Discovering Hoonah, Alaska: Top Things To Do and How To Get There

Planning an Alaska cruise and wondering what lies beyond the gates of Icy Strait Point? Let us introduce you to Hoonah—Alaska’s largest Tlingit village, tucked away just a short walk or shuttle ride from the cruise port. While many visitors stick to the attractions within Icy Strait Point, only a few venture into the heart of this small coastal town. And that’s a missed opportunity. In this article, we’ll show you why Hoonah is worth exploring. We’ll answer the most common questions: Where exactly is Hoonah? How can you get there from your ship? Most importantly, we’ll share the best things to do in Hoonah, Alaska—from cultural sites to scenic walks, local food, and wildlife viewing.

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Where Is Hoonah, Alaska? And How To Get There?

Hoonah is a small town located on Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska. It’s part of the scenic Inside Passage and sits across the Icy Strait from Glacier Bay National Park. The town is surrounded by lush rainforest, calm waters, and rugged coastline.

Hoonah is about 40 miles west of Juneau. But you can’t drive here. The only ways to reach Hoonah are by air or sea.

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, docking at nearby Icy Strait Point, which is one of the best Alaska cruise ports.

Another way to reach Hoonah is by air. Alaska Seaplanes operates 20-minute daily flights from Juneau to Hoonah.

Despite its remote location, Hoonah is Alaska’s largest Tlingit village and home to around 800 residents. It’s a quiet and authentic place, where life moves at a slower pace and the focus is on nature, community, and culture.

What Is Hoonah, Alaska? Is It the Same Place as Icy Strait Point?

Hoonah is a small, authentic Alaskan town on Chichagof Island. Hoonah and Icy Strait Point are not the same, but they are closely connected. Icy Strait Point is a privately-owned cruise port developed by the Huna Totem Corporation, which represents the local Tlingit people. It’s located just 1.5 miles from the town of Hoonah.

When your cruise ship docks at Icy Strait Point, you’re actually very close to Hoonah—but you don’t arrive directly in town. You can either walk a scenic paved path (about 30–40 minutes), take a free shuttle, or book an excursion that includes a visit to Hoonah.

Hoonah offers a different, quieter experience than the cruise port. It’s where you’ll find the real heart of the community. Hoonah feels very different from cruise towns like Skagway, Haines, or Sitka.

You won’t find historical buildings, elegant restaurants, or polished souvenir shops. Instead, it’s simple, quiet, and deeply authentic—more about everyday local life than tourist charm.

So while Icy Strait Point was designed for visitors, Hoonah is where you’ll truly experience local Alaska. Native Alaskans from Hoonah, including local youth from the school, perform traditional Tribal Dances and share Cultural Legends at Icy Strait Point.

Discovering the Charm of Hoonah: Our Alaska Cruise Story

Chris and I love Alaska cruises, and Icy Strait Point has become one of our favorite ports of call. We often choose Alaska cruise itinerary, which offers this port.

The scenery here is breathtaking—peaceful, remote, and deeply connected to nature. During our first visit, we slightly underestimated the town of Hoonah itself. We knew it was nearby but didn’t give it much thought. We focused instead on the many activities at Icy Strait Point.

That first time, we took a whale watching tour that departed from Hoonah, and it was fantastic. But beyond the tour, we didn’t explore the town or learn much about it. On later visits, though, we made it a point to spend more time in Hoonah—and we’re so glad we did.

Last time we explored Hoonah during our June Alaska cruise, and it was spectacular—the best weather ever. It was a 7-day one-way cruise from Seward to Vancouver. But we also visited Hoonah in September, when fall colors added charm, and in April, during the first cruise of the season—a 9-day round-trip sailing from Seattle.

This article focuses only on Hoonah and its attractions. But since your ship docks at Icy Strait Point, from there you can easily walk or take a shuttle to Hoonah. So make sure to check our related articles to plan your perfect stop:

• One Day in Icy Strait Point
• Best Free Things to Do in Icy Strait Point
• Best Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions

How to Get to Hoonah During Your Alaska Cruise

If your cruise docks at Icy Strait Point, reaching the nearby town of Hoonah is simple. Here are your options:

Walking to Hoonah

A scenic, paved path connects Icy Strait Point to Hoonah, approximately 1.5 miles (about a 30–40 minute walk). We love this walk—the views are stunning.

