé.

While it is unclear as to when people started living in Madaveli, considering the similarity in the dialect spoken in the island Huvadhoo Bas as it is spoken in other islands of the Huvadhu Atoll, it is safe to assume that people started living here as early as civilization in the atoll can be traced.

Many generations of people living in Madaveli claim inheritance from a number of other islands including Fuvahmulah.

Madaveli residents travel nearby islands by speed boat, launch and ferry.

There is regular ferry (Baahaththari dhoani) from Madaveli to Thinadhoo within six days a week.