Adak

Adak Island

Adak Island is the traditional home to the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people, who lived for centuries within the rugged and wild environment of the Aleutian Islands. Adak Island was populated by Unangax̂ people until the 1830s when permanent villages were abandoned, and the island was then used for subsistence. In 1942, during World War II, the Adak Army Airfield was established for defensive action against Japanese forces occupying Attu and Kiska. In 1945 the facilities were transferred to Alaskan Air Command and then transferred again to the U.S. Navy in 1950 until the facility was closed on March 31, 1997, through the Base Realignment and Closure Program of 1995.

On March 17, 2004, Aleut received 47,150 acres (about twice the area of Manhattan) of land and many repurposed facilities on Adak Island as the result of a Land Transfer Agreement with the United States Government facilitated by the Department of the Interior under public Law Order 7609.

In honoring Aleut’s mission, we envision economic opportunity on Adak that balances business operations, job creation, infrastructure development and the promotion of Adak as a leading travel destination. All of these opportunities are intended to grow Adak’s economic vitality, while honoring the centuries-long Unangax̂ stewardship of traditional lands. Click here to learn more about Aleut’s revitalization efforts on Adak, or read about the remediation grants we’ve received to date.

Visiting Adak

Planning to Explore Beyond the City of Adak?

If you plan to hike, hunt, fish, or access remote coastlines outside the City of Adak, a Land Use Permit is required for all recreational access to Aleut-owned lands. Aleut’s Land Use Permit program grants access to ancestral lands. Anyone using these lands without a permit—or entering Aleut-owned buildings regardless of permit status—is considered trespassing under Alaska State law. Aleut shareholders may obtain a permit at no cost, but must still complete the permitting process before accessing corporate land.

Why Permits Matter

Purchasing your permit is more than just a requirement—it’s a way to support Aleut’s broader mission:

• Revitalizing Adak

• Protecting Unangax̂ heritage sites

• Upholding long-term land stewardship

Permit fees help fund

• Environmental cleanup

• Infrastructure improvements

• Local economic development initiatives

These efforts benefit both current residents and future visitors.

Aleut Lands Department oversees all Land Use Permits on Adak Island, and offers permits for fishing and hunting caribou and birds on Adak Island. We have partnered with operators that share our vision and are also committed to environmental and socially responsible practices. Please contact Aleut for questions regarding Adak lands. To obtain a Land Use Permit, click the button below.

Adak Island Inn

Centrally located in downtown Adak, Adak Island Inn is a collection of 40 fully furnished townhomes that offer visitors and residents alike short-term, long-term and seasonal rentals. Each move-in ready two-bedroom and two-and-a-half-bathroom townhome has a refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer and dishwasher, as well as a kitchen stocked with glasses and dishware.

While you stay, discover the breathtaking beauty and adventure that Adak Island has to offer with Aleut Ventures’ Adak experiences. For only $25/day, you can rent a paddle board and life vest, perfect for exploring the waters around Adak. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or trying it for the first time, these waters offer a safe and enjoyable way to experience Adak’s outdoor beauty. Start your Adak adventure today!