If you’re lucky, you might spot whales in the distance, admire bald eagles soaring above, or watch kayakers gliding across the sea. Informational signs along the way provide insights into the area’s marine life, wildlife, and history.

The Hoonah Memorial Sea Walk is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it suitable for most fitness levels.​

Taking the Shuttle

For a quicker trip, shuttle services run between Icy Strait Point and Hoonah. Tickets are available at a kiosk near the donut shop and kayak center at Icy Strait Point. The shuttle ride takes about 5 minutes. It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak cruise times.

How Much Time For Exploring?

Since Hoonah is tiny, you won’t need more than 2–3 hours to explore it, including the scenic walk there and back. The town itself is small, and one to two hours is plenty for a leisurely stroll. Just keep in mind that depending on your cruise schedule, not every place may be open.

Best Things to Do in Hoonah, Alaska

Hoonah may be small, but it offers some unforgettable experiences. If you’re already visiting Icy Strait Point, make sure to save time for this authentic Alaskan town. Here are the top things to do in Hoonah:

Learn About Tlingit Culture

Hoonah is home to the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. Around town, you can see carved totem poles and hand-built canoes. If you’re lucky, you might catch a cultural presentation or meet a local artist selling handmade jewelry or carvings. The connection to Alaska’s Indigenous heritage is strong and very present.

Watch Whales in Their Natural Habitat

If you dream about whale watching on your Alaska cruise, Hoonah is one of the best places to do it—right up there with Auk Bay in Juneau. Local tours regularly spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and more.

Many whale-watching trips depart directly from Hoonah’s harbor. The surrounding waters are rich with marine life, especially from May to September.

Go Fishing with a Local Charter

If you love fishing, consider booking a halibut or salmon charter. Local guides can take you straight to productive spots. You don’t need to bring your own gear—everything is included. Fishing is not only popular here, it’s a way of life.

If you’re not planning to fish, take a stroll around the boat harbor. Walk the docks, see commercial fishing boats, and watch locals clean their catch.

Take a Scenic Kayak Tour

The calm waters around Hoonah are great for sea kayaking. Paddle along the shoreline for a peaceful view of the surrounding forest, beaches, and maybe even a curious seal or porpoise swimming nearby. Some outfitters offer guided kayak trips right from town.

Enjoy a Drink at the Icy Strait Brewing

One of our favorite surprises in Hoonah was Icy Strait Brewing. This small local brewery has a relaxed vibe and scenic views over the harbor. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a cold Alaskan-style beer after a hike or excursion. Their outdoor deck is especially nice on a sunny day.

See Wildlife Beyond Whales

It’s not just about the whales—keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead and sea otters bobbing near the docks. If you book a land-based wildlife tour, there’s even a chance to spot coastal brown bears in the nearby forested areas.

You can rent an ATV, search for bears and explore the island. If you choose to rent an ATV, you can explore the old logging roads that wind through the forest and hills around Hoonah.

You can also spot bald eagles nesting in the trees just across from the school—a quiet, incredible sight right in town.

Browse Local Shops

While Hoonah isn’t packed with souvenir shops like Skagway or Sitka, it does have a few small, locally owned places worth checking out. Look for galleries or stands selling Tlingit art, local preserves, or handmade crafts. It’s a great place to support small businesses.

Taste Local Seafood

Seafood in Hoonah is as fresh as it gets. If you’re hungry, stop by a small eatery or dockside food stand. You might find smoked salmon, halibut tacos, or fresh crab legs on the menu. It’s simple, delicious, and straight from Alaska’s waters. Hoonah Beach House is one of the best place.

Conclusion: Is Hoonah, Alaska, Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Hoonah is worth visiting—especially if you’re looking for something more authentic, peaceful, and deeply Alaskan.

Chris and I have explored this charming coastal town several times during our Alaska cruises, and each time it grows on us. It’s not polished or touristy. You won’t find fancy shops or flashy attractions. But that’s the beauty of it.

Hoonah is real. It’s quiet. It’s surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery. You can take a scenic walk from Icy Strait Point, watch whales from the shoreline, meet locals, enjoy a craft beer at the Icy Strait Brewing, or try your hand at halibut fishing.

It’s also one of the best places to learn about Alaska Native Tlingit culture and experience the rhythms of daily life in a small Alaska town. If you’re the kind of traveler who values nature, community, and genuine experiences—add Hoonah to your itinerary. Even if just for a couple of hours, it’s a visit you’ll remember.

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