It’s a part of the county steeped in rich culture, rugged terrain, abundant fishing and remote living. Only 60 people call Akhiok, Alaska home. As the most remote village on Kodiak Island, nearly 100 miles south of Kodiak itself, Akhiok is the gateway to some of the nation’s most isolated regions and perhaps the best wildlife viewing in Alaska.
Established in the early 19th century by Russians as a sea otter hunting settlement, Akhiok was originally named Kashukugniut and located near Humpy Cove. The settlement moved to its present site in 1881 when fishing became the dominant source of income and food for the small community. Today, Akhiok, also known as Alitak, survives on commercial fishing supplemented by tourism.
With sockeye, king and pink salmon runs, the region is a fisher’s paradise. Sport fishers who flock to the area stay in fishing lodges and charter fishing adventures along the souther coast of Kodiak Island.
Residents of Akhiok embrace the Russian Orthodox Church and rebuilt the Protection of the Theotokos Chapel, which is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Standing in the middle of the village, the Chapel is a must-see for anyone visiting Alitak.
When you hire a jet to a private jet charter airport in Akhiok, Alaska, you’ll land at Alitak Airport. Owned by Columbia Ward Fisheries, this public use airport welcomes light and medium weight aircraft, such as the Phenom 100 and Beechcraft King Air 300.
