Kodiak.

• Author: Grenn, Ben
• Position: Kodiak, Alaska

Kodiak, also known as the Emerald Isle, isn't your average island.

Located in the Gulf of Alaska, Kodiak Island joins 15 major islands and many smaller ones, all of which encompass an area roughly the size of Connecticut, nearly 5,000 square miles. At 3,588 square miles, Kodiak is the largest island in the group and the second largest island in the U.S. Only Hawaii is larger.

There are less than 100 miles of road on Kodiak Island, and much of the land alongside is privately owned, but those 100 miles feature some of the most scenic miles found anywhere, according to Wanetta Ayers, executive director of the Kodiak Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. Kodiak and nearby islands of Uganik and Afognak, are also home to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 1,865,000 acres.

"It's easy to get to know Kodiak, by foot, by bike or by car," said Ayers. Travel by llama is another option. We have a lot of history to share with visitors, but we also offer a lot of fun and many different activities. When we say we have 'islands of fun,' we mean it."

Kodiak Island, discovered by Russian explorer Stephen Glotov in 1763, was Russian Alaska's first capital city, and is home to the oldest parish in the state, a Russian orthodox church built in 1794. Visitors can view the first Russian settlement in Alaska at Three Saints Bay, visit America's last commercial whaling station at Port Hobron, or tour the Baranof Museum (also known as the Erskine House) in Kodiak City. The museum, which was built by the Russian-American Co. in 1808, is a national historical landmark.

Another favorite activity is beach combing. Shifting seas wash an amazing variety of flotsam ashore. Exotic hardwoods from the South Pacific have been found on Kodiak beaches, a testament to the powerful currents sweeping through the Gulf of Alaska. During April, beach combers are treated to the return of migrating whales and sightings are reported daily.

The community also offers a variety of festivals, beginning with the Kodiak Whale Festival in early April, and an Old Harbor Whaling Festival from mid-April to early-May. Spring and summer festivals include the Kodiak Crab Festival, The Kodiak Bear Country Music Festival, and the Kodiak Kids' Pink Salmon Jamboree.

For the golf fanatic, Kodiak offers the 9-hole Bear Valley Golf Course, operated by...