Looking for authentic Alaskan adventure with Indigenous culture and breathtaking scenery? Head to Hoonah! Nestled on Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska, Hoonah is a charming coastal village home to the Tlingit people and rich with wildlife, history, and outdoor exploration. Whether you're ziplining over treetops or watching whales breach offshore, Hoonah is an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path destination.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Hoonah is from May through September. These months offer the warmest temperatures, long daylight hours, and ideal conditions for wildlife tours, hiking, and fishing. Summer is also cruise ship season, when Icy Strait Point comes alive with activity.
Tips for getting There
- By air: Fly into Juneau International Airport (JNU), then take a short flight to Hoonah via Alaska Seaplanes (approx. 30 minutes).
- By ferry: The Alaska Marine Highway System provides ferry service from Juneau and other ports to Hoonah (seasonal schedule).
- By cruise: Many major cruise lines stop at Icy Strait Point, just a mile from Hoonah’s main town area.
Where I like to stay
- Icy Strait Lodge – Rustic lodge with cozy accommodations and guided excursions.
- Hoonah Hideout Cabins – Secluded cabins offering peaceful forest views and modern comforts.
- Local B&Bs and Guesthouses – Enjoy authentic Alaskan hospitality with homestyle amenities hosted by locals.
Top Attractions
1. Icy Strait Point
Located on Chichagof Island, Icy Strait Point is a privately-owned tourist destination that has a variety of things to see and do. It continually preserves the culture and character of the local natives and has won many awards over the years by renowned bodies such as Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler. Aspects include a museum which is housed in a converted packing company, restaurants, and shops. You can spend your time going on ATV or jeep expeditions, enjoy a wildlife tour, go whale watching, or get out on the waters with a memorable boating experience.
108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600
2. Huna Tribal House
The Huna Tribal House, of Xunaa Shuka Hit, is a 2,500 square foot structure which is the first permanent Tlingit clan house in the area since their villages were destroyed over 250 years ago. It was completed by native youth to commemorate their ancestry and culture, giving tribal members a place to connect with their homeland, and was designed based on photographs and records from the tribe’s past. The tribal house has many events throughout the year and is used for tribal meetings, ceremonies, camps, workshops, and various other programs. Visitors are able to explore it and better understand their traditional styles while walking through the large open gathering area.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Phone: 907-697-2230
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Warehouse Shops at Icy Strait Point
For authentic Alaskan souvenirs and gifts, explore Warehouse Shops at Icy Strait Point. There are twelve shops, all 100% Alaskan owned, in the historic complex that was once a renowned cannery. You’ll have a great experience that will let you take back a piece of this wonderful place back with you. There is something for everyone, including items such as winter fashions, fine gold nugget jewelry, unique home decor, and handcrafted treasures that reflect the area’s history and culture. Another item that people love taking back with them is the delicious canned sockeye salmon which is caught right in Hoonah.
108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600
4. Icy Strait Point - Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise
Icy Strait Point - Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise is an amazing and incomparable experience that guarantees that you will see whales and other marine wildlife during your tour. The journey starts from the harbor at Icy Strait Point, where you will depart on a comfortable, covered vessel that has been personalized for the cruise. Alaska has one of the largest populations of humpback whales, and on your way to see them, there’s a chance you’ll also see seals, porpoises, and sea lions as well. The onboard naturalist will describe all of the diverse species and landmarks you come across, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone.
5. Hoonah Travel Adventures
One of the premier tour companies in the area, Hoonah Travel Adventures is one of the best ways to see the whales and wilderness surrounding the lovely land. Some of their most popular tours include the whale watch group, the wilderness tour and brown bear search, and their Chichagof Island Arctic cat tour. The small business is veteran-owned and is managed by professional who have years of experience in providing thrilling nature tours in the area. You can also try their Taste of Hoonah tour to sample some of the local cuisine, go on a city tour to explore the area, or rent out a jeep to do some sightseeing on your own.
Phone: 907-321-3393
6. Icy Strait Whale Adventures
The Icy Strait Whale Adventures company is renowned for providing memorable tours that you will love during your stay in Hoonah. The company is managed by Tlingit natives, whose people have navigated these magnificent waterways for over 10,000 years. The guides you’ll meet were born and raised in Hoonah and have learned the intricacies of the area through years of experience. Their custom-made whale-watching vessels are safe, comfortable, and are filled with local snacks and refreshing beverages to make your experience an amazing one.
274 Marine Way, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-321-7585
Where to Eat
7. The Crab Station at Icy Strait Point
Located within the historic Icy Strait Point, The Crab Station excels at introducing foods and drinks focused on Alaska’s renowned King, Snow, and Dungeness Crabs. The crabs served are caught in local waters and kept alive until cooked, ensuring freshness with every bite. There are tons of delicious items on the menu that shouldn’t be missed such as their special Alaska Crabby Bloody Mary which comes packed with crab meat, celery, shrimp, olives, lime, and more. Their dockside seating is one of the best places to enjoy your meal from as you can take in the gorgeous views of the surroundings while you dine.
Icy Strait Point: 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600
8. The Cookhouse - at Icy Strait Point
The Cookhouse is waterfront dining at its finest while in Hoonah, Alaska. You will be able to enjoy fresh local seafood, that is prepared in a variety of styles such as their famous Alaska halibut and chips or the Alaska salmon BLT sliders. The restaurant has been around for over a century, feeding hungry locals and visitors with delicious meals that please the stomach and the soul. All of the seafood is locally sourced, but if you’re not in the mood for crab and shrimp, their menu also includes Alaska Blue Burgers which is made with reindeer meal and topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions.
Icy Strait Point: 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600
Top Attractions
- Tlingit Cultural Experiences – Attend storytelling performances or visit a traditional carving shed to learn about Hoonah’s Indigenous heritage.
- Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours – Spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and bears on guided boat or land excursions.
- Hoonah Harbor – Scenic waterfront with fishing boats, sea life, and views across Port Frederick.
- Hiking Trails – Explore forested trails like the Cannery Road Trail and Game Creek Trail for views and wildlife sightings.
More Places to Eat
- Oso Gordito – A local food truck serving creative Alaskan-Mexican fusion dishes.
- The Fisherman’s Daughter – Seasonal pop-up café with coffee, pastries, and fresh bites near the harbor.
My favorite local events:
- Hoonah Founders Day (May) – Celebrate the town’s founding with cultural presentations, food, and community gatherings.
- Summer Artist Markets – Browse handcrafted Tlingit art, jewelry, and souvenirs made by local artists (June–August).
- WhaleFest Celebrations (Summer) – Informal festivities centered around whale migration and marine conservation tours.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Hoonah, Alaska:
- Point Adolphus (by boat) – One of Alaska’s top whale-watching spots, often teeming with humpbacks in summer.
- Port Frederick Inlet (by kayak or boat) – Explore fjords, spot bears, and enjoy pristine wilderness only minutes from town.
- Hoonah Bear Viewing (10–30 min) – Take a guided trip into the forest to safely spot coastal brown bears in their natural habitat.
- Excursions from Icy Strait Point – Book wildlife safaris, ATV tours, or guided fishing trips starting just outside of Hoonah.
- Game Creek Trail – A moderately challenging hike offering views of waterfalls, mountains, and old-growth forest.
Plan Your Trip